At Pinnacle Capital, we are dedicated to helping businesses thrive through strategic financial consulting. Our mission is to empower companies to grow by leveraging government funding opportunities that can significantly enhance their operations.
The Digital Modernization and Adoption Plan (DMAP) helps Ontario-based small and medium-sized enterprises modernize their digital strategies. To qualify, businesses must be incorporated provincially or federally, have 1–499 full-time employees, and work with an approved Digital Adoption Consultant. The program funds 50% of eligible project costs, up to a maximum of $15,000, giving businesses access to professional assessments, ROI analyses, cybersecurity strategies, and step-by-step implementation roadmaps. By simplifying the process of adopting new digital tools, DMAP ensures companies can remain competitive in today’s economy.
The Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) is a federal initiative designed to help Canadian SMEs embrace digital transformation. Eligible businesses must be for-profit, incorporated, and employ at least one non-owner staff member while committing to digital adoption. CDAP offers two streams: Grow Your Business Online, which provides a $2,400 micro-grant, and Boost Your Business Technology, which covers up to 90% of digital adoption planning costs to a maximum of $15,000. Once the plan is complete, businesses may apply for an interest-free loan of up to $100,000 through BDC, as well as a wage subsidy of up to $7,300 per employee. Together, these supports make digital adoption more affordable and practical for growing businesses.
FedDev Ontario is a federal program that provides funding support to businesses across Southern Ontario to encourage innovation, growth, and market expansion. To qualify, businesses must be incorporated, operating for at least three years, and employ at least five full-time workers. FedDev offers repayable, interest-free contributions ranging from $125,000 to $10 million per project, covering up to 35% of eligible costs. Funding can be used for scaling production, commercializing new products, adopting advanced technologies, or pursuing export opportunities. With its flexible, large-scale funding support, FedDev enables ambitious companies to accelerate growth while maintaining strong financial footing.
The Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) is a provincial initiative created to stimulate business growth, attract investment, and strengthen regional economies across Southwestern Ontario. Eligible businesses must be for-profit, incorporated, and committed to job creation and retention, while undertaking projects that improve productivity, innovation, or global competitiveness. SWODF offers direct funding support in two forms: grants covering up to 15% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $1.5 million, and repayable loans of up to $5 million. Projects must typically involve a minimum investment of $500,000 and the creation of at least 10 new jobs (or five for smaller communities). Together, these supports make it easier for businesses to scale operations, adopt new technologies, and contribute to sustainable economic development across the region.
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) is a federal program that helps Canadian SMEs and supporting organizations manage the impacts of global trade disruptions, including tariffs from the U.S. and China. Eligible applicants must be incorporated, viable prior to March 21, 2025, and either significantly affected by trade disruptions or derive at least 25% of sales from impacted markets. RTRI provides non-repayable contributions of up to $1 million and repayable contributions of up to $5 million to support projects such as digitization, supply chain diversification, reshoring, R&D, or market development. Projects must be completed by March 31, 2028, with some costs retroactively eligible from March 21, 2025. These supports help businesses strengthen supply chains, modernize, and remain competitive amid global trade challenges.
The Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) is a provincial program that supports Ontario SMEs facing U.S. trade disruptions by helping them diversify markets, strengthen supply chains, and grow locally. Eligible businesses must be for-profit, based in Ontario, with at least three years of operations, five full-time staff, and significant exposure to U.S. trade. OTTF provides grants and interest-free loans of up to $5 million, covering up to 75% of eligible project costs such as equipment upgrades, market expansion, process innovation, or reshoring supply chains. Projects must involve at least $200,000 in costs and be completed within two years. Together, these supports make it easier for businesses to adapt, reduce trade risks, and remain competitive.
The CanExport program is a federal initiative that helps Canadian SMEs expand into international markets and diversify their exports. Eligible businesses must be for-profit, incorporated or limited liability partnerships, employ one to 500 full-time staff, and have $100,000 to $100 million in annual revenues. CanExport provides non-repayable contributions covering up to 50% of eligible expenses, with funding of up to $50,000 per project. Supported activities include market research, business development, translation and adaptation of marketing materials, participation in trade shows, and securing intellectual property protection in foreign markets. Together, these supports make it more affordable for Canadian businesses to pursue global opportunities and reduce reliance on domestic or single-market sales.
The Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) program supports Ontario manufacturers looking to expand, innovate, and strengthen their operations. To qualify, businesses must be Ontario-based, incorporated, in operation for at least three years, and employ at least 10 full-time workers. The program funds projects related to technology adoption, equipment investment, workforce training, facility expansion, and reshoring. Funding is offered through grants of up to 15% of project costs (to a maximum of $500,000 for small projects or $1.5 million for strategic projects), as well as interest-free loans of up to $5 million. Importantly, up to 30% of the loan may be forgiven if performance targets are met. AMIC helps manufacturers drive long-term competitiveness in a global market.
The Experience Ontario program is a provincial initiative that helps recent high school graduates gain valuable skills and work experience before pursuing post-secondary education or training. Eligible participants are Ontario youth who have completed high school but are not yet enrolled in full-time studies. The program offers up to 12 months of paid, practical opportunities through local community projects, employment placements, and volunteer experiences, combined with career coaching and mentorship. Activities may include skill development workshops, leadership training, and exposure to different career pathways. Together, these supports provide young people with the chance to explore interests, build confidence, and make informed choices about their education, training, and future careers.
With a distinguished 30-year career in corporate finance, Mike Panayi brings extensive expertise in investment and strategic leadership.
He holds both the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) designations, as well as a Bachelor of Honours in Business and Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Specializing in the healthcare and medical device sectors, Mike has actively invested in and supported private companies, driving growth and innovation. His leadership experience includes managing acquisitions and divestitures within a self-funded private equity group, where he has overseen due diligence, capital raising, and incentive structuring.
Additionally, Mike has served as CFO and board member for multiple portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and financial stewardship to promote long-term success.