Emerging Opportunities
AB, Canada
Support for Alberta's agriculture sectors
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Alberta
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
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grant_card_status|open
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Get funding up to $1 million per fiscal year for projects that support the diversification and economic growth in Alberta's agriculture, agri-processing, and agri-based product sectors.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically available for entities registered and operating within the province of Alberta, Canada. Businesses interested in establishing operations in Alberta by March 31, 2028, can also apply given they meet the eligibility criteria laid out by the program.
- Entities registered and operating in Alberta, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$1,000,000
Launching an advanced biofuel production facility
$1,000,000
Expanding meat processing capacity with new cutting-edge technology
$1,000,000
Establishing a plant-based protein processing facility
$1,000,000
Expanding organic vegetable processing facility to increase export capacity
$1,000,000
Development of a collaborative grain storage facility
$1,000,000
Developing a market access initiative for pulse crops
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's registration, operations, and project investments.
- The entity must be registered and operating in Alberta.
- Eligible applicants not operating in Alberta at the time of application must prove they will operate in Alberta and meet the intended project outcomes by no later than March 31, 2028.
- The applicant must be in good standing in accordance with applicable legislation.
- The applicant must be an agriculture or bio-industrial processor, or an industry organization.
- Projects conducted by agriculture and bio-industrial processors must have a minimum total project investment of $2 million.
- There is no minimum total project investment value for industry organizations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
To be eligible for the Emerging Opportunities Grant Program, applicants must be registered and operating in Alberta as agriculture or bio-industrial processors, or industry organizations. Entities not currently operating in Alberta must prove they will operate in the province and meet the intended project outcomes by March 31, 2028. The program is open to Indigenous applicants who may benefit from flexible program requirements. Minimum project investment for processors is $2 million, while industry organizations have no minimum investment requirement.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant does not provide specific exclusions or restrictions related to company types or industries beyond the stated eligibility criteria. The focus is on agriculture and bio-industrial processors and industry organizations with a presence in Alberta by 2028. Detailed eligibility criteria can be discussed directly with the program representatives.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Emerging Opportunities Grant supports diverse activities that drive innovation and growth within Alberta's agriculture sector. Eligible projects focus on enhancing processing capabilities, exploring new markets, and fostering collaboration within the industry.
- Equipment and engineering related to new processing facilities and significant expansion projects that increase processing capacity in Alberta.
- Initiatives that explore market opportunities and directly address barriers to export and new market access.
- Activities that promote collaboration amongst companies to grow the sector.
- Any other activity deemed eligible by the Minister that supports an emerging opportunity in the sector.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for the grant are focused on activities that support the growth of Alberta's value-added agriculture sector through innovation and expansion.
- Equipment and engineering costs related to new processing facilities.
- Costs associated with significant expansion projects increasing processing capacity.
- Initiatives exploring market opportunities and addressing barriers to export and new market access.
- Activities promoting collaboration among companies to grow the sector.
- Any other activities deemed eligible by the Minister that support an emerging opportunity in the sector.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Emerging Opportunities Grant Program are based on their alignment with the program's strategic objectives for growth and development in Alberta's value-added agriculture sector.
- Project alignment with Alberta's strategic objectives for agriculture growth.
- Focus on innovation and potential for significant company growth.
- Sector impact resulting from implementation of new technologies or practices.
- Project feasibility considering investment and operational plans.
- Readiness and potential for market expansion and overcoming export barriers.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Contact the Program
- Reach out to the Emerging Opportunities Program team via phone or email to discuss your project and its alignment with program objectives.
- Ensure your project meets the eligibility and assessment criteria prior to proceeding.
- Step 2: Submission of Letter of Request
- If your project is deemed a fit, prepare and submit a Letter of Request as invited by the program.
- Include core details of the project such as innovation aspects, expected impact, and project costs.
- Step 3: Program Review
- The program area will review your submission based on alignment with assessment criteria.
- Recommendations will be prepared for the Minister based on project alignment and available funding.
- Step 4: Awaiting Decision
- Wait for a formal communication from the program regarding the decision on your application.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
There is limited funding in the program. Grant payments are made based on a reporting and Payment Schedule that forms part of the grant agreement.
- Grant payments are made based on a Reporting and Payment Schedule.
- Maximum grant funding provided by this program is $1,000,000 per fiscal year.
- Costs are shared at 25% for approved capital expenses and 50% for approved non-capital expenses.
grant_single_labels|contact
agribusiness.grants@gov.ab.ca
403-742-7901
Apply to this program
Boost Your Agricultural Innovations with the Emerging Opportunities Grant
The Emerging Opportunities Grant Program aids Alberta’s agriculture and food sector by financing projects that focus on innovation and possess the potential for significant growth. This initiative is tailored to support ventures that refine processing capabilities, explore market expansions, and cultivate industry-wide collaborations.
Detailed Insights into the Emerging Opportunities Grant
The Government of Alberta, recognizing the transformative potential of innovation within the value-added agriculture sector, has introduced the Emerging Opportunities Grant Program to bolster growth and development. This program targets agricultural and bio-industrial processors, emphasizing projects that can substantially uplift a company’s scale and industry impact. With funds aligning with the strategic objectives of the province, recipients are positioned to venture into unprecedented realms of development, whether that’s through acquiring cutting-edge technology or ramping up processing capacities.The grant comes with notable financial stipulations, requiring a minimum $2 million investment from participating agriculture and bio-industrial entities. These insiders into the industry are offered a maximum yearly grant of $1,000,000, capped at $2,000,000 total, ensuring that comprehensive and ambitious projects benefit optimally from the fund’s dispersal. This structure encourages applicants to demonstrate significant commitment and foresight in their project design, optimizing resource use while aligning with the fund's stipulated objectives.Furthermore, the payment structure of the grant is designed to ensure accountability and progress, featuring staged payments contingent upon the program's assessment of submitted progress and final reports. This stepwise funding mechanism not only gauges project advancement but also underscores the importance of financial prudence and strategic execution within the funded activities.The eligibility criteria are straightforward, mandating that applicants be registered and operational in Alberta—or willing to establish their operational base in the province by March 31, 2028—while maintaining good legal standing. This ensures that the chosen projects are not only innovative but also deeply rooted in the Albertan economy, contributing substantially to regional advancements.By welcoming Indigenous business ventures and incorporating flexibility in program prerequisites, the initiative also underscores its commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. This approach acknowledges the unique challenges Indigenous enterprises may encounter, offering tailored support and guidance to ensure equitable opportunities to partake in the sector’s evolution.Thus, the Emerging Opportunities Grant stands as a pivotal resource for businesses aiming to harness innovative potential within Alberta's dynamic agricultural landscape. Its structured financial support coupled with a keen focus on collaborative growth sets the stage for substantial industrial advancement, making it a cornerstone in fostering both economic resilience and strategic development within the sector.
