The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica (GoCD) is currently implementing a US$28 million Digital Transformation Project that supports activities for digitalization of the economy. The Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP) comprises of four components that seeks to address key bottlenecks and harness opportunities to develop the Eastern Caribbean Digital Economy as a driver of growth, job creation and improved service delivery.

 

The Project aims to ensure that every individual and business in Dominica is empowered with the access to broadband, digital financial services, and skills needed to actively participate in an increasingly digital marketplace and society. It leverages public sector modernization and digitization to improve service delivery and to drive the creation of a digital culture across Dominica.

 

Technology Adoption is one of the four components of the project. This subcomponent seeks to increase adoption of digital technologies, platforms, and digitally enabled business models by SMEs and access to digital devices for students, teachers, and vulnerable groups.  A key objective is to boost the productivity and competitiveness of traditional industries, to initiate a cultural shift towards modernization and innovation in the private sector, and to overcome the current lack of demand for digitally-skilled professionals and IT services in the regional market. This component will also support access to digital devices and educational content among target groups such as students, to facilitate digitally enabled distance learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and access to individuals otherwise at risk of being excluded from the digital economy and digital services. 

 

A specific activity includes the provision of grant or other incentives to competitively selected SMEs to support digital technology and marketing investments.

The Grant funding is for a maximum of up to US$15,000.00 (XCD40,000.00)  Grant fundings will be given based on the category/type of business in addition to the provision of invoices from reputable companies.  Persons will have three weeks to apply.

All those who apply must be or meet the following criteria:

 

Who Can Apply?

• Be of Dominican Nationality
• Be Eighteen (18) years or older.
• Be a registered enterprise.
• Be registered with the Inland Revenue Division and Dominica Social Security.
• Possess all permits / licenses as appropriate in their sector.
• Annual Gross Income of less than XCD$150,000.00.
• No more than 5 employees.

Note: The proposed business must be focus on using ICT to improve their core, business product or service.

 

The following expenditure can be financed under the grant:

• Investment in I.T. related equipment which is directly and critical to implementation of the project as defined in the business plan
• Consultancy services, including market studies, website development, specialized technical assistance, services provided by business incubator and other services as deemed necessary for the successful completion of activity identified for funding.
• Intellectual or industrial property protection; and
• Purchase of software, software licenses, software upgrades, software development or any other related software costs.

 

The following WILL NOT be funded using fund resources:

• Investment in equipment that are not directly related and critical to the project
• Purchase of real estate/vehicles
• Construction of facilities
• Liquidating debts (including taxes/duties)

**Agreement Period:**

This agreement begins on the date of signing and ends with the life of the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project.

 

**Conduct of the Project and Eligible Activities:**

- The recipient must comply with the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement letter and all attached documents in the Grants Manual.

- Maintain records of transactions related to the Grant Agreement for at least five (5) years.

- Obtain written approval from the CARDTP Project Manager for any changes to supported activities or the completion date of the Grant Agreement.

 

**Notification of Change of Status:**

The Grant Recipient must immediately inform CARDTP of any change in its status or circumstances that may affect its ability to comply with this Agreement.

 

**Eligible Expenditure:**

The Grant Funds may only be used for Eligible Expenditure.

 

**Intellectual Property:**

All Intellectual Property developed as a result of this Grant will remain the property of the Grantee.