PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative
Canada
Funding to support francophone businesses and communities in the Prairie region
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
grant_single|grantors
- Prairies Economic Development Canada (PRAIRIESCAN)
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a non-repayable contribution for projects and initiatives that foster economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships and increased support for francophone SMEs.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is designated for projects benefitting Francophone communities within the Prairie provinces. Eligible areas include regions where Francophone clientele from OLMCs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba are served.
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$60,000
Establishing a continuing education platform and mentoring for young entrepreneurs
$35,000
Repair and replace signage for the 'piste de la légende de Bellevue'
$70,000
Create a support network for francophone SMEs
$75,000
Develop an economic immigration program for skilled French-speaking workers
$60,000
Establish a tourism promotional campaign for Halifax's francophone heritage sites
$90,000
Launch a green economy initiative for small businesses
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's operations in the Prairie provinces and the project’s alignment with community and economic goals.
- 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 OLMCs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba.
- Projects must demonstrate a real impact with clear and measurable benefits in at least one of the specified sectors: economic diversification and development, economic immigration, the green economy, youth, and tourism.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.
- Personnel salaries and benefits for project-related roles.
- Purchase of equipment and materials necessary for project execution.
- Travel and accommodation expenses directly associated with the project.
- Consulting fees for external expertise or technical support.
- Marketing and outreach costs for promoting project outcomes.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- 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 OLMCs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba.
- Projects funded under the program may be local, provincial, or interprovincial in scope and must demonstrate a real impact in specific sectors such as economic diversification, economic immigration, the green economy, youth, or tourism.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the EDI grant:
- Step 1: Initial Contact
- Identify your local Francophone Economic Development Organizations (FEDOs) in Western Canada.
- Reach out to the FEDOs to discuss your project idea.
- Email your project idea to fdefo@cecs-sk.ca for further guidance.
- Step 2: Prepare Application
- Develop a detailed project proposal outlining objectives, expected outcomes, and target Francophone clientele in OLMCs.
- Provide supporting documents such as project budget, timeline, and letters of support if applicable.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Finalize all components of your application ensuring they meet EDI criteria.
- Submit your completed application through the guidance provided by the local FEDOs.
- Step 4: Acknowledgment of Receipt
- Receive confirmation from the FEDOs that your application has been received.
- Keep this confirmation for your records and follow any additional instructions provided.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
fdefo@cecs-sk.ca
Apply to this program
Enhancing Economic Opportunities through the Economic Development Initiative
The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) offers financial support to encourage economic diversification, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and foster innovation in Francophone communities within the Prairie provinces of Canada. It focuses on building partnerships and enhancing business development to boost the economic landscape of Western Canada's Francophone communities.
Detailed Insights into the Economic Development Initiative and Its Influence
Launched as part of the Government of Canada's Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023, the Economic Development Initiative (EDI) is a key scheme aimed at strengthening the economic frameworks of official language minority communities (OLMCs) in the Prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. With a part of the $2.7 billion budget allocated across various federal departments, this initiative marks the most significant federal investment in official languages to date, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity in economic growth strategies.
The EDI seeks to leverage and reflect the rich cultural tapestry of Francophone communities, providing targeted financial backing for projects that push the boundaries in areas such as economic diversification, the promotion of trade and investment, support for economic immigration, and the championing of the green economy. By focusing these efforts on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the EDI aims to lay down the groundwork for sustainable economic growth, catalyzing opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive in a competitive market landscape.
Specifically, the EDI is facilitated through the Fonds de développement économique francophone de l’Ouest canadien (FDEFO), managed by the Francophone Economic Development Organizations (FEDOs) across Western Canada. These crucial bodies serve as local conduits for the initiative, assisting applicants in navigating the funding process and ensuring that the proposed projects resonate with community and economic goals. By acting as the intermediary, the FEDOs play a vital role in bridging the gap between governmental initiatives and community needs.
Projects funded through the EDI are diverse, with contributions tailored to the specific needs and challenges of Francophone communities in each province. From capital investments in ecotourism in Manitoba to fostering Black Francophone entrepreneurship in Alberta, the initiative highlights a tailored approach to economic development. These projects not only reinforce local economies by leveraging cultural and historical assets but also introduce innovative business models and opportunities for community integration and prosperity.
Moreover, a focus on youth, education, and tourism underscores the strategic intent of the EDI to build a resilient and inclusive economic environment. Initiatives like the development of continuous education platforms for entrepreneurs and the establishment of mentoring programs in business administration illustrate a commitment to cultivating the next generation of Francophone leaders equipped with the skills to drive future growth.
Through its dedicated focus on sustainable development and ecological awareness, the EDI also champions initiatives within the green economy, encouraging projects that align economic growth with environmental stewardship. This perspective not only ensures the protection of natural resources but also enhances the long-term viability and competitiveness of Francophone communities, aligning with broader national sustainability goals.
Overall, the Economic Development Initiative represents a strategic infusion of resources aimed at bolstering Francophone communities within Canada's Prairie provinces. By supporting innovation, facilitating strategic partnerships, and nurturing sustainable economic practices, the EDI plays a critical role in shaping a prosperous future for these communities. For applicants, the initiative offers not only financial backing but also access to a network of developmental support structures designed to maximize project success and community impact.
