archived
Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program
Free accelerator support for scaling Alberta businesses
Last Update: April 23, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Archived
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
The program is fully funded by the partner consortium and is free of charge for participating companies. It supports scaling startups and small businesses through global accelerators and the Fellowship Alumni Network.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop workforce skills
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Archived
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program is designed to help entrepreneurs in Alberta bridge the gap between startup and scaleup stages, pushing their businesses toward further growth and global expansion. This program is centred around utilizing global accelerators and maintaining a Fellowship Alumni Network to provide continual support.
- Participation in Alberta Accelerator by 500, designed for sector agnostic tech companies.
- Engagement with the Plug and Play Alberta Accelerator, targeting tech companies focused on sustainable innovations and digital health innovations.
- Involvement with the Community Safety and Wellness Accelerator powered by Alchemist, intended for tech firms, including social enterprises using AI and machine learning.
- Participation in the Alberta Catalyzer program for early-stage tech startups preparing to transition to the scaleup/acceleration phase.
- Engagement with the SVG|THRIVE Canada Accelerator, offering a roadmap from a venture studio to full acceleration in the agri-food sector.
- Joining the Fellowship Alumni Network for continued development and support after completing the accelerator programs.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
The Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program is open to startups and small businesses based in Alberta that are looking to scale and grow their operations. The program targets various sectors through different accelerators, including sector-agnostic tech companies, tech startups focused on sustainable and digital health innovations, social enterprises utilizing AI for community benefits, early-stage tech startups, and agri-food ventures. Each accelerator caters to specific types of ventures:- Alberta Accelerator by 500: For sector-agnostic tech companies.- Plug and Play Alberta: For tech companies focused on sustainable innovations, digital health, and sector-agnostic innovation.- Community Safety and Wellness Accelerator: For tech companies using AI and machine learning for social, community, or wellness benefits.- Alberta Catalyzer: For early-stage tech startups preparing to scale up.- SVG| THRIVE Canada Accelerator: For agri-food companies, offering a roadmap from venture studio to acceleration.Who is not eligible
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for the Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program:
- Non-tech companies
- Companies not focused on innovation and growth
- Companies with no intention of scaling or going global
Eligible expenses
The Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program offers support for tech startups at various stages to help them scale and prosper. It involves participation in accelerator programs and joining a network that provides continuous growth support.
- Participation in the Alberta Accelerator by 500 for sector agnostic tech companies.
- Involvement with Plug and Play Alberta for tech companies focusing on sustainable innovations and digital health.
- Engagement with the Community Safety and Wellness Accelerator for tech utilizing AI and machine learning for social benefits.
- Joining the Alberta Catalyzer for early-stage tech startups.
- Utilizing SVG|THRIVE Canada Accelerator for agri-food companies requiring end-to-end support from venture studio to fund.
Selection criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for the Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program are as follows:
- Innovation and scalability of the business idea or project.
- Potential for economic growth and job creation in Alberta.
- Demonstrated need for the services provided by the accelerator.
- Alignment with the program's focus on supporting companies in scaling up and going global.
How to apply
- Step 1: Identify Suitable Accelerator
- Review the list of available accelerators to determine which aligns with your business sector and needs.
- Consider the focus areas of each accelerator: Alberta Accelerator by 500 (sector agnostic tech companies), Plug and Play Alberta (sustainable innovations and digital health), Community Safety and Wellness Accelerator (AI and machine learning for social benefit), Alberta Catalyzer (early-stage tech startups), and SVG|THRIVE Canada Accelerator (agri-food sector).
- Step 2: Access Accelerator Portal
- Visit the specific portal of the chosen accelerator listed in the program documentation.
- Step 3: Submit Application to Accelerator
- Follow the instructions on the accelerator's portal to complete your application.
- Prepare and provide necessary documents and information required by the accelerator for the application process.
- Ensure that all parts of the application are completed accurately and thoroughly before submission.
- Step 4: Await Confirmation
- Receive confirmation from the accelerator regarding the status of your application.
- Step 5: Participation in Accelerator
- If accepted, engage in the accelerator's programs and activities to support your scale-up journey.
- Step 6: Join Fellowship Alumni Network
- Post-completion, join the Fellowship Alumni Network to continue receiving support and connections.
Additional information
- The program is free of charge.
- No equity is taken from participating companies.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program Program
What is the Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program?
The program is fully funded by the partner consortium and is free of charge for participating companies. It supports scaling startups and small businesses through global accelerators and the Fellowship Alumni Network.
Who is eligible for the Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program program?
To be eligible for the Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program program, you must:
The applicant must be a tech startup or small business located in Alberta seeking to scale and grow.
The company should align with one of the specified accelerator domains, such as tech innovations, sustainable innovations, digital health, social enterprises, or agri-food.
The applicant must aim to contribute to Alberta's economic growth and innovation ecosystem.
What expenses are eligible under Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program?
The Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program is designed to help entrepreneurs in Alberta bridge the gap between startup and scaleup stages, pushing their businesses toward further growth and global expansion. This program is centred around utilizing global accelerators and maintaining a Fellowship Alumni Network to provide continual support. Participation in Alberta Accelerator by 500, designed for sector agnostic tech companies.
Engagement with the Plug and Play Alberta Accelerator, targeting tech companies focused on sustainable innovations and digital health innovations.
Involvement with the Community Safety and Wellness Accelerator powered by Alchemist, intended for tech firms, including social enterprises using AI and machine learning.
Participation in the Alberta Catalyzer program for early-stage tech startups preparing to transition to the scaleup/acceleration phase.
Engagement with the SVG|THRIVE Canada Accelerator, offering a roadmap from a venture studio to full acceleration in the agri-food sector.
Joining the Fellowship Alumni Network for continued development and support after completing the accelerator programs.
Who can I contact for more information about the Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program?
You can contact Government of Alberta or by phone at 780-306-3071.
Where is the Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program available?
The Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program?
Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program is funded by Government of Alberta, Alberta Innovates