TechImpact Launches $3.7-Million Program To Give N.B. Businesses A ‘Digital Boost’
FREDERICTON – Digital Boost 2.0 will provide up to 150 New Brunswick companies from many different sectors with the funding to create a digital strategy.
TechImpact will manage a $3.7-million investment from the federal government through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). In its second year, the program will help small and medium-sized businesses develop digital strategies and allow companies to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies to remain competitive and resilient.
The second iteration of Digital Boost, called Digital Boost 2.0, encourages businesses that are looking to digitize and automate their operations to apply. The program reimburses 75 percent of up to $26,600 in costs associated with setting up a digital strategy and roadmap.
“Many New Brunswick businesses are struggling to adopt technology to improve sales, operations and productivity, a challenge heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why TechImpact is focused on driving digital transformation and assisting businesses out of this global pandemic. Digital Boost 2.0 is designed to do exactly that, and we look forward to seeing the results of this work by outstanding Atlantic Canadian technology providers,” said Cathy Simpson, CEO of TechImpact in a news release.
Past examples have included businesses launching new websites, introducing e-commerce capabilities, moving ERP servers to the cloud, and upgrading paper-heavy order management systems. Projects may also include digital marketing, robotics, and analytics.
Businesses without any IT resources are encouraged to apply and let the program fill in those gaps in knowledge. Qualified technology providers involved with the program will work directly with businesses to review business goals, analyze how to optimize technology for the business, make recommendations, and provide the business with a timeline.
“Helping companies adopt leading-edge technologies makes good business sense,” said Dominic Leblanc, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. “It enables businesses to grow, boost exports and create quality jobs while making our communities stronger. We are pleased to work together with TechImpact to help businesses make smart investments in digital technologies that will increase their productivity and competitiveness
Digital Boost 2.0 will look at all elements of the business in providing strategic recommendations. They will consider the company’s leadership and skillsets, the company’s processes on how to get the most out of technology use, and the company’s culture and how the implementation of digitization will impact them.
Applications for Digital Boost 2.0 open April 22 on the TechImpact website.