Alberta Innovates — Commercialization Associates Program
AB, Canada
Wage subsidy for commercialization associate's salary in Alberta
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 01, 2022
- grant_single|closingDateAugust 29, 2022
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Alberta Innovates
- Government of Alberta
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get up to $120,000 to cover up to 75% of the salary of a professional to conduct commercialization activities over a one-year project.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically available to companies that have a significant operational presence within a defined region. The eligible geographical areas are aimed to enhance economic growth and innovation within these locations.
- Companies incorporated in Alberta.
- Entities registered extra-provincially in Alberta.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$120,000
Hiring a marketing professional to develop export strategies for AI-driven software solutions
$97,500
Appointing a financial consultant to improve access to funding for a biotech startup
$116,250
Hiring a commercialization strategist to promote smart home technology
$112,500
Recruiting a commercialization expert to launch zero-emission electric bicycles in regional markets
$105,000
Engaging a business development manager to increase sales of organic health products in the Canadian market
$120,000
Employing an investment officer to attract venture capital for a renewable energy project
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 be a small to medium enterprise with fewer than 500 full-time employees.
- The applicant must have less than $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.
- The business must be Alberta-based and owned, with a significant physical and operational presence in Alberta.
- The applicant must not have more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded associates simultaneously.
- The applicant must contribute a minimum of 25% of the associate's total annual base salary in cash.
- The company must be a for-profit organization or SME registered in Alberta or extra-provincially registered in Alberta.
- The applicant must be authorized to execute a grant agreement with Alberta Innovates on standard terms and must be in good financial standing without past bad debt with Alberta Innovates or its subsidiaries.
- The applicant must not be prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding due to any legal or financial standing issues.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is specifically designed to support Alberta-based small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in advancing the commercialization of innovative technologies and products. Eligible entities must satisfy specific criteria to qualify for this funding.
- Alberta-based and owned, demonstrating a significant physical and operational presence in the province.
- Small to Medium Enterprises with fewer than 500 full-time employees and less than $50 million in annual gross revenue.
- Must provide a minimum of 25% cash contribution towards the employee's annual base salary.
- Incorporated in Alberta, or registered as an extra-provincial corporation or partnership.
- Must not have more than two active Alberta Innovates-funded associates concurrently.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The Industry Commercialization Associates Program has certain restrictions and eligibility criteria that may render some companies ineligible. These criteria are primarily focused on ensuring the effectiveness of the fund disbursement.
- The company must be a for-profit organization or SME (Small to Medium Enterprise).
- Companies must not have more than two Industry Commercialization Associates already funded by Alberta Innovates simultaneously.
- Firms should be incorporated in Alberta and have a significant physical and operational presence in the province.
- Organizations must not be post-secondary institutions or prohibited from receiving Alberta Innovates funding due to past financial issues such as bad debt.
- The applicant entity cannot have more than 500 full-time employees or over $50,000,000 in annual gross revenue.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Industry Commercialization Associates Program offers financial support for activities that enhance the commercialization capabilities of Alberta-based SMEs. Eligible projects are designed to accelerate the transition from research to market for new technologies and products.
- Projects that involve hiring an Industry Associate to facilitate the commercialization of business innovations.
- Initiatives to accelerate new technology commercialization through structured project plans and industry research.
- Activities aimed at the progression of product-market fit for novel technologies.
- Implementation of commercialization strategies and scaling plans in line with predetermined milestones.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant covers expenses that are directly related to the salary of an Industry Commercialization Associate.
- Salary expenses of the Industry Commercialization Associate.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Industry Commercialization Associates Program focus on several key business and technical factors to ensure alignment with the program's objectives.
- Assessment of the management team and their ability to execute the project.
- Analysis of market conditions and the competitive landscape.
- Evaluation of the product/market fit and the uniqueness of the offering.
- Strategic approach and feasibility of the go-to-market plan.
- Financial assessments, including budgeting and projected financial outcomes.
- Evaluation of technical feasibility and readiness levels.
- Potential for export and overall marketability.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Industry Commercialization Associates Program:
- Step 1: Pre-Application Connection
- Engage with a Technology Development Advisor to assess program readiness and receive guidance.
