Get up to $5,000 toward a new POS and retail tech for your Ontario store
The Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) offers 50% matched funding for storefront businesses upgrading their POS, inventory, CRM and retail tech. We prepare the application, then install the system once you're approved.
We prepare the application, then install the tech.
We scope your project, get the vendor quotes, and prepare the full application package, including the 1-month project timeline and the 50/50 budget. Once your application is approved, we install and integrate the system and train your staff on it.
The grant pays for upfront hardware, software and external installation or setup. It does not cover software subscriptions, marketing, websites or SEO, consulting, staff costs, rent or fixtures.
The #1 rule: don't buy anything until you're approved. Purchases made before approval are not eligible.
Who qualifies
Ontario retailer or direct-to-consumer business, open to the public
Operates from a physical commercial location
1 to 50 full-time staff
Incorporated and operating for 1+ year
$100K+ annual revenue before tax
Not eligible: home-based, online-only and pop-up businesses, and purchases already made. A business can receive RMPG or DMAP, not both.
Retail tech the grant can help pay for.
RMPG covers upfront hardware, software and external installation or setup. We quote, install and integrate everything below. Monthly software subscriptions are not covered.
POS & Payments
Inventory & RFID
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CRM & Loyalty
Scheduling & Staff
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AI Customer Service
Security & Loss Prevention
Don't buy anything until you're approved.
Anything purchased or installed before your application is approved is not eligible. Talk to us first: we'll get your quotes and timeline ready so you can move fast once you're approved.
Invest $10,000, get up to $5,000 back
RMPG is a 50/50 matching grant. Your business pays for the approved project, then you can be reimbursed for up to half of the eligible costs once the system is installed, to a maximum of $5,000.
Matched funding
Minimum project before tax
Maximum grant
Example: a $10,000 eligible project can receive up to $5,000 back. Approval is not guaranteed, and funds are first-come, first-served.
Check your eligibility
Answer a few quick questions about your store. If it looks like a fit, we'll confirm eligibility on a call and help you get your quotes and application ready. We reply within 48 hours.
Trusted partner for Ontario's digital transformation programs
Islands helps Ontario businesses, from storefront retailers to manufacturers, adopt new technology with confidence.
As an official DCC Program Advisor, a BDC Advisor, and active seminar participants with the Toronto Region Board of Trade, we help small businesses unlock government funding and put it to work. From the application to installing and integrating your new systems, we handle the complete process end to end.
Ali El-Shayeb
Lead Advisor and Founder/CEO of Islands
Serial entrepreneur, investor, and AI operator out of Toronto. With two AI exits behind him, Ali works with high-growth teams as a Fractional CTO, designing agentic systems, training their people to build alongside them, and turning AI strategy into shipped work.
What business owners ask us
Quick answers about the Retail Modernization Project Grant.
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The Retail Modernization Project Grant (RMPG) is an Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) program that gives Ontario storefront businesses up to $5,000 in non-repayable, 50% matched funding toward POS, inventory, CRM and other retail technology. It's part of OCI's Digital Competence Centre (DCC).
Up to $5,000. RMPG covers 50% of eligible costs, and the total project must be at least $6,000 before tax. For example, a $10,000 eligible project can receive up to $5,000 back.
Your business may be eligible if it's an Ontario retailer or direct-to-consumer business open to the public, operates from a physical commercial location, has 1 to 50 full-time staff, has been incorporated and operating for at least one year, and earns $100K+ in annual revenue before tax. Home-based, online-only and pop-up businesses aren't eligible.
Yes for the hardware and setup, no for the monthly subscription. Upfront POS hardware and external installation or setup costs are eligible. Monthly software subscriptions are not.
No. A business can receive RMPG or DMAP, not both. If you run a storefront with 1 to 50 staff, RMPG is usually the better fit. Larger or non-retail businesses should join the DMAP waitlist instead.
OCI hasn't published an official decision timeline. Applications are funded first-come, first-served while funds last, so the sooner your application is complete, the better. We prepare the quotes, timeline and budget up front so nothing holds it up.
Yes. Your business pays for the approved project, then submits invoices and proof of installation to be reimbursed for up to 50%, to a maximum of $5,000. Don't buy anything until your application is approved: purchases made before approval aren't eligible.
How to apply for the Retail Modernization Grant
Check eligibility, OCI intake, application, approval, install, reimbursement. We guide you through every step.
Check eligibility and OCI intake
Tell us about your store. If it qualifies, you complete OCI's RMPG interest form, and an OCI advisor confirms fit and sends your application link.
Application package
We get the vendor quotes and prepare your answers, the 1-month week-by-week timeline and the 50/50 budget, so your application is complete before you submit it.
Approval, install and reimbursement
Once you're approved, we install and integrate the system and train your staff. Then you submit invoices and proof of deployment to get reimbursed.
Real results from real businesses
We specialize in helping businesses secure funding for both digital transformation and AI adoption. Our team ensures a seamless application process, from eligibility assessment t project implementation. See what our clients have to say:
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