
Alberta — Value-Added Program
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Overview
The Value-Added Program offers grants up to $250,000 to support diversification, innovation, growth, and job creation in Alberta's value-added food and bio-industrial sectors. Eligible activities include processing capacity expansion, food safety improvement, new product and process development, and market development and access.
At a glance
Funding available
- Develop a new product or service
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Minimum amount : 50,000 $
- Up to 25% of project cost
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Alberta
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- From $ 100,000 to $ 100,000 in revenue
- All organization sizes
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
Activities funded
The Value-Added Program supports activities that enhance the processing capacity and market reach of Alberta's bio-industrial and food sectors. Eligible projects are geared towards increasing production efficiency, ensuring product quality, and expanding market access.
- Processing capacity expansion
- Food safety improvement
- New product and process development
- Market development and access
Documents Needed
- Completed application form.
- Signature page with original handwritten signature.
- Supporting documents requested by the program.
- Quotes or invoices for capital expenses.
- Quotes or invoices for non-capital expenses over $1,000.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Bio-industrial processors.
- Food processors.
- Processors registered in Alberta.
- Indigenous businesses in the agriculture and food sector.
Who is not eligible
- Industry organizations.
- Applied research organizations.
- Post-secondary institutions.
- Government bodies and publicly funded agencies.
- Retail businesses, restaurants, and food establishments.
Eligible expenses
Under the Value-Added Program, eligible projects focus on expanding processing capacity, improving food safety, and developing new products. These activities aim to support market expansion and increase production capacity within Alberta's value-added food and bio-industrial sectors.
- Processing capacity expansion.
- Food safety improvement.
- New product and process development.
- Market development and access.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Purchases made before January 1, 2026.
- Projects with a funding request under $1,000.
- GST and other relevant taxes.
- Shipping costs and vehicle purchases.
- Office leases, website costs, advertising, and other general overhead.
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Applications are assessed against eligibility and merit criteria.
- Applicants may be asked for additional information.
- Applicants are notified once the assessment process is complete.
- A grant agreement or approval letter is required before funding is paid.
Additional information
Here is some miscellaneous information about the grant:
- Processing times aim to complete in up to 23 weeks from the program closing date to notify applicants of project support decisions.