Starting, or growing a small business in Alberta, while exciting, can also be a challenging journey. One of the elements that can have a major impact on the success of your business, is access to funding.
Luckily, the province of Alberta, offers a number of great business grants, government loans, tax breaks and incentives to help small businesses and to support entrepreneurs at different stages of their business development.
These business grants and funding options can provide a financial boost that is required to turn innovation into a reality, expand operations and overcome the unexpected challenges of business ownership.
Join us as we explore all available Alberta business grants for 2024.
We will be looking at the regions in Alberta which will be able to provide you with the funding, the different types of funding available, what the funds can be used for, eligibility criteria as well, your access to over 250+ business grants, government loans..etc
Access 250+ Business Grants and Government Loans in Alberta
Regions of Alberta Government Funding Coverage
As a small business in Alberta, there are various funding options that your business may be able to obtain.
This funding comes from local governments, as well as regional governments.
Northern Alberta
The Northern Alberta region includes areas like Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie, and Peace River. Special funding programs often target this region due to its unique economic and geographic challenges. This includes business grants, government loans, as well as tax breaks and incentives.
Central Alberta
Central Alberta encompasses cities like Red Deer, Camrose, and Lacombe. Funding may focus on rural development, urban infrastructure, and economic growth, particularly in agriculture and small business innovation.
Southern Alberta
Southern Alberta focuses on cities like Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and surrounding rural communities. Funding initiatives often aim at supporting agriculture, renewable energy projects, and technological innovation.
Calgary Region
The Calgary region, including the city of Calgary and its metropolitan area, receives funding directed towards infrastructure, transit, and social services due to its dense population and economic significance.
Edmonton Region
The Edmonton region, which includes the city of Edmonton and surrounding areas, benefits from funding aimed at urban development, healthcare, and education, supporting its role as the provincial capital and a major economic hub.
Eastern Alberta
Eastern Alberta, covering areas like Lloydminster and Bonnyville, often receives funding to support oil and gas industries, small business development, and rural infrastructure improvements.
Government funding in Alberta is tailored to address the specific needs and opportunities of each of these regions, aiming to promote balanced growth and equitable resource distribution across the province. You can review all regions of Alberta within the Funding Database to access all options at your fingertips.
Access 250+ Business Grants and Government Loans in Alberta
Are Alberta Business Grants and Funding Right For You
If you are considering starting a business, or have an existing business in Alberta, you should consider government funding.
Remember, government funding does not meant just borrowing money (via Loan), but utilizing provided funding options such as government grants, incentives, tax breaks, credits..etc, towards the various expenses you may have in order to grow your business.
The benefit of being in Alberta, or the above mentioned regions of Alberta is that the government puts a lot towards the success of entrepreneurship, covering many audience types, including Startups, Women, Immigrants, Youth, Indigenous, Veterans, Minority Owned Businesses, Non Profits, Specific Regions as well as those in Specific Industries.
In other words, if you are a Canadian (or have PR); or are in business with a Canadian Citizen (or PR holder) and in need of funding support, chances are you are eligible for certain Alberta business grants and government funding programs.
With that in mind, you must have expenses that you’d like to cover. Have a look at the below, to see what Alberta small business grants can be used for!
What Can Alberta Small Business Grants Be Used For?
Alberta business grants and funding options can be used to cover a number of startup and expansion costs as you run your business. Here are some of the more commonly used user cases as how to benefit from the available funding:
☑️ To cover the initial startup and/or expansion costs
☑️ To assist you with purchase of tools, equipment and inventory to lower your initial costs
☑️ To help you adopt technology use in your business and get your business online
☑️ To provide you costs for marketing and advertising campaigns, or hire marketing related assistance
☑️ To give you working capital for the every day, day to day expenses
☑️ To cover the cost of wages for yourself, your staff and provide training
☑️ and much more
These are just a few of the expenses that Alberta business grants and funding can be used towards. For a full list, access the Funding Database and take advantage of over 1,500 different options, covering hundreds of possible expenses your business may have.
What are the types of government funding options in Alberta?
Access 250+ Business Grants and Government Loans in Alberta
The province of Alberta, including the mentioned local and regional government offices provide a large number of options for small business owners to take advantage of. These options vary from business to business, however the majority will come in the form of business grants, business loans and tax breaks/credits.
While these funds are all government funds, some can be government backed as well (via banks and lenders).
Alberta Business Grants
Business grants, considered free money is often the best form of funding that a business owner can obtain as it can give a business several key benefits, including:
Government grants in Alberta offer several benefits for businesses, including:
- Non-Repayable Funding: These are grants that do not need to be repaid, unlike loans, which helps businesses manage cash flow and reduce financial burden.
- Financial Support: These business grants provide crucial financial support, allowing businesses to invest in growth, innovation, and development without impacting their capital reserves.
- Risk Mitigation: Accessing these business grants reduces the financial risk associated with new projects, research and development, or expansion plans.
- Competitive Advantage: Government grants can enhance a business’s competitive edge by enabling investments in new technology, skilled labor, and market expansion.
- Encourages Innovation: Grants often target innovative projects, helping businesses develop new products, services, or processes that can lead to significant market advantages.
- Improves Credibility: Receiving a government grant can enhance a business’s credibility with investors, customers, and partners, as it demonstrates government support and validation of the business’s potential.
- Access to Expertise: Many grant programs offer additional resources such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to industry experts, which can be invaluable for business growth and development.
- Job Creation: These business grants aimed at job creation help businesses hire more staff, contributing to local economic development and increasing the company’s operational capacity.
Alberta Government Loans
Much like traditional bank loans, Alberta government loans are not different in a standard sense that you are still borrowing money, however, government loans have number of key benefits to a business owner utilizing them, including:
- Lower Interest Rates: Government loans often come with lower interest rates compared to traditional bank loans, making them more affordable and reducing the overall cost of borrowing.
