Search Guide: Using the Digital Twin Effectively
Understanding How Search Works
The Digital Twin uses advanced AI technology called “semantic search” to understand what you’re asking for - not just matching keywords, but understanding meaning and context.
How Semantic Search Works
Traditional Keyword Search vs. Semantic Search
Traditional search (like Google):
- Looks for exact word matches
- If you search “grant application” it finds those exact words
- Miss a word? Miss the result.
Semantic search (what the Digital Twin uses):
- Understands the meaning behind your question
- Recognizes that “funding,” “grants,” and “financial support” are related
- Finds relevant answers even if they use different words
Why this matters:
Ask questions naturally, as if talking to a colleague - no need to guess exact keywords.
Crafting Effective Queries
Ask Natural Questions
Good examples:
- “What services do we offer to new entrepreneurs?”
- “How does a client apply for employability programs?”
- “What documents are needed for business registration?”
Less effective (but still works):
- “Services”
- “Application”
- “Documents”
Be Specific When It Matters
Vague: “Tell me about programs”
Specific: “What are the eligibility requirements for the employability program for newcomers?”
Build Context with Follow-Up Questions
The Digital Twin remembers your conversation:
You: “What business advisory services do we offer?”
Digital Twin: [Lists services]
You: “What are the eligibility requirements?”
Digital Twin: [Provides eligibility for business advisory services]
Example Queries by Use Case
- “What does SDECB do?”
- “Tell me about business advisory services”
- “What employability programs are available?”
Finding Eligibility Criteria
- “Who qualifies for employability programs?”
- “What are the requirements for business advisory services?”
- “Can non-francophone clients access our services?”
Process and Procedure Lookups
- “How does a client apply for business advisory services?”
- “What’s the process for enrolling in employability programs?”
- “Walk me through the grant application process”
Bilingual Support
- Ask in English, then: “Can you provide that in French?”
- Or simply ask in French: “Quels sont les services offerts aux entrepreneurs?”
Understanding Results
Interpreting Confidence Levels
High confidence indicators:
- Specific, detailed answers
- Includes exact processes, requirements, or criteria
- Consistent with known information
Lower confidence indicators:
- Hedging language (“may,” “typically,” “in most cases”)
- General rather than specific information
- Suggestions to verify with staff members
When to Verify Answers
Always verify for:
- Client-facing commitments
- Financial decisions
- Eligibility edge cases
- Legal or regulatory matters
Generally safe to trust:
- Standard process descriptions
- General service overviews
- Common eligibility criteria
- Typical document requirements
Troubleshooting Search Issues
“I’m Not Getting the Answer I Need”
Try these strategies:
- Rephrase your question
- Instead of: “Grant info”
- Try: “How do clients apply for grants through SDECB?”
- Break down complex questions
- Ask three separate questions instead of one complex one
- Add more context
- Instead of: “What documents are needed?”
- Try: “What documents does a new entrepreneur need when applying for business advisory services?”
- Ask for clarification
- “Can you explain that in simpler terms?”
- “What do you mean by [specific term]?”
Quick Reference: Question Templates
For service information:
“What [service type] does SDECB offer for [client type]?”
For eligibility:
“What are the eligibility requirements for [program/service]?”
For processes:
“What’s the process for [action]?”
For documentation:
“What documents does a client need to [specific action]?”
For timelines:
“How long does [process] take?”
For comparisons:
“What’s the difference between [option A] and [option B]?”
The Digital Twin gets smarter as you use it. Your questions help improve responses for everyone - so ask away!
Last Updated: January 2026