Agentiiv and several national partners have launched the You.Scaled Accelerator Programme, a CAD $5 million effort aimed at assisting Canadian small to medium-sized businesses and not-for-profits in utilising artificial intelligence more effectively.
The You.Scaled Accelerator Programme was developed in collaboration with the Canadian Marketing Association, Ownr, Staples, and CCNDR. The programme seeks to address the low rate of AI adoption amongst Canadian organisations, offering practical resources to those that often lack the tools to implement new technologies.
Program details
Through the initiative, a total of 500 grants will be distributed, with 350 designated for SMEs and 150 for not-for-profits. Grants are to be allocated equitably across urban, rural, and remote communities to ensure diverse geographic participation.
In addition to the grants, participating organisations will have free access to the Canadian Marketing Association's on-demand generative AI training course, a programme valued at CAD $795 per participant. Recipients will also benefit from a 60% reduction in CMA annual membership fees, helping them access further support and resources.
The programme explicitly seeks to provide support to organisations led by women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, and those within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, focusing on broadening the accessibility of AI integration.
Supporting operational growth
The You.Scaled Accelerator is designed to move organisations from experimental AI use towards practices that yield quantifiable impact on operations and growth.
"At Agentiiv, we believe technology only creates impact when it can be put to work at every level," said Karla Congson, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer at Agentiiv. "Through this program, small businesses and nonprofits across Canada will have the chance to explore new ideas, apply technology to real challenges and create lasting value in the communities they serve."
The programme offers beneficiaries Agentiiv platform subscriptions and integration support from partners. It also includes practical, hands-on training delivered through the CMA, helping organisations improve efficiency, enhancement of customer and supporter experience, and the identification of new growth opportunities.
Addressing the AI adoption gap
While there is heightened awareness of AI and its potential, actual adoption rates in Canada remain low, particularly among smaller entities. Data from Statistics Canada demonstrates that only 12.2% of businesses currently use AI technologies. Furthermore, research from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce indicates that 73% of SMEs have yet to contemplate their own AI implementation.
The You.Scaled Accelerator aims to close this gap by providing structured mentorship, tailored onboarding, and practical learning sessions for participating organisations.
"Canada's SMBs are the backbone of Canada's economy and helping them leverage AI can be a game changer for their growth and scalability," said Alison Simpson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA. "This partnership is about giving them the confidence and opportunity to use AI in ways that strengthen their work, their communities and ultimately, Canada's place in a digital economy. When these organizations succeed, they create stronger local economies and a more competitive Canada."
Eligibility and participation
The programme is open to registered Canadian SMEs with up to 40 employees, as well as registered not-for-profit organisations. Applications will be assessed according to three criteria: readiness to adopt AI, the strength of their implementation plan, and the likelihood of creating positive economic and social outcomes for their communities.
Successful applicants will benefit from the range of member-exclusive offers provided by the programme's partners, in addition to reduced membership costs and free training opportunities designed to facilitate the effective integration of AI into their operations.