- Flexible Repayment Terms: These loans typically offer more flexible repayment terms, allowing businesses to choose repayment schedules that align with their cash flow and financial situation.
- Access to Larger Amounts: Government loans may provide access to larger amounts of capital than other funding sources, enabling businesses to undertake significant projects or expansions.
- Support for Specific Sectors: Many government loan programs are tailored to support specific industries or sectors, providing targeted financial assistance to businesses in those areas.
- Encourages Investment in Innovation: Government loans often support innovation and development projects, helping businesses invest in new technologies, research, and development efforts that can drive growth and competitiveness.
- Boosts Business Credit: Successfully securing and repaying a government loan can help build and improve a business’s credit history, making it easier to obtain additional financing in the future.
- Job Creation and Economic Growth: Government loans can facilitate job creation and contribute to local economic development, benefiting both the business and the wider community.
- Supplementary Support: In addition to financial assistance, government loan programs may offer supplementary support such as business advisory services, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
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Less Stringent Requirements: Government loans may have less stringent eligibility and collateral requirements compared to private sector loans, making it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to qualify
Access 250+ Business Grants and Government Loans in Alberta
Alberta Tax Breaks / Tax Credits For Small Businesses
One of the easier funding types offered by the government of Alberta and the federal government is the available tax breaks and credits. These tax breaks and credits directly reduce the amount of taxes a business owes, resulting in significant cost savings that can be reinvested into the business.
By lowering tax liabilities, businesses retain more of their earnings, improving cash flow and financial stability. This also can encourage businesses to invest in new equipment, research and development, employee training, and other growth initiatives that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive.
No matter of the type of funding, be it a government business grant, a government loan, or a tax break/credit, as a startup or growing business, you should regularly check available government funding options in Alberta and take advantage of them.
How Much Grant Money Or Funding Can I Get For My Alberta Business
Our Funding Database currently has over 1,500 different funding options available.
A typical business owner in Alberta, starting up, or expanding their business, will be eligible to 4-5 different options. Multiple more options, if regular funding searches are conducted (this is done by our experts for you).
Funding amounts and how much you can get in grant funding varies from business to business, as it is based on your specific funding needs, in accordance to the expenses that you wish to cover.
Currently, for 2024, business grants and funding ranges from $1,000 to $500,000 (larger options are available when combined)
Access 250+ Business Grants and Government Loans in Alberta
Am I Eligible for Alberta Small Business Grants?
Based on the current availability of government grants for small businesses in Alberta, there are key factors that can determine eligibility. Not all factors apply to every program, but worth noting to help maximize your access to grants and funding.
☑️Business Location (often your city or region)
☑️Business Type (ie: your industry)
☑️Business Stage, or Business Size (new business, existing business, # of employees and revenue)
☑️Funding Needs (what the funds will be used for)
☑️Economic Impact (what your business can do for the economy; ie: create jobs)
It is important to note: Most cities and regions within Alberta, offer some sort of government business grants and funding options to startups and existing business owners. While not every single business can get funds for every single type of expense, working with a funding expert can unlock potential to these options for you.
As mentioned, using our Funding Database, a typical business in Alberta is eligible to 4-5 funding options!
2024 Alberta Small Business Grants and Funding List – 250+ Options
Government funding options are constantly changing.
New city and regional options are constantly closing; and new incentives are coming in. Staying on top of these funding options is crucial to ensure you don’t miss any business grants and funding options for the rest of 2024.
Below is a list of over 250+ business grants, government loans and funding options that can help your small business in Alberta.
If you wish to consider any of the options, speaking with a qualified expert is recommended – call 1-800-288-9691.
Access 250+ Business Grants and Government Loans in Alberta
| Accelerate Funds | $500,000 |
The Accelerate Fund is an early stage, Angel co-investment fund available to Alberta technology companies. The Fund will typically invest up to $500,000 in early stage Alberta companies in knowledge-based industries. This investment will be provided as a co-investment in a financing round alongside other angel investors.
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| Alberta Production Grant | $5,000,000 |
The Alberta Production Grant program provides grants of 26-30% against all eligible costs incurred in Alberta by a production. This includes the Alberta portion of everything from the story rights to the labour, production, design, construction, props, special effects, stars and extras, directors, production staff, technical crew, animation, post-production costs, office location and site costs, travel expenses, transportation costs, etc.
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| City of Calgary Reopening Grant | Various Amounts |
Recovery funding for business owners in the following sectors: restaurants, pubs, bars, fitness centres, and entertainment establishments, including nightclubs and live music venues
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| Parks Improvement Funding Program | Various Amounts |
The Parks Improvement Funding Program has funds available to qualifying organizations looking to improve or enhance an existing neighbourhood park.
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| Change Capital Project Grants | $20,000 |
Funding is available for heritage organizations, with no matching requirement, to undertake projects that develop internal capacity and new strategies.
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| Organizational Project Grants | Various Amounts |
Grants for not-for-profit organizations towards a specific arts project as well as project support for leadership development, capacity building and partnerships in support of Arts.<br><br><br>
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| Heritage Grants & Scholarships | $10,000 |
The Heritage & Grants Scholarships program provides financial assistance to non-profit organizations undertaking projects and initiatives that will preserve and interpret Alberta’s cultural heritage through conservation, awareness, research grants/scholarships and publications.
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| Arts Development Individual Project Funding | $115,000 |
The Purpose of this Fund is to support programs/projects which foster and promote the development of local artists and groups involved in the arts.
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| Alberta Media Fund – Organization Project Grant | $20,000 |
This program supports projects related to art production, training and career development, and marketing and research, for Alberta-based publishers of books, eBooks, magazines, and sound recordings.
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| Community Support Organizations Operating Funding | Various Amounts |
This grant provides annual funding to eligible not-for-profit community organizations that provide arts programs and services to communities, including those with limited arts opportunities.
