--Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Government of New Brunswick Support TechImpact To Bring New Program To Life--
FREDERICTON—Digital technological innovations have rapidly transformed business, allowing companies to drive increases in productivity and opening up new markets. Technology also makes these businesses better able to withstand challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, New Brunswick has lagged behind productivity gains seen in the rest of Canada. A new program supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Government of New Brunswick will help TechImpact give New Brunswick businesses a “digital boost” to make them more productive and resilient.
The Digital Boost program will provide 75 percent of the cost, up to $50,000, for a transformative project for a qualified New Brunswick-based, for-profit company with annual sales of at least $2 million that can demonstrate growth potential by deploying new or enhanced digital technologies. Companies will be required to contribute 25 percent of the total cost of the project and to work with a qualified New Brunswick IT services provider. The total funding for this program is more than $1.2 million.
The Digital Boost program will be administered by TechImpact, an Atlantic Canadian IT industry group that counts many of New Brunswick’s largest technology firms and users among its members. Digital Boost is application based, and, if approved, applicants must work with a Digital Boost Qualified Technology Provider on their project.
Quotes
“Businesses that make smart investments in new digital technologies will increase their productivity, and be more competitive and stronger in the face of unexpected challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. We are pleased to work together with the Government of New Brunswick and TechImpact to make this program a reality for New Brunswick businesses.”
René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
"As a government, we need to make smart investments that will drive a clear return for the people of New Brunswick. The Digital Boost program does that by helping New Brunswick businesses grow through implementing technological solutions that will open up new markets and increase productivity. We look forward to seeing what New Brunswick’s businesses will achieve with the support of this program.”
Hon. Trevor Holder, Minister for Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour
“New Brunswick is home to many outstanding IT services firms that help businesses deploy new digital technologies to survive and thrive in the current environment. The Digital Boost program opens the door to help New Brunswick businesses modernize their operations, solve specific business problems, and explore new opportunities through the use of technology.”
Cathy Simpson, CEO, TechImpact
Quick Facts
Detailed Digital Boost program criteria and applications are available at www.techimpact.it/digitalboost
A wide range of technology is eligible to be deployed under Digital Boost including, but not limited to:
Artificial intelligence/machine learning
Infrastructure investment to support remote working
Cloud migration
Work process modernization and automation
Moving business functions online (e-commerce, inventory, distribution, customer service etc.)
Business and digital analytics
Cybersecurity
Digital marketing (inbound marketing platforms, content marketing etc.)
All vendors providing services under this program must be a “Digital Boost Qualified Technology Provider” with demonstrated expertise in delivering the solutions identified. Companies interested in taking part in the program as a vendor should visit www.techimpact.it/digitalboost to view the vendor criteria and apply.
All business and vendor applications will be reviewed by the Digital Boost Review Committee.
The Digital Boost program will receive $925,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and $100,000 from the Government of New Brunswick. Participating companies will be required to contribute a total of $250,000 to take part in the program.
The program is open to all sectors except retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, social services and softwood lumber. In addition, professional services firms are not considered eligible for the program.
Additional Information
To find additional information on the Digital Boost program or to apply for funding, please visit www.techimpact.it
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For Information
Cathy Simpson
CEO, TechImpact
cathy.simpson@techimpact.it
Phone: 506-650-2540