Ontario Digital Academy | Digital Skills, AI & Cybersecurity
Registered Ontario Not-for-Profit · Corp. No. 1001543361
A workshop that pays for the next one

The Workshop Is Free. The Expert Isn't. That's the Whole Point.

You get real, hands-on help going digital — AI, cybersecurity, the tools that actually matter. The expert who helps you gets paid fairly, and a share of that funds the next small business owner's free workshop. Ontario Digital Academy is built to run on itself.

12+
Businesses Digitized
3+
Newcomer Startups Launched
$24k+
In Tools & Tech Subsidized
100%
Reinvested in Community
How It Works

Simple. Three steps and you're moving.

No tech background needed. We meet you where you are and walk with you every step of the way.

STEP 01

You Learn

Join one of our interactive workshops. We cover AI tools, cybersecurity basics, and digital skills — in plain English, no jargon. You walk away knowing what to use and how.

STEP 02

An Expert Helps You Implement

Ready to actually use what you learned? Our vetted implementation experts — real professionals from our advisory board — come in and set it up for you. A portion of their fee comes back to ODA to keep programs free.

STEP 03

You Grow — and the Cycle Continues

Your success funds the next person's workshop. That's the ecosystem. Every business that gets help, helps the next one. Sustainable, community-powered, and built to last.

Led By Real People

Not a platform. A board that shows up.

Every advisor here volunteers their time. When they implement something for a business, part of what they earn comes back to fund the next free workshop.

GM
Advisor · DBA

Dr. Gary Marshall

Doctor of Business Administration, advising on leadership and governance.

UB
Advisor · FACHE

Ulrike Berzau

Former hospital CEO, Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

OO
Director · RPR, RPT

Omar Osmani

Workforce Lead at Trillium Health Partners, Gallup Certified Strengths Coach.

Meet the Full Board & Advisory Team →

Our Two Programs

Pick the track that fits you.

Whether you run a small business or lead an enterprise — we have a path designed specifically for you.

Track 1 · Small Business & Community

Digital Literacy & Cybersecurity

For small business owners, newcomers, and professionals who want to adopt digital tools, learn AI, and protect their business — without needing a tech background.

Explore the Small Business Digital Literacy Program →
Track 2 · Enterprise & Advisory

Leadership Advisory & Enterprise Implementation

For larger organizations that need senior-level guidance from C-suite executives, PhDs, and university professors on our advisory board.

Explore the Enterprise Advisory & Implementation Program →
Frequently Asked

Is this actually for me?

Short answer: probably. Here's how people usually find us.

Do I need any tech background?

No. Our digital literacy and AI workshops are built for small business owners, newcomers to Canada, and professionals with little to no technical experience — everything is taught in plain English.

What does an AI or cybersecurity workshop actually cover?

Practical basics: which AI tools are worth using for your business, how to protect your data and your customers' data, and how to implement what you learn with help from a vetted expert if you want it.

Is Ontario Digital Academy really free?

Core workshops are free or heavily subsidized. Revenue from our enterprise advisory program and expert implementation services is reinvested directly into keeping community programs accessible.

Do you work with businesses outside Mississauga?

Yes. We're based in Mississauga, Ontario, and serve small businesses, newcomers, and organizations across Ontario, both in person and virtually.

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you want to learn, partner, or support — there's a place for you here.