The AI Adoption Journey: From Exploration to Transformation

June 24, 2026

On June 23, members of the Quinte Manufacturers Association (QMA) met to hear from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) on the subject of “The AI Adoption Journey: From Exploration to Transformation.” The event included an overview of the state of AI adoption in Canada, where it can help companies and how to access support for the identification and implementation of AI solutions as well as options to finance equipment to increase productivity. Information was also presented on supports available from FedDev, the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation & Trade (MEDJCT) and the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI).

Some key take aways:

The productivity gap is real, and AI helps close it. Canada’s productivity sits 18% below the G7 average (27th in the OECD for GDP per hour worked), yet only 1 in 4 Canadian SMEs rate as digitally mature. Top-performing SMEs invest 1.8× more in digital technologies and see materially higher sales, profit, and EBITDA.

AI delivers concrete wins on the shop floor. The most relevant manufacturing use cases include predictive quality control, predictive maintenance, smart inventory management, and route optimization — practical applications that cut downtime, waste, and manual effort.

The results can be transformational. One featured manufacturer (Foothills Group, Alberta) went from a $1M loss to a $2.7M profit in a year, generating work orders instantly (versus 20+ minutes before) using a built-in AI shop advisor.

Adoption is a staged journey, not a switch. Maturity progresses through six stages — from awareness and pilots, to functional adoption, to cross-functional integration, and ultimately AI-first operations. The goal is to identify your current stage and take the next pragmatic step.

Budget for readiness, not just the technology. The biggest hidden cost is data readiness, integration, and change management, not the AI itself. Quick positioning: GenAI productivity tools under $25K, function-specific AI $50K–$150K, and advanced/agentic AI $150K–$500K+.

Funding support is available through BDC’s LIFT program.

• Successful applicants can qualify for multiyear loans (currently at 2.25%).
• The Digital transformation and AI stream supports modernizing systems, adopting AI and improving data and cybersecurity. Qualifying manufacturers need $1M+ in annual revenue but if you are close please speak to BDC.
• The Productivity and advanced equipment stream supports automating operations, upgrading equipment and increasing efficiency and output. Qualifying manufacturers need $5M+ in annual revenue but if you are close please speak to BDC.
• If you don’t qualify for these programs you may be eligible for other BDC financing or advisory services to help with digital transformation, AI adoption, and equipment investments.

Additionally you may qualify for provincial or federal funding for equipment purchases, productivity initiatives, addressing tariff impacts, hiring recent graduates, etc. delivered through agencies such as FedDev, MEDJCT or OCI.

To connect with representatives of any of these programs please contact Mike Hewitt at 613.961.7990 or mike@quintedevelopment.com.