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| Alberta Heritage Markers Program | Various Amounts |
This program provides funding for Heritage Markets which promote greater awareness of the historic people, places, events, and themes that are of cultural significance in Alberta.
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| Individual Artists Project Grant Program – Music Project Grant Stream | $15,000 |
To support the development of individual Alberta-based artists, arts administrators, or collectives working together by providing a grant for music project (including marketing, research and production costs).
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| Funding Indigenous Resurgence in Edmonton (FIRE) | Various Amounts |
Grants are available for Indigenous individuals and organizations to support community focused heritage projects.
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| Arts & Culture Major Project Funding | Various Amounts |
The Purpose of this Fund is to support and encourage programs/projects which foster and promote the development of local artists and groups involved in the arts.
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| Family & Community Support Services Grant | Various Amounts |
The City of Edmonton identifies priorities for FCSS funding annually on the basis of current social planning and demographic information.
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| Arts Development Scholarships | Various Amounts |
Arts Development Scholarships supports and encourages individuals who are willing to develop their artistic creation.
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| Neighbourhood Enhancement Matching Grant | Various Amounts |
The projects must provide an overall benefit to the neighbourhood, and involve a broad base of people to promote community development and build neighbourhood connections
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| Community Culture Development Fund | $3,000 |
Grants for not-for-profit organizations delivering arts, culture, and heritage initiatives in Red deer.
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| Community Initiatives Program | $250,000 | and Responds to local needs |
| Festivals & Events COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program | Various Amounts | Grants for  |
| Cultural Industry Organization Operating Grant | $100,000 |
Grants to help cover operating expenses related to the production of books, magazines or sound recordings
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| Emerging Immigrant and Refugee Communities Grant Program | $100,000 |
The 2017 Emerging Immigrant and Refugee Community (EIRC) Grant Program aligns with the City’s business plan by supporting immigrant and refugee communities who are new to Edmonton and in the process of settling and integrating.
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| Community Performing Arts Organizations Operating Funding | Various Amounts | Funding is offered  |
| Neighbourhood Park Development Program | $250,000 |
Neighbourhood Park Development Program guides, facilitates, and supports the creation of great spaces and fun places for neighbourhood play, wellness, and learning through active partnerships with the community
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| Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) in the Prairie provinces | $500,000 |
Supports tourism businesses and organizations to adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth.
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| Arts & Culture Festival Funding | $14,000 |
Groups and/or individuals wishing to apply for funds should concentrate on the entertainment value of the event, cultural /artistic benefit to the community, and ability to attract visitors to the area.
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| Human Rights and Multiculturalism Grants | Various Amounts |
Human Rights and Multiculturalism grants provide financial support for community organizations for projects that foster equality and reduce discrimination.
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| Community Investment Operating Grant | $20,000 |
The City of Edmonton Community Investment Operating Grant program provides operating assistance to Edmonton’s non-profit organizations whose activities benefit citizens of Edmonton.
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| Community Facility Enhancement Program | $125,000 |
Funding assistance is available to support non-profit organizations which are undertaking projects to improve community facilities and respond to local needs.
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| Event Support Program | $30,000 |
The program provides financial support to communities and associations
to assist them in hosting major sport events, and as a result, promotes economic growth throughout the province.<br> |
| Dance Individual Project Funding | $15,000 |
Grants are available for individual Alberta artists, arts administrators, or an ensemble of artists by providing funding for a specific dance project.
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| Indigenous Arts Individual Project Funding | $15,000 |
This funding offers support the development of an individual Indigenous artist, arts administrators, or an ensemble of artists in Alberta by providing funding for a specific cultural or artistic project.
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| Project Accelerator Grant | $10,000 | Grants for small-scale heritage projects. |
| Health Services Integration Fund | Various Amounts |
The Health Services Integration Fund (HSIF) is an initiative supporting collaborative planning and multi-year projects aimed at better meeting the health-care needs of First Nations and Inuit.
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| Cultural Industry Support Organizations Operating Grant | $100,000 |
Provides funding to assist Alberta-based companies in the production of creative products.
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| Stabilize Donation Matching 2.0 | $100,000 |
One-time funding to help stabilize Alberta’s live experience sector.
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| Child care – Space Creation Grant | $6,000 |
A grant for licensed child care operators interested in creating new child care spaces or starting new child care programs.
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| SafeGrowth Matching Grant | $2,500 |
The SafeGrowth Matching Grant enables Business, Neighbourhood Associations and Not for Profit Groups to apply for up to $2,500 in matching grants to help make improvements to their site.
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| Continuing Care Capital Program | Various Amounts |
Capital grant funding program to increase continuing care spaces in Alberta.
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| Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program | Various Amounts | Grants and wage top-ups for Alberta ECEs. |
| Alberta Security Infrastructure Program Grant | $25,000 | Grant to get funding for security improvements. |
| Advancing Futures | $40,000 |
Provides social and emotional supports and funding to eligible students while they pursue post-secondary studies.
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| Energy Savings for Business | $500,000 |
Up to $500,000 in funding is available to support small- and medium-scale industrial and commercial businesses for cost-saving and emissions reducing projects
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| Project Grant Program – Individuals and Collectives | $20,000 |
One-time project grants to individual artists and artistic collectives in Calgary working in any artistic discipline who pursue a professional practice
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| Alberta Project Script Development Grant | $55,000 |
Alberta producers can apply for funding to support the development of their scripts and/or projects.
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| Organization Activation Projects Funding | $50,000 |
Grants for not-for-profit organizations to support COVID-19 relaunch and recovery in the arts sector.
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| Artist Development Microgrant | $5,000 | Grants for the creation and production of artistic work. |
| Artist Manager Program Funding | $7,500 |
Grants to support the development of individual Alberta artist-managers and/or self-managed artists.
