Big Future Innovation Grant

Who is eligible?

• For-profit small businesses based in Alberta

Who is not eligible

• Non-profit organizations.
• Businesses owned or invested in by current or previous employees of Alberta Central, its co-operatives, or joint ventures.
• Businesses affiliated with a credit union as a vendor or supplier.
• Companies whose primary activities are in competition with Alberta Central or its co-operatives.
• Businesses or business owners with a criminal record, listed on any Canadian or United Nations sanction list, under bankruptcy protection, or with judicial liens or attachments.
• Businesses or owners who have previously won a Big Future Innovation Grant or other grants/scholarships offered by Alberta Central or Credit Unions of Alberta.

Eligible expenses

• Expenses that directly further business innovation within the company.

Eligible geographic areas

• Alberta

• Business Profile – Overview of the business, including key areas of operation, location, time in business, and qualifications of key team members (up to 10 points).
• Marketplace Solution – Description of solutions provided, value to the market, key demographics, and customer needs (up to 10 points).
• Goals – Clarity and feasibility of business and/or expansion goals, including steps and time frames to achieve them (up to 10 points).
• Community Support – Demonstrated contribution to community development or growth (up to 20 points).
• Business Innovation – Examples of innovative solutions implemented to solve business problems (up to 20 points).
• Use of Funds – Clear plan for utilizing grant funds to drive innovation, including plans, timelines, KPIs or benchmarks, and tangible impact on the business or community (up to 20 points).
• Overall completeness, quality of storytelling, and passion demonstrated in the application, including supplementary materials provided.

• Step 1: Prepare Your Application MaterialsGather all necessary business information, including business name, address, website, social media handles, and business license or corporation number.
• Prepare answers to the application questions: business profile, marketplace solution, business/expansion goals, community support, business innovation, and use of funds (each with specified word limits).
• Collect supplementary assets or visuals to strengthen your application.
• Step 2: Complete the Application FormAccess the online application form on the grant's official website during the opening period.
• Fill out all required fields and upload supporting documents or visuals.
• Ensure the form is completed in one session as applications cannot be saved and resumed later.
• Step 3: Submit the ApplicationReview all entered information for completeness and accuracy.
• Submit the completed application through the online platform before the deadline or before the maximum number of 100 applications is reached.
• Step 4: Confirmation of SubmissionLook for an onscreen confirmation message indicating receipt of your application.
• If you do not receive confirmation, contact communications@albertacentral.com for assistance.

• Only the first 100 applications submitted are considered; once this limit is reached, applications close for the year.
• Applicants are required to submit the application in one session; there is no option to save and complete later.
• Successful recipients will have funds deposited into a business account at a local credit union.
• Confirmation of submission is provided via an onscreen pop-up message after applying online.