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

The Alberta Digital Traction Program supports projects that align with its objectives and can achieve milestone outcomes in a one-year term. Eligible projects should have clearly defined milestones and be focused on advancing business and technical outcomes.

Align with the objectives of the Digital Traction Program
Have a Project Start Date at least forty-five days from the application submission date
Identify the first milestone activities to a maximum of $15,000
Have no more than three defined milestones based on business and technical outcomes to be reached during the project term
Be completed within a one-year term

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$50,000

Montreal

Building a digital marketplace for local artisans

$50,000

Ottawa

Developing a home automation system integrated with renewable energy sources

$50,000

Calgary

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

$50,000

Vancouver

Developing a mobile application for personalized fitness coaching

$50,000

Edmonton

Creating a digital platform for the management of sustainable agriculture data

$50,000

Toronto

Implementing a digital tool for remote mental health therapy sessions

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The Alberta Digital Traction Program is designed for Alberta-based digital tech companies that develop software at the core of their products or services and aim to rapidly scale their digital technology in one-to-two years. Eligible candidates need to meet specific criteria focused on their business structure, financial standing, and project readiness.

Alberta-based with a significant physical and corporate operational presence in Alberta.
Exist as a corporate person, with up-to-date corporate filings.
Have fewer than 50 full-time employees and less than $1,000,000 in annual reoccurring revenue.
Have a minimum viable product to test with customers.
Demonstrate previous investment into the company by the founding team.
Have not previously received Digital Traction funding from Alberta Innovates.
Be authorized to undertake the proposed project and execute a grant with Alberta Innovates on standard terms.
Have a digital technology with proprietary features that provides a competitive advantage and can be scaled within one to two years.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Alberta Digital Traction Program is designed for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Alberta that have digital technologies as a core part of their products or services and are looking to rapidly scale in one to two years. Eligible companies must be Alberta-based, for-profit organizations with fewer than 50 full-time employees and annual recurring revenue of less than $1,000,000.

Alberta-based small to medium enterprises (SMEs)
Relies on software development as core to one or more products or services
Intends to rapidly scale digital technology within one to two years
Fewer than 50 full-time employees
Annual recurring revenue of less than $1,000,000
Must have a minimum viable product to test
Must not have previously received Digital Traction funding
Must demonstrate previous investment by the founding team
Have completed customer discovery work and have a traction roadmap
Must have an Alberta footprint with significant physical and corporate operational presence in Alberta
No significant capital or regulatory barriers unaddressed by the project

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

The Alberta Digital Traction Program is not open to companies that are not for-profit organizations or those currently receiving funding from other Alberta Innovates programs.

Not a for-profit organization
Currently receiving funding from other Alberta Innovates programs

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses under the Alberta Digital Traction Program may include:

Salaries for new hires directly related to the project
Consultant fees for specialized expertise
Materials and supplies necessary for product development
Prototype development costs
Marketing and promotional expenses

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The Alberta Digital Traction Program is open to Alberta-based digital tech companies with a significant physical and operational presence in Alberta. Eligible companies must also demonstrate that operational benefits will primarily flow within the Province of Alberta.

Companies must be incorporated in Alberta or extra-provincially registered in Alberta.
Significant physical and operational presence in Alberta is required.
Operational benefits must primarily accrue within Alberta.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The Alberta Digital Traction Program evaluates applications based on the alignment of the project with its objectives and intended outcomes, assessing the business opportunity, founding team, financial position, and overall benefits to Alberta. Applications are reviewed by Alberta Innovates staff and external expert reviewers to ensure objectivity and impartiality.

Alignment of the project with the Digital Traction Program objectives
Business opportunity presented by the project
Qualifications and experience of the founding team
Financial position of the applicant
Potential success and return on investment for Alberta
Compliance with Alberta Innovates' eligibility criteria and milestones

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Pre-Application Connection
Content: Engage with a Technology Development Advisor (TDA) prior to applying online.
Implications: TDAs provide guidance and coaching, assess an applicant’s Digital Traction readiness, recommend suitable alternative Alberta Innovates funding programs, and help direct applicants to external funding opportunities.
Step 2: Application and Evaluation
Content: Access and submit the application form on the online application portal at any time. Applications outline the current state of the opportunity, the applicant’s management and project team, business and technical outcomes for three milestones, activities for the first Milestone of the Project, and the applicant’s current financial state.
Implications: Applications are reviewed and evaluated to determine fit with the Digital Traction objectives and intended outcomes. Alberta Innovates staff and external expert reviewers evaluate applications.
Step 3: Monitoring and Reporting
Content: For approved applications, execute an Investment Agreement with Alberta Innovates to proceed with the activities of the Project. TDAs monitor the progress of the project and provide coaching to the applicant.
Implications: Reporting includes Progress Reports (2) and Final Report (1).

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The Alberta Digital Traction Program is designed to fill a gap for Alberta’s Digital SMEs seeking to demonstrate product/market fit through customer metrics and traction. The program emphasizes customer discovery and milestone-based projects to reduce risk and accelerate growth.

