How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces

Q: What are Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces's eligibility criterias?

Repayable contributions available only for commercial projects that generate revenue. Applicant must be a legal entity capable of entering into binding agreements. Project activities must primarily benefit Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba.

Last Update: August 15, 2025

AB, Canada

Supports economic development and diversification for Prairie communities

Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces at a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Educational services
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Grant Providers

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

Program status

Open

Overview of the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces program

The Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) program provides non-repayable and repayable contributions to support projects that strengthen, diversify, and build inclusive economies across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, focusing on community development, adjustment to economic shocks, and promoting participation of underrepresented groups. Eligible activities include initiatives that stimulate local economic growth, support communities facing economic challenges, and encourage economic inclusion, with funding amounts determined based on project needs and cost-sharing requirements.

Financing terms and conditions

Non-repayable contributions are generally available for non-commercial projects, reimbursing eligible costs paid by applicants.
Commercial projects that generate revenue are only eligible for repayable contributions, typically repaid at 0% interest over 5 years, with monthly installments beginning 1 year after the project end date.
Non-PrairiesCan funding (from other levels of government, the private sector, and non-government sources) should typically represent at least 50% of total project costs.

Eligible projects & activities

Projects that stimulate economic growth or diversification by building on community strengths and opportunities.
Initiatives to support Prairie communities adapting to economic challenges or recovering from economic shocks.
Programs that foster inclusiveness by encouraging participation of underrepresented groups such as women, youth, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and official language minority communities in the economy.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 60,000

Upgrading cold storage to energy-efficient refrigeration systems

$ 80,000

Installing solar panels on company headquarters for clean energy

$ 38,000

Digitizing inventory management system using cloud-based technology

$ 52,000

Launching a public health awareness campaign targeting youth mental health

$ 72,000

Purchasing CNC woodworking equipment for small scale furniture

$ 44,000

Building a wheelchair accessible outdoor patio with local contractors

Eligibility criteria of the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces program

The applicant must be an incorporated not-for-profit organization, post-secondary institution, Indigenous organization (First Nations, Métis Settlements), or a provincial/municipal government entity operating in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba.
The applicant must support community economic development and/or diversification projects within the Prairie provinces.
The applicant must be a legal entity capable of entering into legally binding agreements.
The project must deliver economic and/or employment benefits primarily within Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba.

Who is eligible?

Incorporated not-for-profit organizations (e.g., industry associations, economic development organizations, cultural organizations, societies)
Post-secondary institutions
First Nations (as led by Chief and Council, Tribal Councils, and Treaty Organizations)
Métis Settlements
Provincial/municipal crown corporations, organizations, ministries, or other provincial government entities (funds must be directed fully into the project)

Who is not eligible

Private, for-profit businesses not engaged in community economic development or diversification activities.
Organizations that are not legal entities capable of entering into legally binding agreements.
Projects occurring outside Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba.
Entities seeking funding for costs incurred prior to the project’s start date or before submitting an Expression of Interest.

Eligible expenses

Operations and maintenance costs directly related to the project.
Personnel expenses, including salaries and benefits for staff involved in the project.
Purchase and lease of equipment necessary for project implementation.
Information management and information technology acquisitions specific to the project.
Legal, administrative, accounting, licensing, permits, and consulting fees associated with the project.
Rent, leases, and leasehold improvements for project-specific spaces.
Acquisitions of proprietary processes essential for the project.
Interest charges, insurance, fees, and taxes related to eligible project expenditures.
Project-related supplies and transportation costs.
Capital improvements directly tied to the project.

Eligible geographic areas

Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba

Eligibility criteria of the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces program

Alignment to program objectives.
Strong project rationale, demonstrating a clear and significant need or market gap, and proven demand for the project.
Measurable economic results for the Canadian Prairies (such as jobs created or maintained).
Effective governance measures and management team capacity to carry out the project.
Financial statements showing how the organization or project will be financially self-sustaining, and confirmed funding from the applicant and other partners.

How to apply to the Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) in the Prairie provinces program

Review guides and contact PrairiesCan

Consult the Expression of Interest (EOI) help guide
Review the CEDD applicant guide for detailed instructions
Contact PrairiesCan for pre-submission assistance if needed

Submit the Expression of Interest

Submit an abbreviated online Expression of Interest (EOI) form
Describe the project's purpose, eligibility, activities and budget

Await invitation for full application

Wait for PrairiesCan to review the EOI
Receive an invitation to submit a full application if selected

Submit the full application

Complete and submit the full application through the online portal
Provide detailed project information, financial statements, and proof of other funding sources
Use the applicant guide for detailed instructions

Application review and due diligence

PrairiesCan reviews the completed application
Application undergoes a due diligence process for eligibility and impact assessment

Additional information

Applicants are encouraged to consult both the EOI help guide and the applicant guide before applying.
It is recommended to seek advice from a qualified tax professional regarding the potential tax implications of government financial assistance.
Costs incurred prior to submitting an Expression of Interest or funding agreement are not reimbursable and are at the applicant's own risk.
There is no fixed deadline; applications are accepted on a continuous basis.