Open
PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative
Support for Francophone economic development projects
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
Overview
Get financial support for projects that foster economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships, and support for francophone SMEs. The program funds initiatives that strengthen Francophone communities in the Prairie provinces.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
Location
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Social economy enterprise
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Language Minorities
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Other Recreation and Social Clubs
- Higher Education
- Other Education
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Women & girls
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Projects that support economic diversification and business development.
- Projects that promote innovation, partnerships, and SME support.
- Projects related to economic immigration, the green economy, youth, or tourism.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Francophone organizations in Alberta
- Francophone organizations in Saskatchewan
- Francophone organizations in Manitoba
Who is not eligible
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.
- Companies that do not work in French and do not contribute to the development and vitality of the Prairie province's Francophonie.
- Companies whose projects do not serve a Francophone clientele from OLMCs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba.
Eligible expenses
The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) aims to foster economic growth, innovation, and community support in the Prairie provinces. Eligible projects under this grant focus on diversifying the economy, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing tourism and infrastructure.
- Supporting Black Francophone entrepreneurs through business networks and establishing cooperatives.
- Developing historic ecotourism sites to leverage cultural heritage.
- Establishing education and mentoring programs for young entrepreneurs.
- Repairing and enhancing community infrastructure to boost local tourism.
- Creating access points for recreational and tourism development along major waterways.
- Establishing business incubators for Francophone entrepreneurs across the region.
- Developing French-language educational programs to enhance skills and knowledge in key sectors.
- Promoting sustainable growth and competitiveness in bilingual and rural communities.
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
Additional information
- Delivered as a pilot program through the FDEFO.
- Managed by the Francophone Economic Development Organizations (FEDOs) in Western Canada.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative?
Get financial support for projects that foster economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships, and support for francophone SMEs. The program funds initiatives that strengthen Francophone communities in the Prairie provinces.
Who is eligible for the PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative program?
To be eligible for the PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative program, you must:
Work in French
Serve Francophone OLMC clients
Show measurable impact
What expenses are eligible under PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative?
Projects that support economic diversification and business development.
Projects that promote innovation, partnerships, and SME support.
Projects related to economic immigration, the green economy, youth, or tourism.
Who can I contact for more information about the PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative?
You can contact Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) by email at fdefo@cecs-sk.ca.
Where is the PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative available?
The PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative program is available the province of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan.
Is the PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative?
PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative is funded by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)