Applicants must demonstrate a competitive advantage through their digital technology.
Applicant employee salary costs can be covered up to a maximum of $50/hr.
Milestone funds are disbursed upon reaching specific targets and submitting reports.
Applicants must have a traction roadmap that shows customer acquisition targets for three years.
The program encourages collaboration with other funding agencies but maintains a stacking limit to ensure adequate applicant financial commitment.
Funding is contingent upon satisfying all eligibility requirements and is at Alberta Innovates' discretion.

grant_single_labels|contact

intake@albertainnovates.ca

403-210-5229

Apply to this program

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Summary of the Alberta Digital Traction Program

The Alberta Digital Traction Program offers Alberta-based digital tech companies up to $50,000 in funding to enhance customer acquisition, increase revenue, and prepare for global market scaling. The program targets small to medium enterprises with software-centered products or services, providing business coaching and support to validate and commercialize their innovations.

Understanding the Alberta Digital Traction Program: A Comprehensive Guide

The Alberta Digital Traction Program is an initiative by Alberta Innovates, aimed at catalyzing the growth and commercialization of digital technology companies within the province. As Alberta’s largest research and innovation agency, Alberta Innovates is committed to fostering an ecosystem that supports innovation and economic diversification across various sectors.

The primary objective of the Alberta Digital Traction Program is to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are fundamentally centered around software development in enhancing their market presence and achieving significant growth. This initiative is particularly crucial for digital SMEs that are at the validating stage of their product lifecycle and are aiming to gain traction both locally and globally.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the Alberta Digital Traction Program, applicants must be Alberta-based SMEs that have fewer than 50 full-time employees and generate less than $1,000,000 in annual recurring revenue. Companies applying should have a minimum viable product (MVP) ready for market testing and must demonstrate a competitive advantage through their digital technology. Additionally, applicants should not be receiving funding from other Alberta Innovates programs at the time of application.

The application process involves a pre-application connection with a Technology Development Advisor (TDA) at Alberta Innovates. TDAs help assess the readiness of the business for digital traction and can recommend other funding programs if needed. After this initial evaluation, the application is submitted through Alberta Innovates’ online portal, SmartSimple. The application must detail the current state of the opportunity, the company’s management team, and the project’s business and technical outcomes for three milestones, among other requirements.

Funding Details

The program offers non-dilutive funding up to a maximum of $50,000 over a one-year project term. The funding is milestone-based and demands at least a 25% financial contribution from the applicant for each milestone. The funding process is structured to incentivize progress and is aligned with performance outcomes, ensuring the project’s completion and success.

Upon program approval, the distribution of funds occurs in three stages: an initial amount up to $10,000 upon signing the investment agreement, up to $15,000 for the first milestone, up to $20,000 for the second, and up to $20,000 for the third. Alberta Innovates maintains a stacking limit where the total government assistance can't surpass 75% of the eligible project's costs, allowing other co-funding opportunities to be leveraged effectively.

Objectives and Impact

The primary goals of the Alberta Digital Traction Program are to accelerate the commercialization of digital technologies, improve business metrics towards product/market fit, and enhance SMEs’ traction and customer discovery acumen. Achieving these objectives will directly impact Alberta’s economy by fostering job creation, increasing the adoption and commercialization of digital products, and expanding investment and equity opportunities for digital SMEs.

Strategically, the program aims to increase the survival rate of digital SMEs, boost their revenues and exports, and ultimately enhance Alberta’s competitive position in the global marketplace. By doing so, it aligns with broader government ambitions to diversify Alberta’s economic landscape, reduce reliance on traditional sectors, and propel innovation-driven growth.

Monitoring and Reporting

Alberta Innovates requires ongoing monitoring and reporting from program participants to track progress and outcomes. This includes submission of two progress reports and a final project report to ensure compliance with the agreed project milestones. Alberta Innovates uses these reports to evaluate the impact of its investments and the benefits realized by Alberta’s economy.

The performance metrics used in evaluating projects focus on the specific objectives of commercialization acceleration, adoption rates, and overall economic contribution. These metrics allow Alberta Innovates to measure both individual project success and aggregate program performance, ensuring transparency and accountability for investments made.

Conclusion

The Alberta Digital Traction Program is a pivotal initiative within Alberta’s digital economic strategy. By providing crucial funding and expertise to digital SMEs, Alberta Innovates is fostering an environment where innovation can thrive, leading to sustainable economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement. For Alberta-based tech companies looking to scale and compete on the global stage, this program presents a valuable opportunity to gain traction and secure long-term success.

For businesses interested in applying, engagement with Alberta Innovates and active participation throughout the funding process will be key to unlocking the potential benefits offered by this program. By meeting the eligibility requirements and demonstrating a commitment to achieving traction and commercialization, digital SMEs can expect to leverage significant support towards their growth ambitions.

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