Courtesy: Government of Alberta
Alberta’s government is providing rural communities with more than $3.2 million in grants for local projects that drive innovation and growth in rural areas.
Indigenous and small communities play a vital role in the province’s economic landscape. Working together with non-profits, they tap into opportunities and address unique challenges to help develop local economies and grow the economic footprint in rural Alberta.
To support local projects that promote innovation and sustainable economic growth across the province, Alberta’s government established the Small Community Opportunity Program. Through Budget 2023, the program has 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.
“By providing financial backing, our Small Community Opportunity Program grants are empowering Indigenous and small communities to develop their local economies by building capacity in the agriculture and small business sectors. The fact is when these communities succeed, all of Alberta is made stronger.”
RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
Each of the successful projects aligns with the Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan, which is working to ensure rural Albertans and Indigenous communities have economic opportunities where they live. Whether working collaboratively or independently, grant recipients have two years to complete their projects and make a measurable impact supporting, improving or enhancing economic development in rural and Indigenous communities and/or the agriculture industry.
“Mackenzie County has been exploring ways to expand irrigation initiatives to strengthen and diversify our agriculture sector. The Small Community Opportunity Program grant will enable us to continue this work and build on early irrigation adopters’ knowledge and experiences to advance economic development in the county.”
Josh Knelsen, reeve, Mackenzie County
Quick facts
- Small Community Opportunity Program projects align with one or more of these strategic directions in the Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan:
- Rural business supports and entrepreneurship
- Support for labour force and skills development
- Marketing and promoting rural tourism
- Rural economic development capacity building
- Each project also addresses one or more of these priority areas:
- Entrepreneurship and mentorship
- Skills development
- Small business supports
- Partnerships, interconnectivity and collaboration
Money received:
Mackenzie County
The county’s irrigation initiative will explore and develop irrigation opportunities by building on early adopters’ knowledge and experiences.
- Grant amount: $87,132
Northern Sunrise County
The county will transform passing tourists into engaged visitors by developing and promoting a trail system map for activities like hiking, biking, quad biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
- Grant amount: $71,748
Dene Tha’ First Nation
The First Nation will provide training and employment to operate and maintain a community greenhouse and aquaponics facility in Chateh, Alberta.
- Grant amount: $90,000
Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region
The region will enhance entrepreneurship, workforce skills and economic development in local communities through entrepreneurial training, coaching, workforce development and networking.
- Grant amount: $90,000
La Crete Area Chamber of Commerce
The chamber will install an interactive digital billboard to share information, promote local events and build awareness of its agricultural sector.
- Grant amount: $90,000
