Programme d'accélération du commerce électronique Investir Ottawa ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Ottawa - Businesses with existing e-commerce operations or established online sales channels - Companies with demonstrated recurring annual revenue - Private for-profit businesses operating in the retail, services, or digital commerce sectors - Sole proprietors and incorporated businesses with active commercial registration - Exclusions: Non-profits, government entities, and businesses outside the National Capital Region ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant Type: Non-repayable contribution (bootcamp program subsidy) - Typical Award Range: $5,000 to $25,000+ (specific amounts determined by program cohort and business needs) - Matching Requirements: Varies by stream; typically 20-50% business cost-sharing may be required - Repayability: Grant funds are non-repayable; no loan component - Payment Structure: Funds distributed upon program enrollment and milestone completion - Currency: Canadian dollars (CAD) ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Training & Education: Specialized bootcamp curriculum fees, expert instruction, and coaching sessions - Personnel: Staff salaries for participation in full-time or part-time bootcamp activities - Technology & Tools: E-commerce platform optimization, software licenses, digital marketing tools - Expert Consulting: One-on-one mentorship, business strategy advisory, performance analysis - Marketing & Promotion: Digital marketing campaigns, brand development, customer acquisition strategies - Operational Support: Materials, resources, and supplies directly tied to program participation - Business Development: Market research, competitive analysis, revenue growth initiatives ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Application Requirements: Submit business plan, proof of current e-commerce operations, financial statements, and growth objectives - Program Duration: Typically 12-16 weeks of intensive bootcamp participation - Attendance Mandatory: Participants must attend scheduled sessions and workshops; absenteeism may result in fund recovery - Performance Milestones: - Completion of core training modules - Development of actionable growth