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| Individual Micro Grant | $1,500 |
Grants are available for Alberta artists and professionals in the Alberta music industry impacted by Covid-19.
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| Alberta Media Fund – Project/Script Development Grant | $25,000 |
Alberta producers can apply for funding to support the development of their scripts and/or projects.
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| Stingray Stimulus Plan | $15,000,000 |
Radio advertising grants for local Canadian businesses in Stingray radio markets.
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| Invent & Adapt | $30,000 |
Funding for addressing the needs of Edmontons various arts network and disciplinary capacities
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| Career Development Grant | $4,000 | Grants for individual heritage practitioners in Edmonton. |
| Organization Activation Projects Funding | $50,000 | Grants for  |
| Media Arts Equipment Acquisition Fund | $30,000 |
Funding is available for Canadian professional media arts organizations towards the purchase of media arts equipment for the research, development, creation, presentation, dissemination and distribution of Canadian independent media artworks.
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| Visual Arts and New Media Individual Project Funding | $15,000 |
Funding for the development of an individual Indigenous artist, arts administrators, or an ensemble of artists in Alberta by providing funding for a specific cultural or artistic project.
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| Summer School Project Funding | Various Amounts | Funding for Alberta arts-based summer schools. |
| Film and Video Individual Project Funding | $15,000 |
Funding is available for individual Alberta artists and arts administrators for specific film and video arts projects.
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| Alberta Media Fund – Alberta Production Grant | $5,000,000 |
To help build a stronger Alberta production industry by providing financial assistance for the production of screen-based content in Alberta.
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| Accelerating Innovations into CarE (AICE) – Validate Program | $300,000 |
Support for Alberta health tech innovators to accelerate commercialization of digital and data enabled health technologies.
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| Build | $500,000 |
Funding for Alberta SMEs working on innovative geospatial technology products.
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| CLPNA – Advancing Knowledge in Practical Nursing Research Grant | $25,000 | Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions |
| Chronic Wasting Disease Research Program | $250,000 |
The Chronic Wasting Disease Research Program funds collaborative research related to understanding and managing Chronic Wasting Disease, a prion disease affecting elk and deer.
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| Accelerating Innovations Into Care (AICE) | $150,000 |
AICE will support demonstration projects to test, evaluate and validate the impacts of new technology on the burden of disease, particularly on disease pathways or workflow, with the intent of improving the health system and overall health of Albertans
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| Jobs and Growth Fund in Western Canada | Various Amounts |
Funding is available for businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth
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| Trade Pathways Program | Various Amounts |
Workforce apprenticeship program for Alberta youth in the construction industry.
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| Affordable Housing Grants | Various Amounts | City of Edmonton |
| Carbon Fibre Grand Challenge | $4,000,000 |
Funding to accelerate the development of large-scale production pathways for short and continuous carbon fibre
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| Highland West Capital | Various Amounts |
Highland West Capital Ltd also offers strategic, operational and financial support to its management partners.
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| Industry Investment Program | $500,000 |
This program provides from $150,000 to $500,000 per project for small to medium size Alberta geomatics companies in the development and commercialization of innovative geomatics solutions for integrated resource management.
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| GEO-Placement Program | $50,000 |
Alberta-based small businesses could be eligible for up to $50,000 in salary assistance (50%) for new, long-term hires with a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in technical and business geomatics fields.
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| Value Added and Agribusiness Program (VAAP) | $5,000,000 |
To give enterprises the necessary finances to start, develop and grow their businesses.
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| Expanded Technologies Pilot | $250,000 |
Funding to propose effective, commercially viable technologies not currently supported through ESB, that could offer high return on investment
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| Energy Futures Youth Seed Fund | $2,500 |
Provides Albertans aged 18-30 access to low-barrier financial support for projects or initiatives that help accelerate the transition to the energy system.
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| ACT4 CALL | $19,000,000 |
Funding is available for innovative CCUS technologies with strong potential for commercialization in Alberta.
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| Bioenergy | Various Amounts |
invests in projects to adapt, develop and deploy innovative clean technologies to benefit Albertans and contribute to the growth of the province’s low-carbon economy.
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| Carbon Capture Kickstart | $3,000,000 |
Funding opportunity to accelerate development of industrial-scale carbon capture and transportation technology solutions in Alberta.
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| Springboard Grant | $10,000 |
The Springboard Grant is intended to increase the capacity of Alberta organisations to complete good projects which contribute to our Focus Areas of Nature-based Solutions & Conservation, Climate Resilience & Emissions Reductions.
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| Water Innovation | Various Amounts | Funding is available to support Alberta water innovation projects. |
| Innovative Hydrocarbon Products | Various Amounts |
Funding is available to support projects adding value to Alberta’s bitumen while increasing pipeline capacity and reducing industry operating costs and lifecycle greenhouse gases.
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| Gasoline Competition Assistance Program | Various Amounts |
The purpose of this program is to help Saskatchewan service stations compete with Alberta and Manitoba counterparts.
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| Cleaner Hydrocarbon Production | Various Amounts |
Funds are available towards innovative techniques of hydrocarbon extraction that reduce greenhouse gases, water usage and land footprint while improving the cost competitiveness of industry and/or accessing new resources.
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| 32 Degrees | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for Western Canadian oil and gas companies |
| Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and Hydrogen Program | Various Amounts |
The Clean Technology Program invests in projects to adapt, develop, and deploy innovative clean technologies to benefit Albertans and contribute to the growth of the province’s low-carbon economy.
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| EDGE UP 2.0: A SCALING OPPORTUNITY | Various Amounts |
This program offers fully funded tech training for professionals displaced from the oil and gas sector in Alberta. Students are trained for in-demand information technology jobs including data analysts, full-stack software developers, information technology project managers, cybersecurity analysts, UI/UX Designers, Digital Marketing, etc.
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| Water Program | $25,000 |
Assists primary producers in enhancing agricultural water management.
