Emerging Opportunities
Last Update: July 22, 2025
AB, Canada
Support for Alberta's agriculture sectors
Emerging Opportunities at a glance
Eligible Funding
- From $2,000,000 to $1,000,000
- Up to 25% of project cost
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
Grant Providers
- Government of Alberta
- Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP)
Program status
Open
Overview of the Emerging Opportunities program
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.
Financing terms and conditions
The Emerging Opportunities Grant offers structured co-funding options to promote significant growth in Alberta's value-added agriculture sector. The program stipulates specific modalities for funding distribution based on the nature of project expenses.
- Maximum grant funding is $1,000,000 per fiscal year, with a total project funding cap of $2,000,000.
- Co-funding provides 25% for approved capital expenses.
- Co-funding provides 50% for approved non-capital expenses.
- Grant payments are contingent on a Reporting and Payment Schedule, requiring approved progress and final reports.
Eligible projects & activities
The Emerging Opportunities Grant supports projects within Alberta's value-added agriculture sector that demonstrate high innovation and potential for growth. Eligible projects are those that introduce new technologies, expand processing capacities, and enhance market access.
- Equipment and engineering activities related to establishing new processing facilities or significant expansion projects.
- Initiatives exploring market opportunities and addressing barriers to export and new market access.
- Activities promoting collaboration among companies to grow the agricultural sector.
- Other activities that the Minister deems support emerging opportunities within the sector.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 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
Eligibility criteria of the Emerging Opportunities program
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.
Who is eligible?
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.
Who is not eligible
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.
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.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically available to entities that are registered and operating in Alberta, or those that will establish operations in Alberta by a specified deadline. This geographic focus is intended to support local economic development in Alberta's agriculture and bio-industrial sectors.
- Companies registered and operating in Alberta.
- Entities planning to operate in Alberta by March 31, 2028.
Eligibility criteria of the Emerging Opportunities program
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.
How to apply to the Emerging Opportunities program
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.
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.
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.
4
Awaiting Decision
Wait for a formal communication from the program regarding the decision on your application.
Additional information
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.
Contact Government of Alberta
agribusiness.grants@gov.ab.ca
403-742-7901
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