Business Grant Opportunities

Enhanced COVID Business Benefit Program - Coming in April 2021. Funding to eligible small and medium business most affected by the pandemc and ongoing restrictions. Payments to a max of $10,000 based on 15% of monthly revenue.
Critical Worker Benefit - One-time payment of $1,200 to eligible Albertans providing care and critical services during COVID-19. Distributed by employers to eligible employees
New $120M aid program announced Feb 17 for hardest hit small to medium sized businesses, grants up to $10,000. Roll out expected in late March or April Read More
Small Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant (SMERG) **Relaunched again April 2021 to include hotels, taxis & Rideshares**with Government of Alberta to help businesses recover. Eligible small-medium sized business, co-ops and non-profits that experienced revenue reduction of at least 30% as a result of COVID-19 can apply for funding up to $20,000 to they can open their doors and get Albertans back to work. *NEW in 2021: New businesses that opened between March 1 & Oct 31, 2020 can now apply. All unregistered sole proprietors who previously applied will have their applications reviewed again with updated criteria

Side Hustle Program - Part of the Futurepreneur program, side hustlers may be eligible to up to $15,000 in loan financing to support the launch and growth of their side business

CIP Project-Based grant with Government of Alberta to provide funding to new community-based programs, initiatives, events and publications.
Canada-Alberta Job Grant helps to cover training expenses for existing employees and new hires, up to $15,000 per trainee, up to 100% of training costs
Summary of Government Active Supports
Expanding child care options for working parents Alberta’s government is supporting working families across the province by allocating $9.7 million in grants for operators to create 1,500 more spaces in day homes and daycare centres, including overnight care.

CEWS (Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy), Canada Revenue Agency, Period 5 is now open, created to assist businesses affected by COVID -19 to keep workers on their payroll or bringing back previously laid-off employees.

The Ministry of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women has many grant programs that accept applications through multiple intakes on an annual basis.

Business Scale-up and Productivity By Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) supports high-growth businesses that are scaling up and producing innovative goods, services or technologies. It offers free repayable funding to incorporated businesses that have operated in Western Canada for a minimum of 2 years. Preference to small and medium sized enterprises
Thrive Canada Challange - Partnership to identify, promote, accelerate and invest in innovative early stage Canadian Startups creating new and alternative paths for a more efficient and sustainable global food system. Closes Nov 20, 2020
CEBA Loan - Canada Emergency Business Account - helping small businesses and not-for-profits access loans with some forgivable if repaid by Dec 2022. Increased amount announced in Dec 2020.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) -Assisting businesses and organizations across Canada to mitigate financial pressures caused by the pandemic

2021 Program to provide $1 million to projects in 3 catagories: Recreation, Urban Agriculture and Environmental Conservation. Projects eligible for $25,000 & $50,000 Applications Feb 1 - Mar 1, 2021

Futurpreneur Canada supports young entrepreneurs (age 18-39) with up to $60,000 in financing, an expert business mentor for up to two years, and resources to help you plan, manage & grow your business

Business Link Resiliant Recovery Program helps Alberta entrepreneurs get back on their feet and position them to mitigate the effects of future business interruptions with 4 hours of one-on-one coaching

Canada United Small Business Relief funds for small businesses. Up to $5,000 grant to be used in recovery efforts as a result of COVID-19, such as PPE, improved physical space, e-commerce.

Energy Savings for Business: ERA announced up to $55 Million in funding for Alberta Businesses to improve efficiency and reduce emissions

Agricultural Training Support. Program to offset costs of training and safety protocols for new employees hired within the agricultural and horticultural sector. Up to $2,000 per New hire, or $250,000 per applicant.

Caroline Toppazzini
Economic Development Officer
(780) 846-2244 Economicdevelopment@county24.com