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Are you wondering whether or not that tech upgrade you recently invested in or the digital-centric project you’ve been planning are eligible for TechUP or PowerUP? Or maybe you’re still not quite sure how digital adaptation can benefit your business? Take this short quiz to help you determine your eligibility, which program is better suited for your needs and to learn more about the Digital Manitoba Initiative’s mission.
Can you answer “yes” to these three questions:
Since you answered “yes” you may apply for the Digital Manitoba Initiative unless one or more of the following applies to your business:
Note: If your business is a holding company with multiple subsidiaries, only one organization may apply, even if each has its own registry number.
You are not eligible for the Digital Manitoba Initiative. Thank you for your interest. We encourage you to seek other funding opportunities through federal or private initiatives.
Is there a technological, digital or procedural upgrade that you know would help your business to better meet the needs of your customers, reduce operational inefficiencies or otherwise maximize your business’s profitability?
The Digital Manitoba Initiative may be a good fit for your business. Depending on the level of financial and time investments required to complete your planned project, either TechUP or PowerUP may be suitable. Learn more about these two grant programs below. DMI’s goal is to help your business adapt, evolve and thrive in the digital economy so you can take advantage of all the new opportunities for growth that technology can offer, fostering stronger and more meaningful customer relationships along the way.
Even if you don’t have a clear plan for digital adaptation in your business, you can still apply. Technical advisory services are an admissible expense for both TechUP and PowerUP. If you’re interested in obtaining professional advice to guide your digital asset upgrades and investments, consider contacting a local IT supplier for guidance and a quote that can be included in your application to TechUP or PowerUP.
Have you completed a technology or digitalization goal since April 1, 2021? Or, can your technology or digitalization goal be realized in less than 30 days with a maximum investment of $5,000?
Your project may be eligible for TechUP, which is designed to provide grants for short-term digital investments and tech upgrades generally involving a one-time investment. If your project requires more than $5,000 and over 30 days to complete, consider applying for PowerUP, instead.
If your proposed investment exceeds $5,000 and requires more than 30 days to execute, consider registering for PowerUP which may grant up to $25,000 for larger projects.
Has your digital adaptation project been well researched and fully planned? If so, do you have a prepared business plan outlining funding needs for each project stage. Can your project be completed within 90 days, and does it require investment of over $5,000?
If you answered yes to all of the above, your project may be eligible for PowerUP. This capacity-building program is designed to grant businesses up to $25,000 for the undertaking of digital adaptation projects that can be completed in under 90 days with a maximum investment of $25,000.
Note: If you can not demonstrate that your project will be completed within 90 days or provide receipts for each stage of funding within that time frame, it is not eligible.
Even if you don’t have a documented plan for digital transformation, you can still apply. Technical advisory services are an admissible expense for both TechUP and PowerUP. If you’re interested in obtaining professional advice to guide your digital asset upgrades and investments, consider contacting a local IT supplier for guidance and a quote that can be included in your application to TechUP or PowerUP.
Would you consider yourself to be digitally literate?
Whatever your answer, we won’t judge. If you’ve gotten this far, you probably know your business is ready for an upgrade, even though you’re not sure where to start – this is why DMI was founded. Technology is advancing so rapidly that it’s virtually impossible for even the most digitally savvy to keep up with all the new tech tools, platforms and algorithm updates. However, businesses that know how to utilize digital assets are better equipped to stay competitive in the evolving modern economy. In other words, business operators must be digitally literate.
You can develop your digital literacy by using TechUP funds to subsidize the cost of digitally-minded upskilling courses, up to $5,000.
Does your business have a strong digital presence and social marketing strategy?
Regardless of your answer, if you read this question and hesitated (or aren’t even really sure what it means) the Digital Manitoba Initiative was designed for you. We have officially entered into a digital-first economy. The TechUP and PowerUP grant opportunities are here to help you adapt and thrive in this new landscape, whether your needs involve digital asset creation and development, legacy system upgrades or digital literacy upskilling initiatives.