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| iAdvance Pathways | $7,000 |
A wage subsidy for hiring Canadian newcomers in the ICT industry.
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| Sonder CREATIVE | Various Amounts |
Exceptional experiences are achieved through an intimate understanding of a client’s needs. We build solid relationships with our clients and become an extension of their internal team.
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| Invest-Tech | Various Amounts |
Invest-Tech helps to support technology companies in Calgary to become investment ready. Invest-tech also facilitates pitch development and investor introductions.
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| Voyager Capital | Various Amounts |
Driving innovation and taking risks in creating new markets is exciting. Voyager thrives on working with early-stage entrepreneurs to take this journey together.
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| Executive Mentorship Program | Various Amounts |
EMP aims to: provide another avenue of support for TECTERRA’s portfolio clients
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| Alberta Digital Traction Pilot Program | $50,000 |
Funding program for small-and medium-sized Alberta enterprises (SMEs) that have software development at the core of one or more of their products and/or services.
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| Micro voucher – grants to hire service providers | $10,000 |
Designed for high growth, technology or knowledge-based Alberta SMES, the vouchers offer up to $10,000 in funding, combined with coaching, to accelerate the pathway to commercialization and scale-up.
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| Startup Edmonton – Preflight | Various Amounts | Weekly sessions and mentorship for start-up founders |
| Product ScaleUp Pilot Program | $100,000 |
Grant for qualified SMEs to hire a product associate with expertise in developing, commercializing, and scaling digital technology using a product management model.
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| Alberta Innovates Advance Program | $150,000 |
Investment in projects that will advance a research idea toward developing a technological solution with an envisioned future market opportunity.
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| Desjardins GoodSpark Grants | $20,000 |
Grants are available for eligible SMEs across numerous provinces for projects focused on sustainable development, employment and innovation.
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| Alberta Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Credit (SR&ED) | $400,000 |
A tax credit for businesses in Alberta that conduct product research and development aimed at new and advanced product development.
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| Export Readiness Micro-Voucher Program | $20,000 |
Financial support to Alberta SMEs to hire a qualified service provider that will assist in expansion into international markets and formulate an export plan.
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| Commercial Loan Program | $5,000,000 |
The Commercial Loan Program helps develop resources and diversify the economy of Alberta by providing loans to individuals and businesses involved in commercial enterprises.
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| Business Development Incentive Program – Small Business Marketing | $5,000 |
Grants to assist resident Fort Saskatchewan SMEs improve the quality and effectiveness of their marketing.
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| Business Beautification Grant | $5,000 |
Grants to assist Edson businesses and property owners in enhancing the beauty their property.
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| NOHC-Investment Grow Stream | $1,000,000 |
The program provides funding to encourage business productivity as well as expansion in Northern Ontario.
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| Community Futures – Alberta | Various Amounts |
The Community Futures network of Alberta offers small business loans to start, expand, franchise or sell a rural business in Alberta.
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| New business development grant | Various Amounts |
Grant to attract investment in industrial and commercial development for businesses within Grand Prairie.
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| Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program | Various Amounts |
To aid western Canadian entrepreneurs with disabilities build their business future by ensuring easy access to business services.
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| Export Development Incentive | $5,000 |
Assists Fort Saskatchewan SMEs gain access to international markets for their products and services.
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| Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement | $150,000 |
A partnership with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) to fund collaborations between Alberta SMEs and researchers from Alberta post-secondary institutions.
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| Wage Subsidy Program | Various Amounts |
Wage Subsidy program intended to assist both businesses hiring as well as aboriginal individuals who live in Calgary and the surrounding area.
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| Workplace Training | Various Amounts |
This program provides support to employers who hire and train employees, providing an alternative to classroom-based learning.
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| Alberta Indian Investment Corporation (AIIC) | Various Amounts |
To help business development activities throughout the province, within First Nation’s economic development sector.
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| Business Development Incentive Program – Small Business Equipment and Technology | $5,000 |
Grants for Fort Saskatchewan SMEs to invest in equipment and technology that will increase efficiency and productivity.
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| Opportunities Knock | Various Amounts |
The Opportunities Knock program provides employment support services to unemployed individuals in the Calgary region.
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| Startup Calgary | Various Amounts |
Startup Calgary can help businesses by organizing various meetings and workshops, such as the startup drinks, mobile Monday, ask an expert series, startup weekends, launch party startup, and startup directory.
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| First Nations Development Fund Grant Program | Various Amounts |
Provincial lottery grant program designed specifically for First Nations in Alberta to fund economic, social and community projects.
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| Pitch for the Purse | Various Amounts | Pitch competition win seed funding for female founders |
| Funding For Canadian Small Businesses | $300,000 |
Funding is available for Canadian SMEs across numerous industries.
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| LaunchPad | Various Amounts |
This program is for businesses in other jurisdictions that want to set up operations in PEI.
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| VFC Externship | Various Amounts |
This program allows startups to expose interdisciplinary student volunteers from local colleges and universities to real-world business challenges.
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| SMALL BUSINESS LOANS IN THE ALBERTA SOUTHWEST REGION | $150,000 |
A variety of flexible, affordable small business loans specifically designed to support growth, ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, are available for Southwest Alberta companies.
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| Apeetogosan Metis Development | Various Amounts |
Apeetogosan is committed to providing profitable and sustainable financial services and support to clients who seek the means to attain economic self-sufficiency.
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| ATB Financial | Various Amounts |
Provides various financial services to businesses that are starting up or expanding.
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| Self-Employment Program – Alberta | Various Amounts |
This program provides self-employment training to unemployed individuals in Alberta who are interested in starting up or taking over a business.
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| NextStep Program for Indigenous Women | Various Amounts |
This program supports Indigenous women entrepreneurs at an early start-up phase who wish to develop a comprehensive business plan. One on one business advising is also available.
