Alberta — Value-Added Program

• 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.

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

• Total project investment relative to the grant request.
• Ability to secure project funding.
• Potential to increase production, sales, jobs, and market reach.
• Applicant’s capacity to complete the project.
• Past project results under the program, if applicable.

• Step 1: Check eligibility
  • Review the program terms and conditions.
  • Confirm your project matches the funding list.
  • Contact program staff with eligibility questions.
• Step 2: Complete the form
  • Download and complete the application form.
  • Read the certification section before signing.
  • Use original handwritten signatures only.
• Step 3: Submit the application
  • Send the completed form and supporting documents by email or mail.
  • Use the program email address or the Edmonton mailing address provided by the program.
  • Submit within 90 days of the project start date.
• Step 4: After submission
  • You may be contacted for additional information.
  • Wait for the outcome after the assessment process is complete.

• 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.

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.