How much funding can be received?

SMEs that have software development at the core of one or more of their products and/or services could receive up to $50,000 to help rapidly scale in the global marketplace to accelerate revenue growth.

grant_single_labels|projects

This program supports companies that have a significant operational presence in Alberta. Funding eligibility is primarily aimed at fostering economic growth within the province.

Companies must be Alberta-based, demonstrating a substantial corporate presence within Alberta.
Entities must be incorporated in Alberta or registered as an extra-provincial corporation within Alberta.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$50,000

Building a digital marketplace for local artisans

$50,000

Developing a home automation system integrated with renewable energy sources

$50,000

Developing an AI-driven language translation app tailored for medical professionals

$50,000

Developing a mobile application for personalized fitness coaching

$50,000

Creating a digital platform for the management of sustainable agriculture data

$50,000

Implementing a digital tool for remote mental health therapy sessions

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The applicant must exist as a corporate person, with up-to-date corporate filings.
The applicant must be authorized to undertake the proposed project and execute a grant with Alberta Innovates.
The applicant must not be prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding due to issues like past bad debt or not being in good financial standing with Alberta Innovates or its subsidiaries.
The applicant must be incorporated in Alberta and/or extra-provincially registered in Alberta.
General Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, or Limited Liability Partnerships must be registered in Alberta.
Applicants must be Alberta-based, with a significant physical and corporate operational presence in Alberta and intent for operational benefits to flow primarily within the Province of Alberta.
The company must have fewer than 50 full-time employees and less than $1,000,000 in annual recurring revenue.
The company must have a founding team and/or advisors.
The company must demonstrate previous investment into the company by the founding team.
Applicants should not be receiving funding from other Alberta Innovates programs at the time of application.
The applicant must have a minimum viable product (MVP) to test with customers.
The applicant must have performed preliminary customer discovery work to inform development.
The digital technology must be employed in an innovative way and/or with proprietary features to maintain a competitive advantage over existing solutions.
The digital technology should have the potential to scale up in one to two years, if successful.
Applicants should not face significant capital or regulatory barriers that may be better addressed by other funding resources.
The applicant must have completed a lean canvas, business model canvas, or similar tools to demonstrate an understanding of the problem to be solved and the customer profile.
The applicant must have a traction roadmap or similar tool to demonstrate customer acquisition targets for the next three years and what is required to reach those targets.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Alberta Digital Traction Program is specifically designed for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Alberta, Canada, with a core focus on software development as a significant aspect of their product or service offering. The program seeks applicants who are actively engaged in the validation phase of their product/service, demonstrating readiness to scale and attract investment in a global market.Eligible applicants must:1. Be an Alberta digital tech company with software development at the core of their product/service.2. Intend to scale their digital technology rapidly within one to two years.3. Have fewer than 50 full-time employees.4. Report less than $1,000,000 in annual recurring revenue.5. Possess a minimum viable product (MVP) ready for market testing.6. Offer digital technology that provides a competitive advantage over existing solutions.Applicants are expected to comply with detailed eligibility requirements outlined in the Alberta Digital Traction Program Guide. Initial steps to apply include connecting with Alberta Innovates for a detailed review and subsequent guidance on next steps in the application process.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant is targeted towards digital SMEs with specific eligibility criteria, but specific exclusions based on industry type or certain company statuses are not detailed. Therefore, without clear information, no explicit exclusion list can be provided.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The Alberta Digital Traction Program supports projects that align with its goal of enhancing digital technology companies' market traction and global scaling potential. Eligible projects focus on product development, customer discovery, and achieving essential business milestones for digital SMEs.

Development and validation of a minimum viable product (MVP) with potential customers.
Activities aimed at customer acquisition, activation, retention, referral, and revenue growth.
Execution of business and technical outcomes through defined project milestones.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant supports a range of project-related expenses essential for achieving project milestones and objectives.

Employee salary costs (including T4 or contract employees) up to a maximum rate of $50/hr.
Founder salaries for project-related work, with certain limitations.
Costs incurred after signing the Investment Agreement.
Expenses between arm’s-length entities.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection criteria for projects under the Alberta Digital Traction Program focus on the alignment with the program's objectives and intended outcomes.

