A Markham manufacturer said investments in automation and digital technologies have helped modernize operations as the Ontario government expands a funding program designed to help small businesses adopt AI and other digital tools.
The additional $5-million investment in the Digital Competence Centre (DCC) was announced May 20 at Sable Metal Fabrication in Markham by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
Delivered in partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation, the provincewide program provides grants and advisory support to small and medium-sized businesses looking to invest in digital tools, automation and AI technologies to improve productivity.
Sable Metal Fabrication was among the companies highlighted by the province as benefiting from the program.
“With support from the DCC, we’ve brought real-time data into the shop floor and connected it directly with our sales and planning systems,” said Scott Harnett, technical director and owner of the company.
“It’s made a real difference, helping us move quicker, make better decisions and stay competitive in a demanding global market.”
According to the province, the investment is expected to help nearly 450 businesses across Ontario adopt and implement new technologies.
“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of Markham-Thornhill and our government is committed to helping them succeed in an increasingly digital world,” said MPP Logan Kanapathi.
Ontario businesses can apply for several streams of funding through the digital centre.
Eligible businesses can receive matched grants of up to $15,000 through the program’s digital modernization and adoption plan to help develop technology investment plans. Companies that complete those projects may also qualify for additional grants of up to $50,000 to support the purchase and installation of new technologies.
Retailers with 50 or fewer employees can apply for grants of up to $5,000 for technologies such as point-of-sale systems, online payment systems, inventory management software, cybersecurity supports and AI applications.
Since launching in 2022, the province said the Digital Competence Centre has issued more than 800 grants, which are expected to generate up to $600 million in increased sales revenue and support about 3,000 new and existing jobs across Ontario.
“Our government is making targeted investments to help small businesses succeed in a rapidly evolving digital economy,” said Nina Tangri, Ontario’s associate minister of small business.
“By expanding the DCC, we are giving Ontario entrepreneurs the tools, resources and expertise they need to compete and succeed in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace,” she added.