The Digital Services Program
Service Streams
The Digital Services Program is comprised of three services streams to meet the foundational needs of Manitoba companies looking to enhance their digital infrastructure.
Business Technology Assessment
Develop a clear understanding of your current state and where next steps in technology investment could go to increase your competitiveness in the digital economy. The Business Technology Assessment service pairs Program Participants with a specialized Digital Service Provider who will analyze your organization to understand your technology requirements and provide an actionable roadmap as you implement change.
Please note that the cost for the Business Technology Assessment Service is paid for directly by DMI. Actionable recommendations provided are unique to each business and all implementation costs (e.g., IT infrastructure, applications, staffing, training) are at the expense of the business.
Manitoba businesses and organizations undergoing growth or significant transformation in response to new obstacles and opportunities and are increasingly reliant on information technology systems will benefit from this program. Ideal applicants have been investing in digital tools and now need a strategic approach for their technology to meet their needs and achieve their goals. Importantly, they should be prepared to resource implementation of recommendations they receive to experience the full benefits of this service.
The Business Technology Assessment takes you beyond day-to-day requirements by providing a roadmap to help your organisation overcome technology challenges related to transformation and growth. This approach helps future-proof your organisation by ensuring you meet your technology needs. Businesses that complete the Business Technology Assessment may qualify for a zero-interest loan from Business Development Canada to help them implement their digital adaptation plan. Learn More
If selected, you will begin with an onboarding meeting with the Digital Service Provider. The business technology assessment takes four to five weeks and begins with a discovery phase, including research into your company, interviews with stakeholders, reviewing documentation, then defining the project scope and goals. Once this is done, the Digital Service Provider will analyze your current IT environment and operations, identifying areas of interest, opportunities, and additional research initiatives. They will compile their findings and prepare a final report including actionable recommendations to move your business forward.
Two (2) follow-up meetings between the Digital Service Provider and management are included post report to discuss progress, troubleshoot, and help with implementation of the recommendations. If you choose to continue working with your Digital Service Provider after the assessment has been completed, that will require a separate agreement and is out of scope of the Digital Services Program.
Review the Program Guide to ensure your company meets all eligibility requirements.
Complete and submit the initial application form which includes: a summary paragraph outlining your business’s need for the Business Technology Assessment Service Stream and how it will help you achieve your goals; proof of a $3,500 CAD investment towards digital adaptation in the past year (paid receipts, invoices, etc.); proof that your business has a minimum of 5 full-time employees; and that it is registered and in good standing with the Manitoba Companies Office.
DMI team review of application form. If you pass the initial screening, a DMI representative will contact you to schedule an interview before final approval.
Notification that your application has been approved. Upon notification you will be assigned a DMI representative to support you throughout the program and connect you with your Digital Service Provider.
Digital Legal Services
Get the legal documentation you need to maximize your digital growth confidently. The Digital Legal Services Stream will help your business manage risk and plan for growth by preparing the necessary policies, registrations, and agreements to secure your rights to your website content and collected data. Approved applicants will have access to a specialized Digital Service Provider who will provide legal documentation for one of three areas: Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, or End-User License Agreement (EULA). Each case will be unique and based on the Digital Service Provider’s assessment. Please note that the cost for one of these three (3) Digital Legal Services is paid for directly by DMI. Any additional legal support or advice will require a separate agreement and is out of scope of the Digital Services Program.
Maturing, digital-driven companies undergoing expansion, raising capital, planning succession, or the potential sale of the business, that require a strong legal foundation to support their evolution. This program is a great fit for companies that have intellectual property, collect valuable data, and want to invest in protecting it, particularly where the company provides a mobile app, software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, or an active website where users provide content.
The Digital Legal Services stream provides approved Manitoba businesses with the support to secure rights to valuable digital assets, boost the confidence of potential buyers or investors, and satisfy conditions of sale, lending, or investment. Importantly, it empowers you to run a smooth operation by mitigating risk, complying with Canadian privacy laws, and clarifying ownership of content and IP.
If selected, the process starts with an onboarding meeting with the Digital Service Provider. They will begin by reviewing your existing documentation and policies and book a consulting meeting to determine your needs. Based on this initial review, they will recommend which of the three legal services will provide the best value for your company. Then, the Digital Service Provider will draft the documents you need for review and finalization.
Review the Program Guide to ensure your company meets all eligibility requirements for the program. Please note that in addition to meeting the general eligibility requirements, your organization must either have an active website where users provide content, a mobile app downloaded by users, or a SaaS platform that collects data from users.
Complete and submit the initial application form which includes: a summary paragraph outlining your business’s need for the Digital Legal Services Service Stream and how it will help you achieve your goals; proof of a $3,500 CAD investment towards digital adaptation in the past year (paid receipts, invoices, etc.); proof that your business has a minimum of 2 full-time employees; and that it is registered and in good standing with the Manitoba Companies Office.
DMI team review of application form. If you pass the initial screening, a DMI representative will contact you to schedule an interview before final approval.
Notification that your application has been approved. Upon notification you will be assigned a DMI representative to support you throughout the program and connect you with your Digital Service Provider.