- Step 2: Application Submission
- Access the online application portal to submit your application at any time.
- Complete and submit the application form detailing the Applicant’s management, project team, innovation and market opportunity, activities and outcomes, and financial state.
- Step 3: Project Management and Follow-up
- Upon approval, execute the Investment Agreement with Alberta Innovates.
- Engage with a Technology Development Advisor for ongoing project monitoring and support.
- Submit required reports, including a Progress Report and a Final Report, to demonstrate project milestones and progress.
- Discuss potential second-year funding with a TDA, if applicable.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The maximum level of total government assistance, including federal, provincial, and municipal sources, cannot exceed 75% of the eligible project costs.
- Funds are dispersed directly to the applicant upon agreement signing, and reasonable costs incurred only after the Investment Agreement is signed are eligible.
- Applicants are encouraged to co-fund projects with other funding agencies, but must adhere to the stacking limit.
- Applicants must engage with a Technology Development Advisor prior to applying to ensure readiness.
- All applications are evaluated by both Alberta Innovates staff and external expert reviewers.
- Performance will be measured on a milestone basis, requiring progress and final reports submitted throughout the project duration.
- Project outcomes may be monitored for up to five years post-completion to evaluate economic and other impacts on Alberta.
grant_single_labels|contact
intake@albertainnovates.ca
403-210-5229
Apply to this program
Boost Your Business with the Industry Commercialization Associates Grant
The Industry Commercialization Associates Grant offers businesses in Alberta a valuable opportunity to support the salaries of employees who are pivotal in driving commercialization activities. With funding of up to $120,000 per year available for up to two years, this initiative aims to enhance the development and market success of innovative products and technologies.
Comprehensive Insight into the Industry Commercialization Associates Grant
The Industry Commercialization Associates Grant, provided by Alberta Innovates, is a strategic program designed to boost Alberta-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by aiding in the commercialization of novel technologies and products. This grant, which can reach up to $120,000 per annum for each selected employee, aims to financially support SMEs by covering a portion of their salary expenses dedicated to commercialization roles. The ultimate goal is to de-risk the commercialization phase and accelerate the journey from innovation to market viability.
By contributing up to two years of financial support for salaried positions, this grant empowers businesses to attract and retain top-tier talent essential for commercial success. Not only do SMEs benefit from financial alleviation, but they also gain the crucial human resources necessary to navigate the complexities of bringing new products to the market. This is particularly vital in technology-driven sectors where the race to market can be a determining factor in overall business success.
The Industry Commercialization Associates Grant requires participating businesses to match the program's funding with a minimum 25% cash contribution towards the employee's total annual base salary. This requirement ensures that businesses share in the financial responsibilities of the salaried role, indicating their commitment to the commercialization process and their associate’s role within it.
Eligibility for this program extends to Alberta-based companies with fewer than 500 full-time employees and annual revenues not exceeding $50 million, emphasizing its focus on supporting mid-sized and smaller enterprises. Furthermore, businesses are limited to having no more than two concurrently funded positions under this initiative at any given time, ensuring the integrity and focused application of resources to the most promising commercial ventures.
A critical aspect of this grant is its continuous intake process, enabling businesses to submit applications at any time rather than adhering to fixed deadlines. This flexibility aligns with Alberta Innovates' strategic objectives to foster an adaptable innovation ecosystem, removing barriers for companies seeking to accelerate their commercialization strategies. The ongoing application review process ensures that applications are evaluated quickly, allowing funded projects to commence without delay and maintaining momentum.
Successful grant recipients gain more than just financial support; they also enter a collaborative relationship with Alberta Innovates. Businesses receive the guidance of Technology Development Advisors, providing expert advice throughout the project lifecycle. This setup not only supports the individual needs of each project but also integrates them within Alberta’s broader innovation network, promoting localized economic growth, job creation, and diversified market expansions.
The Industry Commercialization Associates Grant thus represents a practical tool for Alberta-based SMEs to enhance their commercial operations. By reducing financial risks and facilitating access to essential resources, this grant plays a key role in driving forward the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies and innovations within the province. Its structured approach aligns with Alberta's broader economic goals while addressing specific industry needs, making it an indispensable part of Alberta’s innovation ecosystem.
