TechImpact is expanding its Digital Boost program, which helps New Brunswick companies upgrade their digital capabilities so they can compete more effectively.

The information technology association, which is based in New Brunswick, announced last week that it has received a grant worth $3.7 million for “Digital Boost 2.0” from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Last summer, ACOA put up $925,000 to launch the program, while the New Brunswick government provided $100,000.

The goal of the program is to help make established companies more productive and resilient by encouraging them to adopt new technologies, such as artificial intelligence or cloud migration.

“Many New Brunswick businesses are struggling to adopt technology to improve sales, operations and productivity, a challenge heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said TechImpact CEO Cathy Simpson in a statement. “That is why TechImpact is focused on driving digital transformation and assisting businesses out of this global pandemic. Digital Boost 2.0 is designed to do exactly that.”

Digital Boost brings in Atlantic Canadian IT service providers and gets them to help companies in a range of sectors devise a strategy for upgrading their IT. Though the companies receiving the IT upgrade must be based in New Brunswick, the service providers can be based anywhere in Atlantic Canada.

Digital Boost 2.0 will pay 75 percent of the costs of developing a digital strategy and roadmap, up to a total cost of $26,500. If the project doesn’t cost $26,500, leftover funding can go toward implementing the first project from the roadmap.

The Digital Boost program is targeting companies with annual sales of at least $2 million that can demonstrate growth potential by deploying new or enhanced digital technologies. They can come from any sector, except retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, social services, softwood lumber, and professional services. If approved, applicants must work with a certified Digital Boost Qualified Technology Provider.

Companies interested in applying can find more information here. Applications open on Thursday.

The project also includes the creation of the Collab Hub, a digital place to promote New Brunswick technology providers and foster collaboration within and beyond the local IT sector.