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| Digital Economy Program | Various Amounts |
Digital Main Street and Business Link have partnered to deliver the Digital Economy Program in Alberta. Through Digital Service Squads, the Digital Economy Program aims to help small businesses adopt digital technologies to grow and stay competitive.
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| Alberta Business Loans for SMEs | $250,000 | Unsecured business loans for Alberta SMEs. |
| Small Business Assistance | Various Amounts |
This program is designed to provide loans to those engaged in business acquisition, business expansion, new construction or debt consolidation.
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| Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Association | Various Amounts |
To provide business counselling, mentoring, information, and financing to Alberta’s women entrepreneurs.
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| Training Grant | $2,500 |
Training and education grants for Grand Prairie SMEs are available.
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| AVAC Ltd. | Various Amounts |
Provides an investment in early-stage companies in Alberta to assist with research and development and the commercialization of an innovative product or service.
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| Business Link | Various Amounts |
Business Link supports entrepreneurs by offering advice and research, trainings and webinars, businesses development services, and meeting room-rentals.
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| FINANCIAL SUPPORTS | Various Amounts |
Provides business counselling and advice to new entrepreneurs within Alberta.
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| Elevate Business | Various Amounts |
This program assists entrepreneurs locating their businesses in rural, remote or northern communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba.
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| Startup Edmonton | Various Amounts |
Startup Edmonton connects entrepreneurs and product builders with skills, community and space to support them as they take ideas to reality.
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| Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund | Various Amounts |
Financial support to private sector businesses, non-profits and public sector that develop innovation ecosystems in key sectors identified in Calgary for growth and create jobs for Calgarians.
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| Entrepreneurial Investments | Various Amounts |
Supports innovation in Alberta through Coaching, Community, and Capital to help Alberta businesses commercialize new digital technology and clean tech.
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| ACT Open Call | Various Amounts | Supports innovative and international CCUS projects. |
| Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program | Various Amounts |
The Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program helps entrepreneurs bridge the scaleup gap, take their business to new heights and go global.
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| Product Demonstration Program | $300,000 |
This program supports technologies in the advanced stage of development by funding small to medium enterprises who wish to work in collaboration with a project partner to showcase the performance, method, and features of a prototype.
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| Micro-Voucher Program | $10,000 |
The Micro-Voucher supports technologies in the early developmental stages. This program funds Alberta based small to medium enterprises who wish to retain a Service or Product Provider to assist with start up development.
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| Voucher Program | $100,000 |
This program supports technologies in the mid to late developmental stages by offering funding to Alberta based small to medium enterprises who wish to work in collaboration with a project partner to advance the technology to commercialization.
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| Industry Commercialization Associates | $120,000 |
This program supports small technology-based companies that have a need for experienced business knowledge to help commercialize research results and products.
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| Industry R&D Associates | $112,000 | Industry R& |
| Alberta – Ontario Innovation Program | $500,000 |
The Alberta-Ontario Program seeks to create economic opportunities for both provinces by supporting projects that develop innovative services or products that address industrial challenges.
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| Commercialization Support Services (CSS) | $50,000 |
Provides financial assistance to help Canadian geomatics businesses with the development and adoption of critical business skills and practices.
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| Tradeshow Attendance Program (TAP) | $20,000 |
Provides financial assistance to help Canadian geomatics technology entrepreneurs and professionals with attending industry events, tradeshows, and conferences for the purpose of technology commercialization.
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| Emerging Opportunities | $2,000,000 |
Supports strategic agricultural initiatives in the province that contribute to significant sector growth and creation of jobs in Alberta.
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| Accelerating the Advancement of Agricultural Innovation | $500,000 | Funding opportunity for Alberta agricultural ventures |
| Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund | Various Amounts |
Funding opportunity for Fish and seafood processing businesses in western Canada.
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| Industry and Market Development Program | $500,000 |
The Industry and Market Development Program is designed to support business, market and capacity development in the livestock and meat industry. The Program focuses on a set of areas, such as: consumer awareness, competitiveness and profitability, domestic and international market development, leadership and industry engagement.
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| Revolving Loan | $5,000,000 |
Provides loans to qualified individuals and businesses within the primary agricultural industries in Alberta.
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| On-Farm Water Management | Various Amounts |
The purpose of this program is to provide technical assistance to agricultural producers to complete a Long-Term Water Management Plan (LTWMP).
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| Alberta Farm Loan Program (AFLP) | $5,000,000 |
Provides loans to Alberta-based farmers that are seeking financial aid to start or expand their business.
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| AgriRecovery | Various Amounts |
This initiative assists Albertas livestock producers due to prolonged dry weather and extreme high temperatures.
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| Agri-Processing Automation and Efficiency Program | $50,000 |
Provide funding to assist meat processors and livestock producers increase profit and competitiveness by purchasing new equipment and adopting improved processes.
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| AgriInvest | Various Amounts |
AgriInvest is one of the business risk management programs the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP)
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| On-Farm Climate Action Fund | $75,000 | An initiative to help farmers tackle climate change. |
| Farm Technology Program | $50,000 |
Grants are available to support the adoption of innovative technology that minimizes agricultural waste, optimizes farm efficiency, and encourages the adoption of best management practices in farm security.
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| Agriculture and Food Sustainability Assurance Initiatives Program | $250,000 |
Grants are available for non-profits and agricultural groups to develop and enhance sustainability certification or assurance systems to demonstrate to the public the quality, safety and sustainability of products produced by producers and food companies.
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| Agri-Processing Product and Market Development – Livestock | $500,000 |
To encourage investment and capital growth in value-added meat and agri-product processing companies
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| AgriStability – Alberta | Various Amounts |
AgriStability is one program in a suite of business risk management programs that governments offer to help producers manage significant risks. Other programs in the suite include AgriInvest, AgriInsurance and AgriRecovery.