Alignment with Digital Traction objectives and intended outcomes.
Potential of the business opportunity and project's contribution to Alberta's digital economy.
Capabilities and expertise of the founding and project team.
Financial health and position of the applicant.
Potential success and size of the return on investment for Alberta.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Pre-Application Connection
- Engage with a Technology Development Advisor (TDA) to assess readiness and receive guidance.
- Discuss the suitability of the Digital Traction Program and explore other potential funding programs.
Step 2: Access Online Application Portal
- Access the online application form through SmartSimple, Alberta Innovates' application portal.
- Log in to the portal if you are a current client, or create an account if you are a new applicant.
Step 3: Prepare Application
- Outline the current state of the opportunity and provide details about the management and project team.
- Define business and technical outcomes for the three project milestones.
- Detail activities planned for the first milestone and provide the applicant’s current financial state.
Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application form through the SmartSimple online portal.
Step 5: Monitoring and Reporting
- Execute an Investment Agreement with Alberta Innovates for the approved project.
- Begin project activities and prepare periodic Progress Reports and a Final Report.
- Work with the TDA to monitor progress and receive guidance throughout the project.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The grant provides up to $50,000 in funding for Alberta digital tech SMEs.
Applications are assessed to ensure no current funding from other Alberta Innovates programs at application time.
The program enforces a stacking limit, with a maximum of 75% total government assistance from various sources.
Applicants must engage with a Technology Development Advisor before applying.
Milestone-based reports are required for funding disbursement.
Applicants should have a lean canvas or business model canvas and a traction roadmap.
Service providers must be at arm’s length from the applicant.
Performance outcomes may be monitored up to five years post-project.
An Investment Agreement is required before funding disbursement.

grant_single_labels|contact

intake@albertainnovates.ca

403-210-5229

Apply to this program

Empowering Alberta's Digital Innovators with Crucial Funding

The Alberta Digital Traction Program provides vital financial support of up to $50,000 to digital tech companies in Alberta that are driven by software development. It aims to foster expansion into global markets, advance commercialization efforts, and improve growth metrics for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Detailed Insights into the Alberta Digital Traction Program

The Alberta Digital Traction Program is a significant initiative by Alberta Innovates, aimed at propelling digital small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) forward by offering critical financial support, business coaching, and traction-enhancing strategies. Alberta Innovates recognizes the vital role that digital SMEs play in diversifying the provincial economy. With software development at the core of their operations, these companies have the potential to innovate and expand into global markets, thus playing a crucial part in the province's economic growth strategy.

This program addresses a specific need within the Alberta entrepreneurial ecosystem by concentrating on digital SMEs currently validating their products or services and ready to scale quickly. By prioritizing those at an early stage of product/market fit, Alberta Innovates is strategically placing these enterprises on a path lined with growth opportunities and potential customer base expansion. With a focus on accelerating commercialization and adopting digital technologies, the program helps ensure these companies align their strategic goals with global market demands.

Notably, the Alberta Digital Traction Program is designed to reduce the risks associated with scaling new digital technologies by providing non-dilutive funding and strategic business support. By emphasizing milestones like customer acquisition and retention, the program effectively sets the stage for achieving substantial business metrics that indicate market readiness and investor appeal.

Additionally, the program aims to enhance the economic landscape by increasing the adoption and commercialization of innovative digital solutions. By assisting enterprises to advance their products into the market, Alberta Innovates helps in expanding follow-on investment opportunities and fostering their potential to secure equity investments. Ultimately, the overarching goal is to enhance the survival rate of digital SMEs, boost their revenue paths, and augment export opportunities.

A distinctive feature of the program is its milestone-based funding system, which limits government funding to a maximum of 75% of eligible project costs, fostering a shared investment approach. It requires applicants to contribute financially to project milestones, ensuring they are invested in the project's success. Moreover, it sets a pathway for applicants to engage in strategic customer discovery processes, positioning them better for long-term sustainability.

To be eligible, potential applicants must be for-profit entities with fewer than 50 full-time employees, must have ownership or operational activities centered in Alberta, and hold an MVP ready for customer testing. By engaging with the Alberta Innovates network, including Technology Development Advisors, participants receive not only financial backing but also guidance that is essential for navigating the competitive digital landscape effectively.

This continuous intake program encourages ongoing innovation and alignment with Alberta's Research and Innovation priorities. Applicants undergo a thorough evaluation process to ensure alignment with these priorities and demonstrate potential for substantial returns on Alberta Innovates' investments. By participating, companies are positioned to leverage a dynamic trajectory that not only supports immediate growth but also fosters long-lasting contributions to the provincial economy.