How the Business Technology Improvement Fund Can Level Up Your Business

Every effort counts as small to medium-sized businesses continue to adapt to emerging trends and the latest technology.

That’s why the Business Technology Improvement Fund grant (BTIF for short) is available to assist these businesses with the costs of implementing innovative technology solutions for positive impact. Businesses located in the Bluesky.Net region in Northeastern Ontario are eligible to receive this grant that may assist with:

• Websites and social media
• Service management and excellence
• Business Processes with software or hardware
• Human Capital Management and skills development

About the Business Technology Improvement Fund

BTIF is a FedNor-funded initiative that aids businesses expand their capacity and thrive in the digital landscape. Blue Sky Net, through BTIF, is committed to helping businesses in the Blue Sky Net region of Northeastern Ontario seeking to expand their technology stack and improve their technology adoption. The grant provided through BTIF provides financial aid to assist with the cost of using innovative technology to contribute to the success of business operations. 

How Can BTIF Help Your Business?

There are multiple ways the BTIF grant can assist businesses in adopting digital technology to level up. BTIF may provide support in the following instances:

• Application assitance and consultaiton
• Training to prepare for e-business applications
• An index of Northern Ontario vendors to rely on
• Through BTIF, businesses could be eligible to receive up to a maximum of $5,000.00 to adopt broadband and e-business and marketing solutions, including websites, and up to $25,000.00 to acquire digital technology such as software and in each scenario would be required to contribute a minimum 50% toward the project.

More detail can be found here

The BTIF grant focuses on the following:

• Websites and social media
• Service management and excellence
• Business processes with software or hardware
• Human capital management and skills development

What are some examples of projects that may qualify for BTIF?

Website projects, including but not limited to:

• Website development
• Responsive website design
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Content copywriting for website page
• Ecommerce

E-business software or hardware projects, including but not limited to:

• The purchase of software and integration into existing business platforms
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Mobile application development
• Point-of-sale hardware or software (such as iPads, Laptops, card readers

Social media, including but not limited to:

• Consultations
• Research and strategic planning
• Account creation and optimization

Technology adoption education, including but not limited to:

• Course fees
• Certification

The following costs are not eligible for BTIF funding:

• Graphic design, photography services (such as new logos), and ongoing social media management are not eligible costs.
• Site maintenance, website hosting fees, and ongoing costs are not eligible.
• Work conducted before project approval is not eligible for funding.

Are you a business in Northeastern Ontario and curious if you’re eligible? Learn more about the BTIF program and how to apply today, here.