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| Research and Development Program | Various Amounts |
To help Alberta’s livestock and meat industry create a profitable and sustainable future.
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| Accelerating Agricultural Innovations | Various Amounts |
Funding agricultural research in Alberta that will drive real benefits for producers in the barn and on the field.
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| Agriculture Training Support | Various Amounts |
Training grants are available for agricultural and horticultural businesses imapcted by COVID-19.
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| Next Generation Loan | $1,000,000 | Loans for new entrants and young agricultural producers. |
| Irrigation Efficiency Program | $15,000 |
The Irrigation Efficiency Program addresses three key industry priorities: helps producers improve their energy and water usage through better irrigation equipment; ensure the long-term capacity and growth of their operation so they are better able to embrace business opportunities, and improvement of the public perception towards the industry as a responsible steward of Alberta’s resources.
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| Economic Development Initiative (EDI) in the Prairie provinces | Various Amounts |
Financial support to projects that encourage economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships and increased support for small and medium-sized enterprises in official language minority communities
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| Settlement Investment Corporation | $250,000 |
Settlement Investment Corporation provides access to capital by providing diverse, tailored, developmental debt financing to Metis Settlers.
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| Headwater Equity Partners | Various Amounts |
Headwater Equity Partners supports ownership or shareholder change, including succession, divorce, partner buyout, divestitures of entire businesses or divisions, or situations which require growth capital.
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| Metis Employment Services | Various Amounts |
The program provides wage subsidies to employers in Alberta to hire people or Metis origin.<br>
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| Canada-Alberta Job Grant | $15,000 |
The Canada-Alberta Job Grant is a training program where an employer applies on behalf of their present or future employees for eligible training costs. Employers decide who gets training and what type of training may be needed for their employees.
Funding provided by the Government of Canada through the Workforce Development Agreement. |
| Business loans | Various Amounts | Loans for business construction, acquisition and expansion |
| Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant | $10,000 |
Funding for small- and medium-sized businesses, co-ops and non-profits impacted by COVID-19 to offset a portion of their costs.
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| REP Business Support Grant | $2,000 |
Grants to support Calgarys economic recovery by providing financial assistance to businesses impacted by the Alberta Provincial Restrictions Exemption Program.
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| Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Growth Loan | $150,000 | To help women in Alberta start or grow their own business. |
| Rhino Ventures | $1,000,000 | Funding opportunity for tech start-ups in Western Canada. |
| Storefront Improvement | $30,000 |
Funding for Fort Saskatchewan business owners and commercial property owners to enhance their commercial storefront.
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| Training on the Job (TOJ) Program | Various Amounts |
The program provides incentives for employers in Alberta to hire disabled individuals.
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| Alberta Jobs Now Program | Various Amounts |
Funding is available for employers towards the cost of hiring and training unemployed or underemployed Albertans.
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| Canada-Alberta Job Grant | $300,000 |
Grant opportunity for Alberta employers to cover training expenses
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| Business Loans | Various Amounts |
Small Business Loans in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
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| Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) | $500,000 | Funding for indigenous community-owned businesses in Alberta. |
| Metis Entrepreneurs Assistance Program (MEAP). | $325,000 |
Loan opportunity for Metis and Unuit-owned businesses in Alberta..
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| Business Development Incentive Program – Professional Services Grant | $10,000 |
Grants to provide support to eligible businesses for expenses related to services received from a Qualified Professional for the purposes of accessing COVID-19 Support Programs.
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| Community Futures Self Employment Program | Various Amounts | Provides training and financial aid to new entrepreneurs. |
| Workforce Partnerships grants | Various Amounts |
Eligible organizations with common labor market needs can get funding to support workforce initiatives.
The Government of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services. |
| The JET Program | $7,560 | Hiring youth and receive a wage subsidy |
| Small Business Education | $500 |
Grants for Fort Saskatchewan SMEs to develop entrepreneurship skills through educational programs, courses, seminars, conferences, or workshops
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| Alberta Export Expansion Program | $25,000 |
Funding to help export-ready companies and non-profit organizations enhance access to international markets and attract global buyers.
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| Critical Minerals and Emerging Tech | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity to support development of next-generation materials, critical minerals, and end products for a more competitive, modern, and sustainable minerals and materials industry.
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| Bioenergy and Circular Economy | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity to support projects focused on renewable fuels, waste conversion and building a circular economy in plastics
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| Bitumen Partial Upgrading Program | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity to support technologies that enhance the value of a processed barrel of bitumen while reducing associated emissions
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| Global Grand Challenges Network | Various Amounts |
Accelerating Catalyzing Solutions for Climate Change’s Impact on Health, Agriculture, and Gender
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| Bitumen Beyond Combustion (BBC) Program | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity to develop technologies to convert oil sands components into non-combustion products.
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| Humanitarian Grand Challenge: Transition to Scale | $1,500,000 |
$300,000 CAD up to $1.5 million CAD to fund groundbreaking, sustainable, and local solutions to pressing issues affecting communities touched by conflict
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| Grand Challenges Canada – Transition to Scale | $3,000,000 |
$250,000 to $3 M CAD in grant funding for global health innovations
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| National Arts Service Organizations | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity for Canadian arts service organizations with mandates to promote and support the arts on a national level.
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| Representation and Promotion – Arts Across Canada | $30,000 |
Up to $30,000 of grant funding for travel linked to promotion and the development of new markets for Canadian artists and artistic works.
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| Market Access Strategy for Official Language Minority Communities Fund | $60,000 |
Up to $60,000 of grant funding to support Canadian professional artists, arts professionals, artistic groups and arts organizations who self-identify as belonging to an OLMC
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| Strategic Innovation Fund: Seed Grants | $25,000 |
Up to $25,000 of seed funding to kickstart small-scale innovation activities that explore and develop capacity, partnerships, and promising innovation ideas.
