AI Digital Adoption Program

The AI Digital Adoption Program (AI DAP) supports Nova Scotia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting and implementing artificial intelligence (AI) tools and solutions. The program helps eligible businesses build foundational AI knowledge, identify practical AI opportunities, and access funding to support implementation projects that improve productivity and competitiveness.

AI DAP begins with AI Leadership Training delivered through Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). After training is successfully completed, eligible organizations can apply to access the AI Adoption Grant, which helps fund the implementation of AI tools and workflows.Digital Nova Scotia will assign a consultant from our qualified roster to work with you to determine next project steps. A qualified delivery partner will then be assigned based on criteria such as the complexity of your project, their past experience, their availability, etc.

The AI Leadership Training is the first step in AI DAP. Delivered through NSCC, it is designed for executives and decision-makers to build foundational AI literacy and explore how AI can be applied within their organization in practical, business-relevant ways

The training is intended for executives and decision-makers, such as owners, senior leaders, or managers, who are involved in strategic planning, operational decision-making, and technology adoption.

Yes. Organizations may apply with one participant, or nominate up to two participants, depending on their internal capacity and interest.

Upon successful completion of the training, eligible organizations will have the opportunity to apply for an AI Adoption Grant, which provides financial support to help implement AI tools and workflows within their business. The grant will cover up to 75% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $8,500 + HST, meaning that organizations will be expected to pay the remaining 25% of project costs.

To be eligible, businesses must be:

• Registered and operating in Nova Scotia
• Nova Scotia-based
• Have a minimum of five (5) employees
• Have been in active operation for at least two (2) years
• Able to nominate executive-level participants to complete the training

No. You do not need to have a finalized AI project or defined scope in order to apply. The AI Leadership Training is designed to help organizations build a foundational understanding and explore where AI may be most valuable in their business.

AI DAP is designed to support businesses through a combination of training and implementation support. Depending on program stage and eligibility, participating organizations may receive:

• AI Leadership Training for executives and decision-makers
• Support to identify practical AI opportunities and next steps
• Guidance toward implementing AI tools and workflows within the business
• Access to the AI Adoption Grant to support eligible implementation projects

AI Adoption Grant projects are intended to support practical, business-focused implementation such as:

• Workflow automation and efficiency improvements
• AI-enabled customer service or internal productivity tools
• Data and reporting enhancements that support decision-making
• Responsible deployment of AI tools that improve operations

Eligible project scope and requirements will be shared with approved organizations following training completion.

No. Successfully completing the training does not automatically guarantee grant approval or funding. Grant eligibility and funding decisions are subject to program requirements, available funding, and the review of the organization’s implementation plans and project details.

Applications are scored by a strict rubric that include eligibility and program objectives, such as leadership participation, readiness to apply training outcomes, alignment with program goals, and the organization’s ability to support implementation.

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection. AI DAP has limited capacity, and demand may exceed available training seats and program resources. If you were not selected, it may be due to volume of applications or program prioritization criteria. Organizations are encouraged to apply again if future intakes become available.

To be eligible to participate in the AI Digital Adoption Program (AI DAP) as a consultant or delivery partner, applicants must be based in Nova Scotia and be a current member of Digital Nova Scotia (DNS).

Consultants and delivery partners are selected through an application and review process, including a standardized scoring rubric. Applications are assessed based on eligibility and alignment with AI DAP objectives, including demonstrated experience, ability to deliver support for SMEs, capacity and availability, and readiness to meet program expectations and reporting requirements. Inclusion in the consultant roster does not guarantee assignment to consultations or projects, as opportunities are dependent on program demand, project suitability, and availability.