Open
PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative
Funding to support francophone businesses and communities in the Prairie region
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
Overview
Get a non-repayable contribution for projects and initiatives that foster economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships and increased support for francophone SMEs.
/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
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
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
The Economic Development Initiative supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing economic opportunities and sustainable growth within Francophone communities across the Prairie provinces. Projects that qualify focus on increasing business networks, boosting tourism, and facilitating educational progress among others.
- Establishment of sewing cooperatives for Black Francophone women to develop professional opportunities.
- Creation of a historic ecotourism site celebrating Francophone and Métis heritage.
- Development of a continuing education platform for entrepreneurs and mentoring programs for youth in business administration.
- Renovation and signage replacement for historical trails to improve local tourism.
- Construction of a boat ramp to boost recreation and tourism along the Red River.
- Creation of business incubators to support Francophone entrepreneurs across Western Canada.
- Provision of French-language post-graduate courses in inclusive education.
- Acquisition of equipment and resources for a French-language Nursing program.
- Programs promoting sustainable growth and competitiveness in bilingual communities.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) in the Prairie provinces must be organizations working in French that aim to contribute to the development and vitality of the Francophone communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba. Projects must specifically serve Francophone clients in official language minority communities within these provinces.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
The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) grant is available for projects aiding official language minority communities in the Prairie provinces. Eligible geographical areas are within Western Canada, specifically targeting Francophone communities.
- Projects serving Francophone communities in Alberta.
- Projects based in Saskatchewan's Francophone regions.
- Initiatives within Francophone areas of Manitoba.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The EDI is delivered as a pilot program in Western Canada through the Fonds de développement économique francophone de l'Ouest canadien (FDEFO).
- Four Francophone Economic Development Organizations (FEDOs) in Western Canada are responsible for managing this fund.
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 a non-repayable contribution for projects and initiatives that foster economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships and increased support for francophone SMEs.
Who is eligible for the PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative program?
To be eligible for the PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative program, you must:
Applicant(s) must work in French and contribute to the development and vitality of the Prairie province's Francophonie.
Projects must serve a Francophone clientele from Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba.
Projects must demonstrate real impact with clear and measurable benefits in sectors such as economic diversification, green economy, or tourism.
What expenses are eligible under PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative?
The Economic Development Initiative supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing economic opportunities and sustainable growth within Francophone communities across the Prairie provinces. Projects that qualify focus on increasing business networks, boosting tourism, and facilitating educational progress among others. Establishment of sewing cooperatives for Black Francophone women to develop professional opportunities.
Creation of a historic ecotourism site celebrating Francophone and Métis heritage.
Development of a continuing education platform for entrepreneurs and mentoring programs for youth in business administration.
Renovation and signage replacement for historical trails to improve local tourism.
Construction of a boat ramp to boost recreation and tourism along the Red River.
Creation of business incubators to support Francophone entrepreneurs across Western Canada.
Provision of French-language post-graduate courses in inclusive education.
Acquisition of equipment and resources for a French-language Nursing program.
Programs promoting sustainable growth and competitiveness in bilingual communities.
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), Government of Canada