Frequently Asked Questions
Questions for Businesses
1. What projects are eligible for the Digital Boost program?
This program is meant to support projects focused on AI/machine learning, cloud migration, work process modernization and automation, business analytics, cybersecurity, and more. The easiest thing to do is fill out an application or email us at digitalboost@techimpact.it and we can discuss the idea that you had in mind to see if it is eligible. Our focus is on projects that will drive increased productivity, sales, and digital transformation with a long-lasting impact to your business.
2. Who can I work with to undertake a project?
New Brunswick is home to many strong Information Technology (IT) services companies. To be accepted in the Digital Boost program you must work with a New Brunswick firm or office that is a Digital Boost Qualified Technology Provider. If you already work with a New Brunswick firm that is not on the qualified list, ask them to apply to become a Digital Boost Qualified Technology Provider. Only projects performed by a Digital Boost Qualified Technology Provider are eligible.
3. What are the criteria to qualify for this program?
To qualify for the Digital Boost program, you must:
Have a head office registered and operating in New Brunswick
Be a for-profit company
Be a profitable business with a minimum of $2 million in annual revenue
Be growth orientated with an increase in your workforce in the past two years
Demonstrate strong grow growth and scaling potential
Have a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number
Have a desire for digital business culture
Be export focused (within the rest of Canada or internationally)
The program is open to all sectors except retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, social services, softwood lumber and professional services firms.
4. What are the financial parameters?
Digital Boost will provide 75 percent of the cost of the project with participating companies required to provide the other 25 percent, up to a project maximum of $50,000.
5. How do I apply?
You can apply online or contact us at digitalboost@techimpact.it to discuss further.
6. What if I have a problem I want to fix but don’t know what type of technology solution to consider?
If you contact Techimpact at digitalboost@techimpact.it, we can discuss your business situation and bring in a Digital Boost Qualified Technology Provider to look at the possibilities of doing an initial assessment.
7. How is the decision made?
Each application is reviewed by the Digital Boost Review Committee to ensure it meets the criteria.
8. What are the phases of the project?
A Digital Boost project has two phases – assessment and implementation. It is important to do that initial assessment to see if a project is feasible and can achieve your desired business outcomes. That first phase allows you to work with a qualified Digital Boost Qualified Technology Provider who will then better understand your needs and problems to be solved and determine if there is a viable solution that will qualify under the implementation phase.
This initial assessment project is short in duration and not expected to be more than $5,000. Phase 2 will be the implementation of that project to a combined total of no more than $50,000.
9. How are fees paid?
You will sign a Contract and Statement of Work with your Digital Boost Qualified Technology Provider. They will invoice you for all of the work that is done and you will pay them directly. TechImpact will then reimburse you 75 percent of that invoiced amount, up to a maximum of $50,000. All of your interactions will be with a Digital Boost Qualified Technology Provider.
10. How long will the program last?
The Digital Program will have a continuous intake and operate until the fund is exhausted. The program has a total budget of $1.25 million.
11. Can someone help me with my application?
Yes! TechImpact is here to support New Brunswick businesses and will assist you with any questions you have regarding the application process. You can reach us at digitalboost@techimpact.it.
Questions for IT Services Providers
1. Who is eligible to be a Digital Boost Qualified Technology Provider?
A preliminary list of approved technology providers is available. If you are a New Brunswick-based IT service firm, or have a significant presence in New Brunswick, and would like to become a Digital Boost Qualified Technology Provider, please apply online.
2. What criteria are used to determine who can become a Digital Boost Qualified Technology Provider?
The Digital Boost Review Committee will review each application. Each application will be assessed for demonstrated technical ability, similar projects completed, staff qualifications and so forth. Digital Boost Qualified Technology Providers must be based in New Brunswick. Our hope is that many vendors will apply and qualify for this program.
3. How will providers be compensated?
You will sign a Statement of Work (SOW) and contract with each Digital Boost recipient who will pay you 100 percent of the costs of the project. TechImpact, with funding from our ACOA and GNB partners, will reimburse the client 75 percent of the costs.
4. Who is the contractual agreement with?
Your contractual agreement is with the Digital Boost recipient and they will pay you for your services.
5. What is the process for a project to be approved? Do we bring a proposal forward to TechImpact for approval or does the client?
You will work with the Digital Boost recipient to build out the project that is being proposed and the Digital Boost Program Manager and the Digital Boost Assessment Committee will review the resulting SOW to ensure the Digital Boost recipient and project concept meets the requirements of eligibility. All projects must be reviewed and approved prior to commencing any work.
6. What happens if the project goes over budget?
The maximum project size for both phases of the projects by the Digital Boost program is $50,000 (We will cover 75 percent of those costs only). Any project overruns must be covered 100 percent by the Digital Boost Recipient. There will be no exceptions to this rule and it is for the technology provider to manage with the recipient.