Supporting innovation and growth in rural Alberta

Indigenous and small communities are vital to Alberta and its long-term economic prosperity. In December 2022, Alberta’s government recognized the importance of these communities by releasing its Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan.

Alberta’s government is investing in the second round of grants through the Small Community Opportunity Program to further implement this plan. Grant funding through the program will support Indigenous and small communities and help rural Alberta grow its economic footprint. In 2023, the program awarded grants between $20,000 and $100,000 for 43 community-led projects that build capacity in agriculture, small business supports and local economic development.

“The Small Community Opportunity Program continues to provide financial backing for Indigenous and small communities to tackle challenges and tap into opportunities to grow their local economic footprint. By building capacity in small businesses and the agriculture industry, these rural communities will have a strong foundation to grow and thrive.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
To be eligible for funding, projects must align with the Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan and build entrepreneurship, mentorship and skills development, small business supports and/or partnerships, as well as interconnectivity and collaboration within the local community.

Eligible organizations can apply for grants between $20,000 and $100,000 for local, community-led projects. Non-profit organizations may collaborate with Indigenous and small communities, or communities may work together or independently on projects that drive innovation and achieve sustainable growth and diversification. Projects must be completed within two years and have a measurable impact supporting, improving or enhancing rural and Indigenous communities, local economic development and/or the agriculture industry.

The Small Community Opportunity Program will open for applications September 24.

Application criteria

• Small Community Opportunity Program projects must align with one or more of the following Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan strategic directions:
• Rural business supports and entrepreneurship
• Support for labour force and skills development
• Marketing and promoting rural tourism
• Rural economic development capacity building
• Applicants must be an incorporated non-profit organization in a rural community or a rural or Indigenous community. The Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan identifies rural communities as those that:
• Have a population of fewer than 20,000
• Are removed from communities larger than 25,000 people that could provide employment and services
• Are remote communities or communities that have within them, or are surrounded by, a significant amount of nature, natural resources, agricultural land and wilderness areas
• Have a workforce largely focused on primary economic activity, including oil and gas, agriculture and forestry