Emerging Opportunities
AB, Canada
Support for Alberta's agriculture sectors
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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
Projects conducted by agriculture and bio-industrial processors must have a minimum total project investment of $2 million. Eligible projects must include one or a combination of the following activities:
- 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_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$1,000,000
Red Deer
Launching an advanced biofuel production facility
$1,000,000
Edmonton
Expanding organic vegetable processing facility to increase export capacity
$1,000,000
Leduc
Expanding meat processing capacity with new cutting-edge technology
$1,000,000
Edmonton
Establishing a plant-based protein processing facility
$1,000,000
Calgary
Development of a collaborative grain storage facility
$1,000,000
Medicine Hat
Developing a market access initiative for pulse crops
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The eligibility criteria for this grant are as follows:
- Registered and operating in Alberta
- In good standing in accordance with applicable legislation
- An agriculture or bio-industrial processor, or an industry organization
- Indigenous applicants must prove they will operate in Alberta and meet project outcomes by March 31, 2028
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible types of companies for this grant include agriculture or bio-industrial processors, industry organizations, and Indigenous applicants.
Additionally, companies must be registered and operating in Alberta or prove they will operate in Alberta by a specified timeline.
- Agriculture or bio-industrial processors
- Industry organizations
- Indigenous applicants
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include:
- Equipment and engineering related to new processing facilities and significant expansion projects
- Initiatives that explore market opportunities and address export barriers
- Activities promoting collaboration among companies to grow the sector
- Other eligible activities that support emerging opportunities in the sector
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible applicants for this grant must be registered and operating in Alberta.
- Registered and operating in Alberta
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Emerging Opportunities Grant Program has evaluation and selection criteria that focus on innovation, company growth, and sector impact to support projects in the value-added agriculture sector.
- Projects must demonstrate significant company growth and sector impact.
- Emphasis is placed on innovation, new technologies, best practices, capacity expansions, and new builds.
- Projects should align with assessment criteria and available funding.
- There are minimum total project investment requirements for agriculture and bio-industrial processors.
- Eligible projects include equipment and engineering for new processing facilities, market exploration, sector growth collaboration, and other emerging opportunities in the sector.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Contact the program area directly to discuss if the project meets the objectives of the program.
- Step 2: If the project is deemed a fit, the applicant will be invited to submit a Letter of Request to the program.
- Step 3: The program area will prepare recommendations for the Minister based on project alignment with assessment criteria and available funding.
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
Emerging Opportunities Grant Program Overview
The Emerging Opportunities Grant Program in Alberta is designed to support the growth and development of the province's value-added agriculture sector through innovative projects that drive company growth and sector impact. With a focus on new technologies, best practices, capacity expansions, and new builds, this program aims to foster a thriving agricultural landscape.
Emerging Opportunities Grant Program: Supporting Alberta's Agricultural Sector
The Emerging Opportunities Grant Program is a strategic initiative by the Government of Alberta to propel the value-added agriculture industry forward. This program targets projects that emphasize innovation, significant company growth, and broader sectoral impact. By encouraging the adoption of new technologies, implementing best practices, facilitating capacity expansions, and supporting new construction projects, the program aims to boost the overall competitiveness and sustainability of Alberta's agriculture sector.
Program Objectives and Criteria
The primary objectives of the Emerging Opportunities Grant Program are to drive innovation within the value-added agriculture sector, spur company growth, and enhance the overall sector impact. Projects eligible for funding should align with these key objectives and showcase a clear potential for fostering growth, advancing technology, and contributing to market development.
Projects considered for funding under this program should have a minimum total project investment of $2 million, with a maximum grant funding of $1 million per fiscal year and a project maximum of $2 million. The program encourages collaboration among companies to promote sectoral growth, explore market opportunities, and address barriers to export and new market access.
Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible for the Emerging Opportunities Grant Program, entities must be registered and operating in Alberta or prove that they will operate in the province by a specified date. Agriculture or bio-industrial processors, as well as industry organizations, are eligible to apply for funding under this program. Indigenous businesses are also welcomed to apply, with special considerations for their unique operational characteristics.
Interested applicants can contact the program area directly to discuss the fit of their projects with the program's objectives. If the project aligns with the program criteria, applicants will be invited to submit a letter of request for funding consideration. The program area will then prepare recommendations for the Minister based on project alignment and available funding.
Funding and Grant Payments
The Emerging Opportunities Grant Program offers limited funding opportunities for eligible projects, with a focus on shared costs for approved capital and non-capital expenses. Grant payments are made based on a predefined Reporting and Payment Schedule, which includes initial, progress, and final payments tied to project milestones and reporting requirements.
For agriculture and bio-industrial processors, grant funding may cover up to 25% of approved capital expenses and 50% of approved non-capital expenses. Industry organizations do not have a minimum total project investment value requirement, providing more flexibility in funding accessibility.
Connect with the Program
For more information about the Emerging Opportunities Grant Program or to inquire about the application process, interested parties can reach out to the program team during regular business hours. Contact details, including a toll-free number and email, are provided for convenient communication with the program administrators.
By supporting innovative projects, fostering sector growth, and driving technological advancements, the Emerging Opportunities Grant Program aims to strengthen Alberta's value-added agriculture sector and ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness in the industry.
