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Alberta Innovates — Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerators Program
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Alberta, Canada
Accelerator program for entrepreneurs in Alberta
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Partnering and Collaboration
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Overview
Access one-on-one business coaching, entrepreneurial training and resources as you prepare to scale and grow your start-up.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop employee skills
- Selling in a new market
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Information and cultural industries
- Health care and social assistance
- Public administration
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 50,000
Supporting an agri-food company with a roadmap for growth
$ 37,000
Enhancing a Vancouver-based non-profit with autonomous revenue through entrepreneurship training
$ 30,000
Providing mentorship and investor access for a new social enterprise
$ 35,000
Expanding a tech startup through mentorship and access to investors
$ 40,000
Diversifying a small tech business through innovation and mentorship
$ 55,000
Scaling an innovative health-tech company through investor access and business services
Eligibility
Eligibility for this program requires alignment with specific types of technologies and business stages.
- The company must be a startup or small business located in Alberta.
- The business should be in the technology sector, including sustainable innovations, digital health innovations, or sector-agnostic technologies.
- Companies focused on social, community, or wellness benefits using AI and machine learning are eligible.
- Agri-food companies looking for a comprehensive growth roadmap are also eligible.
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
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).
2
Access Accelerator Portal
Visit the specific portal of the chosen accelerator listed in the program documentation.
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.
4
Await Confirmation
Receive confirmation from the accelerator regarding the status of your application.
5
Participation in Accelerator
If accepted, engage in the accelerator's programs and activities to support your scale-up journey.
6
Join Fellowship Alumni Network
Post-completion, join the Fellowship Alumni Network to continue receiving support and connections.
Additional information
There are additional insights worth noting about the Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program:
- Participants gain access to high-profile networks including government and industry leaders.
- Fellowship Alumni Network provides ongoing support post-program.
- Program leverages strategic partnerships with global accelerators for diverse entrepreneurial support.
- The program's goal includes fostering a global innovation mindset within Alberta.
- Accelerators involved do not take equity from participating companies.
- Program aims to diversify Alberta's economy by supporting new technology areas through entrepreneurship.
- The networking opportunities have reportedly led to tangible business partnerships for past participants.
- High performance teams are encouraged, focusing on diversity and cross-functionality.
- Participants can learn from industry experts through the Leading in Learning forum sessions.
Contacts
780-306-3071
