Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG)
Last Update: May 8, 2025
AB, Canada
SR&ED tax credit for SMEs in Alberta
Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG) at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $4,000,000
- Up to 20% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2021
Financing Type
Tax Credits
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Government of Alberta
- Ministry of Treasury Board and Finance (AB)
Status
Open
Overview of the Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG) program
If your business has less than $50 million in taxable capital, you can get a refundable tax credit of up to 20% of your research and development expenses incurred after December 31, 2020.
Financing terms and conditions
The Innovation Employment Grant offers a structured approach to funding R&D expenditures through the Alberta corporate tax system. It provides financial support that adapts to the amount of eligible R&D investment by the corporation.
- 8% payment for eligible R&D spending that matches up to the corporation’s base level of spending.
- Enhanced 20% payment for eligible R&D spending that exceeds the corporation's base spending level.
- Financial benefits apply to up to $4 million in annual R&D spending.
- Grant amounts are calculated based on the corporation's average qualifying R&D spending over the previous two years.
Eligible projects & activities
This grant supports small and medium-sized businesses in Alberta that engage in research and development activities. Eligible projects aim to advance innovation and enhance industrial development through R&D efforts.
- Research and development activities undertaken by corporations in any industry.
- R&D initiatives that align with expenditures qualifying for the federal Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program.
- Projects increasing R&D spending above the corporation’s established base level of R&D expenditure from the previous two years.
- Innovative projects involving substantial R&D spending up to $4 million annually.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 80,000
Developing a new AI-powered financial analysis tool for banks
$ 40,000
Developing a mobile app to improve mental health services
$ 50,000
Developing a sustainable agriculture system using vertical farming methods
$ 45,000
Creating a sustainable packaging solution using biodegradable materials
$ 40,000
Innovating a new line of eco-friendly household cleaning products
$ 60,000
Researching renewable energy solutions with photovoltaic cells
Eligibility criteria of the Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG) program
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the corporation's activities and financial status.
- The applicant must be a corporation undertaking R&D activities in Alberta.
- The corporation should have incurred eligible expenditures in Alberta after December 31, 2020.
- Eligible expenditures must match those that qualify for the federal Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentive Program.
- The grant phases out for firms with $10 million to $50 million in taxable capital.
- Firms with $50 million or more in taxable capital are not eligible for the grant.
Who is eligible?
The grant is available to corporations undertaking R&D in Alberta. It specifically targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by phasing out incrementally for firms that have taxable capital between $10 million and $50 million. Firms with $50 million or more in taxable capital are not eligible, ensuring the focus remains on SMEs.
Who is not eligible
This grant does not specify any industry exclusions; however, there are financial eligibility criteria that companies must meet. Restrictions focus on ensuring the support targets small and medium-sized enterprises based on capital limits.
- Firms with $50 million or more in taxable capital are not eligible for the grant, as the grant phases out incrementally for firms with taxable capital between $10 million and $50 million.
Eligible expenses
Eligible projects and activities under the Innovation Employment Grant focus on research and development endeavors within Alberta. These initiatives aim to advance technological capabilities and innovation across different sectors.
- Research and development projects that align with the federal Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Incentive Program.
- Innovative projects exceeding previous average R&D spending levels.
- Technology development and enhancement efforts that are conducted within Alberta.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to companies that undertake research and development (R&D) specifically in Alberta, Canada. The focus is on driving economic growth within this provincial jurisdiction.
- Companies operating and conducting R&D within the province of Alberta.
Eligibility criteria of the Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG) program
There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Innovation Employment Grant.
- Corporations must undertake R&D in Alberta
- Base level of spending determined by average qualifying R&D spending over previous 2 years
- Grant phases out for firms with taxable capital between $10 million and $50 million
- Eligible expenditures must match those qualifying for the federal SR&ED program
How to apply to the Alberta Innovation Employment Grant (IEG) program
1
Verify Eligibility Ensure your corporation conducts R&D activities in Alberta.
- Confirm that your corporation's taxable capital is below $50 million.
- Verify that your expenditures qualify under the federal SR&ED program.
2
Collect Documentation Compile records of all R&D expenditures incurred in Alberta after December 31, 2020.
Calculate your corporation’s base level of R&D spending from the past two years for comparison.
3
Prepare the AT1 Tax Return Complete the Alberta Corporate Income Tax Return (AT1) for the applicable taxation year.
Ensure all corporate income tax calculations are up to date and accurate.
4
Complete Schedule 29 Fill out Schedule 29, which is specific to the Innovation Employment Grant.
Detail all qualifying R&D expenditures for the grant calculation.
5
Submit Tax Return File the completed AT1 return along with Schedule 29 to the Tax and Revenue Administration of Alberta.
Ensure submission occurs by the tax filing deadline to avoid any delays.
6
Wait for Confirmation Await verification of expenses and grant approval from the Canada Revenue Agency.
Receive confirmation once the grant has been processed.
Additional information
Consider these additional details regarding the Innovation Employment Grant:
- The grant works through the corporate tax system, allowing for integration with regular tax return processes.
- The payment for grant claims will be subject to verification by the Canada Revenue Agency, ensuring expenditures align with qualifying criteria.
- Supporting documentation is critical; applicants must refer to the Guide to Claiming the Alberta Innovation Employment Grant for accurate preparation.
- The grant complements other economic incentives like the Job Creation Tax Cut, benefiting firms at different stages of their business cycles.
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