Cybersecurity Audit
Recognize your vulnerabilities to cyber threats and learn what you can do to protect your organization. The Cybersecurity Audit provides a detailed view of your organisation’s specific vulnerability to cyber-attacks and gives you a plan to implement better technology, procedures, and training to protect your business. This process is led by an experienced cybersecurity professional who will provide an actionable roadmap to reduce risk to your business in the digital economy. Please note that the cost for the Cybersecurity Audit is paid for directly by DMI. Actionable recommendations provided are unique to each business and all implementation costs are at the expense of the business.
Organizations who rely on digital infrastructure to generate or store data which must be protected.
The Cybersecurity Audit provides a clear, actionable roadmap to implement better technology, procedures, and training to protect your operation by removing common vulnerabilities leveraged by cybercriminals. This service can also help reduce the risk of disgruntled employees or poorly trained IT staff harming or stealing company data. By implementing recommendations from the audit, you can help prevent the loss of business data, avoid service or payment interruptions, and prevent the theft of sensitive information. These services provide competitive resilience by enabling your organisation to better mitigate cyberattacks while your competitors who are unprepared are more susceptible. By enhancing your cybersecurity posture, you can prevent the reputation damage that comes from having clients’ personal data stolen, being unable to serve clients, or from direct action by cybercriminals
Program participants begin with an onboarding meeting with the Digital Service Provider. They will then book a discovery meeting to learn about your organisation’s IT environment and provide an overview of the process. Next, they will conduct an on-site audit* including an in-depth review of IT infrastructure, interviews with your key staff or providers with a focus on cybersecurity best practices, and onsite scans to identify important security vulnerabilities. After the audit, they will create a customized report providing comprehensive information about any identified risks and how to resolve or remove the weakness. The process concludes with a follow-up meeting to present the report to leadership and IT staff.
*The on-site audit will be carried out at the organisation’s main site only; satellite locations are not included
Review the Program Guide to ensure your company meets all eligibility requirements.
Complete and submit the initial application form which includes: a summary paragraph outlining your business’s need for the Cybersecurity Audit Service Stream and how it will help you achieve your goals; proof of a $3,500 CAD investment towards digital adaptation in the past year (paid receipts, invoices, etc.); proof your business has a minimum of 5 full-time employees; and that it is registered and in good standing with the Manitoba Companies Office.
DMI team review of application form. If you pass the initial screening, a DMI representative will contact you to schedule an interview before final approval.
Notification that your application has been approved. Upon notification you will be assigned a DMI representative to support you throughout the Digital Services Program and connect you with your Digital Service Provider.
Who we are
Your business is owned and operated in the Province of Manitoba.
Your business is registered and in good standing with the Manitoba Companies Office and has been operating since March 1, 2019 or earlier.
You can demonstrate that your business has invested a minimum of $3,500 in building digital capacity since December 1, 2021.
You have a minimum of 5 full-time equivalent employees for the Business Technology Assessment or the Cybersecurity Audit OR a minimum of 2 full-time equivalent employees for Digital Legal Services.
The individual named in the application is authorised to enter into legal agreements on behalf of the company.
Which Digital Services Stream is right for you?
Businesses looking for independent analysis of their current technology state, those going through changes where IT evolution is critical, and those interested in planning for strategic investment in digital technology to get ahead.
This assessment uncovers areas for opportunities and improvement with existing technology as well as strategic thinking around future technological needs. The Digital Service Provider will compile findings and prepare a final report including actionable recommendations to move your business forward.
Program Participants must assign an internal project lead and ensure that key internal stakeholders are available to meet occasionally with the Digital Service Provider. You must also share essential documentation such as relevant plans, contracts, and budgets (when necessary).
The four-to-five-week process begins with a discovery phase, including research into your company, interviews with stakeholders, reviewing documentation, then defining the project scope and goals. Once this is done, the Digital Service Provider will analyze your current IT environment and operations. Upon completion, the Digital Service Provider will prepare and deliver a findings and recommendations report. After three months there will be a check in to support implementation, and then again in six months.
Businesses that have intellectual property and collect valuable data and want to invest in protecting it, particularly where the company provides a mobile app, software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, or an active website where users provide content.
Working with a Digital Legal Advisor can help your organization mitigate risk, comply with Canadian privacy laws, and clarifying ownership of content and IP.
Participants must assign an internal project lead and ensure that key stakeholders are available to meet occasionally with the Digital Service Provider. You must also share essential documentation and meet at least one of the following criteria:
Your users provide content through your website
You provide a SaaS platform
You acquire data or personal information from users
You are providing a mobile app for download by users
Program Participants will be asked to complete the checklist provided by the Digital Service Provider and supply them with required information and documentation. The Digital Service Provider will then conduct an initial consultation to confirm which legal requirements and service area(s) you’re in need of. After analyzing their findings and confirming the required documentation, they will generate and deliver the legal documents as agreed upon.
Businesses who rely on digital infrastructure to generate and/or store data which must be protected.
Program Participants receive an actionable roadmap to protect your business, staff, vendors, and clients which aims to identify and remove common vulnerabilities which can be exploited by cybercriminals along with preventing theft of confidential and proprietary information.
Program Participants must provide details of their IT environment, which may include confidential information. They must also have the ability to allow an onsite audit (one location) and provide the Digital Service Provider with access to networks.
The Digital Service Provider will conduct a preliminary discovery meeting followed by an onsite audit, interviews, and system scans. Once complete, they will prepare a report identifying threats and create a roadmap with clear, prioritized actions to present to the leadership team.
