We have launched a comprehensive program to strengthen customer service relationships, boost customer retention, and drive sales growth for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout British Columbia. This initiative is designed to provide businesses with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively use Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, helping them to better serve their existing customers and expand their customer base.

Funded by Innovate BC and managed province wide by Alacrity Canada, the CRM Horizons Bootcamp is fully funded for eligible businesses in British Columbia. This funding supports essential training and guidance for the successful implementation, maintenance, and use of CRM tools.

In our commitment to diversity and inclusivity, up to 35% of the program funds are reserved for businesses owned by individuals from equity-seeking groups, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, as well as those located outside the Lower Mainland and Greater Victoria regions. This allocation ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs across the province.

Leveraging CRM capabilities can lead to significant improvements in operational efficiency, productivity, and sustainable business growth.
CRM systems provide numerous benefits applicable to organizations of all sizes, including:

Enhanced Customer Service

CRM systems offer streamlined access to critical customer information, such as purchase history and previous interactions, allowing support teams to provide timely and personalized assistance.

Trend Identification

By capturing and analyzing customer data, businesses can gain valuable insights into customer behaviors and preferences, facilitating informed decision-making through detailed reporting and visualization tools.

Task Automation

CRM platforms automate repetitive tasks related to sales and customer support, allowing businesses to allocate more time and resources to strategic initiatives and core operations.

Improved Marketing & Sales Efforts

Effectively manage sales pipelines, allowing for improved tracking of leads and opportunities, seamlessly create targeted marketing campaigns and measure sales performance & marketing efforts for continuous improvement.

Program Scope

This program encompasses two distinct streams aimed at providing comprehensive Client Relationship Management (CRM) Training.

Stream 1: For Participants New to CRM Systems

This stream is tailored for business owners and employees who are new to CRM systems. It focuses on introducing participants to the importance of digital transformation through CRM. By the end of the program, participants will understand various CRM options, including free and open-source solutions. The goal is to enhance their digital skills and competencies, enabling them to better understand their customers and foster proactive interactions. This, in turn, will help ensure consistency in their sales and marketing processes. This stream will provide online learning of comprehensive and actionable information and support and access to Student Success Advisors.

Learning includes:

CRM’s & Modern Sales Pipelines
Implementing & Using a CRM
Measuring & Tracking Performance
Advanced CRM Topics

Stream 2 (Starting Nov 2024): For Participants with CRM Experience but Facing Barriers to Success

Designed for businesses who are familiar with CRM systems but are encountering difficulties due to a lack of experience or specific skills, this stream offers personalized advisory services. Qualified businesses will receive guidance to identify the CRM software best suited to their size, type, and needs, or receive training on optimizing their existing CRM systems. Through this targeted support, participants will overcome obstacles and fully leverage their CRM tools.

Application Information

Stream 1 - Applicant Eligibility

One applicant per business (owner or employee) is eligible to enter the program, and must meet the following General Conditions:

The Business:

Is currently operating (at least 3 months)
Is registered in BC and paying provincial taxes in BC
Employs less than 500 individuals
The Business’ sole or primary operations are located in BC

Stream 2 - Applicant Eligibility

One applicant per business (owner or employee) is eligible to enter the program, and must meet the following General Conditions:

The Business:

Has a minimum of $30,000 revenue in the last 12 month
Is registered in BC and paying provincial taxes in BC
Employs less than 500 individuals
The Business’ sole or primary operations are located in BC

We will ask business applicants to provide the following:

Business and Owners contact information

One of the following:
- BC Business registration number (Orgbook Search); or
- A government document that confirms the business (i.e. incorporation or registration documents, CRA business number); or
- (Indigenous businesses only) Proof of business registration with a Band Council
Information about the Business’ current CRM knowledge and implementation
Stream 2 only – Attestation of annual gross revenues exceeding $30,000 in the last 12 months of operations or since incorporation/registration (for businesses that have been in operation for under a year)

Program Timelines

Application Process Overview

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The application window will remain open until all training placements have been allocated.
All applicants are required to submit their application form for approval by Alacrity Canada.
Meeting the program’s eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval of the application.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all necessary information and attachments are provided in their application form; Incomplete submissions will not be considered for approval

Stream 1

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be conditionally approved for the program and will be contacted to provide access to the online learning platform.

The training program must be completed within 6 weeks along with the final evaluation.

The training can be completed by the business owner or an appointed employee.

Stream 2

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be conditionally approved for the program and will be contacted and matched with an advisor.

From the date the advisor is assigned, the business needs to be available for about 4-5 hours during the following 10 business days to meet with the advisor.

A written recommendation will be provided to the business in no more than 15 business days.

Reporting Requirements

Businesses participating in the program will need to agree to engage in two brief follow-up surveys to showcase the outcomes directly attributable to the training they received.
Businesses will be required to consent to have their information shared with Innovate BC, and may have the name of their business published as a recipient of the funded training.

Events and Communications

Program participants must keep Alacrity Canada informed in advance of any promotional activities or events related to the project.

The Program funder (Innovate BC) and Alacrity Canada must be acknowledged in project communications, events and signage and provide consent to publish project details in reports and promotion of The Program.

Freedom of Information

Applications submitted under the Program are subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information being collected is for the purpose of administering the Program and evaluating eligibility to receive funded training.

Application Support/ Contact Information

If you have a question please contact Alacrity Canada at:

Support is provided in English.

Register For The
CRM Horizons Bootcamp

Whether you are a large company with hundreds or thousands of customers or just starting out, a CRM is a tremendous benefit. To begin the registration process, click on the link below and fill out the application form.

CRM Horizons Bootcamp - Program Guide

This guide provides an overview of the application process and eligibility criteria and is intended for applicant’s use.

This guide provides an overview of the application process and eligibility criteria and is intended for applicant’s use.