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| Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund | Various Amounts |
Grant funding for projects that will improve Canada’s search and rescue system
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| Canada Digital Adoption Program | $15,000 | Up to $15,000 in grant funding for Canadian SMEs |
| R-LABS Entrepreneur-in-Residence | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for real estate entrepreneurs |
| Safe x Connected Cities Accelerator | Various Amounts |
Safe x Connected Cities Accelerator – Funding opportunity for innovative startups
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| Arts Festivals and Presenters – Arts Across Canada | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity for Canadian arts organizations to present and exhibit quality art and literary works to Canadian audiences
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| Artistic Institutions – Engage and Sustain | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity for major Canadian arts organizations rooted in their communities and dedicated to supporting artists and a variety of arts practices
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| Artistic Catalysts – Engage and Sustain | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity for Canadian arts organizations that play a pivotal role in nurturing artistic practices and respond to the evolution of creative communities across Canada
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| Thrive Impact Fund | $700,000 | Up to $700k in loan funding for impact driven companies |
| Canada-UK Critical Minerals: Sustainability and Circularity | $500,000 |
Up to $500,000 in grant funding for Canadian SMEs looking to start joint R&D projects focused on driving circularity in critical minerals
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| UCeed Social Impact Fund | $300,000 | Up to $300,000 of funding for Alberta-based social enterprises |
| UCeed Energy Fund | $300,000 |
Up to $300,000 of funding to support Canadian-led innovations to strengthen the energy landscape
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| Innovation Catalyst Grant | $250,000 |
Up to $250,000 of grant funding to support STEM graduates in commercializing innovative science-based technologies
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| Access Support – Strategic Funds | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity for individual applicants who self-identify as Deaf, having disabilities or living with mental illness, as well as groups and organizations that dedicate the majority of their resources towards supporting these communities
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| Digital Greenhouse | $50,000 |
Up to $50,000 in grant funding to support short-term projects that leverage digital technology
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| Digital Generator | $40,000 | Up to $40,000 of grant funding for artistic groups and collectives |
| Cultivate Grants | $250,000 |
Up to $250,000 in funding to implement, pilot and prototype innovation projects that address systemic issues and benefit the broader arts sector.
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| GMF funding | Various Amounts |
Grant and loan funding for sustainability projects that help municipalities adopt climate solutions faster
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| Newcomer Entrepreneur Accelerator Program | Various Amounts | Accelerator program for newcomer-owned start-ups |
| Velocity Fund | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for innovative startups |
| Venture Ready (VR) Pre-Incubator Program | Various Amounts | Funding and mentorship opportunity for early-stage start-ups |
| Techstars Remote Accelerator | $120,000 | Funding & mentorship opportunity for innovative startups |
| Business purchase or transfer financing | Various Amounts | Financing opportunity for merger and acquisitions |
| Financing for tech companies | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for tech businesses |
| Working capital financing | $350,000 | Up to $350,000 in loan funding for working capital |
| Alberta Digital Traction Program | $50,000 | Up to $50,000 in grant funding for Alberta tech companies |
| Climate Tech Fund II | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for clean tech startups |
| Creating, Knowing and Sharing Program | Various Amounts |
Mentorship and grant opportunity for First Nations, Inuit and Métis-owned organisations in the arts industry
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| Explore and Create – Research and Creation | $25,000 |
Up to $25,000 in grant funding for artistic organisations to invest in R&D
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| Interior Building Improvement Grant | $20,000 |
Up to $20,000 in grant funding to support Edmonton SMEs renovate their interior
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| Storefront Improvement Grant | $50,000 |
Up to $25,000 in grant funding for Edmonton SMEs renovating their storefront
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| Grassroots Grants | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for Calgary-based community projects |
| Edmonton Development Incentive Program | $200,000 |
Up to $200,000 in funding to support new commercial or mixed-use development in Edmonton
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| Small Business Loan Program | $25,000 | Up to $25,000 in funding for Edson SMEs |
| Major Grants | Various Amounts | Grant funding opportunity for impact projects in Calgary |
| Strategic Opportunity Grant | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for Calgary SMEs |
| Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund | $50,000 | Funding opportunity for Indigenous women entrepreneurs |
| Kensington Capital Partners | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for innovative startups |
| Timia Capital | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for innovative startups |
| League of Innovators Labs Accelerator Program Batch 11 | Various Amounts |
Mentorship and funding opportunity for young entrepreneurial leaders
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| 2023 Startup Global Pitch Competition | $3,000 | $3,000 in cash prize for innovative startups |
| Canada-UK: Biomanufacturing of Biologics and Advanced Therapies | $900,000 |
Up to $800,000 in funding for innovative technology that enables flexible, scalable, efficient and cost effective manufacturing of novel biological therapeutic products and delivery systems.
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| Good Fashion Fund | $2,500,000 | Funding opportunity for sustainable fashion startups |
| Closed Loop Plastics Fund | Various Amounts |
Funding opportunity for startups focused on the recovery and recycling of plastics
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| Closed Loop Ventures Group | Various Amounts |
Funding opportunity for innovative startups in the circular economy
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| Vevolution Collective | Various Amounts |
Funding opportunity for plant-based and cellular agriculture startups
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| The Drive Ventures | $250,000 | Up to $250,000 in funding for innovative startups |
| Housing Accelerator Fund | Various Amounts |
Supports the development of complete, low-carbon and climate-resilient communities that are affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse.
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| The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives | $31,000 |
Up to $31,000 in grants for small-scale, high-impact projects abroad
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| The Momentum $1,000,000 Challenge | $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 in funding for promising startups |
| Canada-Germany Digital Media Incentive | $300,000 | Up to $300,000 in funding for digital media projects |
| Canada–France Co-development and Co-production Incentive for Interactive and Immersive Digital Media Projects | $150,000 |
Up to $150,000 in funding for virtual and augmented reality projects
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