Funding and Development Opportunities
Mountain View County Grants and Funding
Province of Alberta Small Business Resources/ Funding Opportunities
Government of Canada Business Grants and Financing
The following are up-to-date opportunities available for local businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and other interested parties. If you need further information on any of the below, please contact Economic Development for assistance by email at: ecdev@mvcounty.com.
Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) Program: Open Until Nov 19
Eligible projects will be led by Alberta municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations that promote regional economic development and diversification. See Program Guidelines, Application Companion Guide, and link to the Online Application Portal. Learn more about NRED at a virtual session ( right click on session link & copy into your calendar)
Oct 29, 1:30 – 2:30 PM – Click here to join
Nov 12, 1:30 – 2:30 PM – Click here to join
Reach out directly to me if you have any questions or if you’d like to brainstorm ideas for a project.
PrairiesCan Build Communities Strong Fund – Local Impact Stream: Open Oct 19 – Nov 30
Supports community infrastructure that provides facilities that the public can access, which generate economic activity. Funds local governments (and their related organizations), and incorporated not-for-profit organizations by investing in community infrastructure projects for public use and/or benefit that:
- enhance community well-being and economic strength across the Prairie provinces; and
- enable communities—including rural, remote, and Indigenous communities—to create, improve, or modernize infrastructure that delivers lasting economic benefits.
This fund may support recreational facility upgrades, which can then increase number of tournaments and attract more guests to a community. However, infrastructure such as deep services and wastewater treatment plants are not eligible under this stream.
Ethnocultural and Anti-Racism Grant Programs: Applications Open Until Oct 30
The Ethnocultural Grant program supports community-led multiculturalism initiatives. Eligible organizations can apply for grants of up to $50K for projects that foster intercultural connections, or up to $15,000 for initiatives that celebrate the many backgrounds and traditions in Alberta.
The Anti-Racism Grant supports community-led anti-racism initiatives. Eligible organizations can apply for grants of up to $10K for projects that combine public education with efforts to expand their work, or up to $5K for initiatives focused on raising awareness of racism and its impacts.
The Food-Link Fund: Food Hub Program: (federal AAFC funding program): Open Oct 14 – Dec 11
Supports investments in regional infrastructure, equipment, and logistics capacity that connect local producers to markets and improve supply chain efficiency.
WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing
Funded by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, eligible employers can receive a wage subsidy of up to $5K to support a training period of 8 weeks or more.
Level Up Trade Program: Applications Open
This program supports Alberta businesses with expanding into more markets. Eligible businesses include those with at least ONE of the following:
- have participated in a trade mission led by GoA, CED, GAC, or Edmonton Global
- have been referred by government staff or a partner organization
- have completed the Trade Accelerator Program
- had a minimum of $250K in revenue in the most recent fiscal year
Team Canada Strong Youth Placements: Apply between Sept 17 – Oct 23
Eligible organizations may request up to $15M per year for up to 2 years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and available funding.
CanExport Community Investments 2027-2028 Call for Proposals: Open Jan 4 – Feb 1
On Jan 4 a PDF version of the application form will be available. Applicants can use the PDF to review requirements, gather supporting information, and draft their responses in advance. The PDF application will be emailed to organizations that have applied within the past four years and will also be available for download HERE. Watch for registration to open for info sessions on Dec 1 & 8.
Rural Student Spotlight Program: Starts Oct 19
The Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network (CARIN) is seeking up to 10 rural entrepreneurs open to having post-secondary students help them overcome technology adoption and commercialization road blocks. The students will provide 50 hours of time and expertise funded by CARIN and employers have the option of attaining an additional 50 hours of assistance through self-funding. For more info contact karen.vavrek@rdpolytech.ca.
Catalyst Incubator: Registrations Now Open for Winter 2027
Are you or someone you know an entrepreneur with an early stage idea? Join the 9-week free program!
S-CAP Value Added Programs - Applications for 2026-2027 year close on Nov 9
Value -Added Program invests in projects that increase company sales & production capacity, expand market opportunities, & create jobs in Alberta
On-Farm Value-Added Program helps primary producers grow sales, expand production capacity, explore market opportunities, & create jobs in Alberta
Learning Opportunities:
- Community Futures Launchpad Courses for Entrepreneurs
- Regional Business Support Network Biz Bite Video Library
- AB Community Development Fall 2026 Webinars
- Cooperatives First Fall 2026 Webinar Series
- Startup Global: 90 minute webinars focused on scaling beyond borders
- Lab Services Incentive Program Info Session: Virtual at 10 AM on Oct 15
- Pitch Training: Virtual from 6 – 8 PM on Oct 15
- EmpowRize Program for BIPOC Founders: Oct 23-25, Nov 6, 7, 13 & 14
- Leadership Skills for Overworked Entrepreneurs: Virtual at 11 AM on Oct 28
- Fundraising for Founders Series: Virtual from 7 – 9 PM, Nov 30 – Dec 5
- Startup Investing Course: Virtual from 7 – 9 PM, Dec 7-10
Upcoming Events:
- Ten Peaks Innovation Xchange Breakfast: Oct 15, Red Deer Polytechnic
- Central AB Aerospace & Defence Event: Hosted by EMC & the Red Deer Regional Airport: Oct 15 at 8 AM
- AI at Work Workshop for Busy Business Owners: Oct 22, Innisfail
- Charting your Small Business Through the Changing Labour Market: 7 AM – Noon on Oct 22, Lacombe (see attached Small Business Week poster)
- National Housing Day Conference: Nov 25, Virtual
- Tourism Economic Budget Forum: Nov 16, Edmonton
- Rural RIN Pitch Event – early stage category: Dec 4, Virtual