Emerging Opportunities Program

Overview

The Emerging Opportunities Grant Program supports the Government of Alberta’s strategic objectives related to growth and development of Alberta’s value-added agriculture sector. The program supports projects that focus on innovation and result in significant company growth and sector impact. Projects can include new technologies, best new practises, significant capacity expansions and new builds.

Intake

Interested applicants can contact the program area directly to discuss if the project meets the objectives of the program. If the project is deemed a fit, the applicant will be invited to submit a letter of request to the program. The program area will prepare recommendations for the Minister based on project alignment with assessment criteria and available funding.

Funding

There is limited funding in the program.

Maximum grant funding provided by this program is $1,000,000 per fiscal year, to a project maximum of $2,000,000.

A project will only be considered under one program (processors cannot apply to more than one Alberta Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) program for the same project expenses). Further details will be shared with applicants that are invited to apply for funding.

Cost share for approved capital expenses is 25% government and 75% applicant. Cost share for approved non-capital expenses is 50% government and 50% applicant.

Grant payments

Grant payments are made based on a Reporting and Payment Schedule that forms part of the grant agreement. Typically, a payment is made upon full execution of the grant with a progress payment tied to receipt and approval of a status report and then a final payment will be based on the receipt and approval of the final report.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this program, an entity must be:

• registered and operating in Alberta
  • Eligible applicants not operating in Alberta at the time of application must prove they will operate in Alberta and meet the intended project outcomes by no later than March 31, 2028.
• in good standing in accordance with applicable legislation
• an agriculture or bio-industrial processor, or an industry organization

Indigenous applicants

The province is committed to supporting the success of Indigenous businesses in the agriculture and food sector. We understand that Indigenous businesses may have distinct characteristics reflective of regulatory, operational, cultural and other factors affecting their business history and operation. We aim for flexibility in our programs. If you are interested in applying for the program but have questions about the application process or eligibility requirements, contact program staff at [email protected].

Eligible projects

Projects conducted by agriculture and bio-industrial processors must have a minimum total project investment of $2 million.

Industry organizations do not have a minimum total project investment value.

Eligible projects must include one or a combination of the following activities:

• equipment and engineering related to new processing facilities and significant expansion projects that increase processing capacity in Alberta
• initiatives that explore market opportunities and directly address barriers to export and new market access
• activities that promote collaboration amongst companies to grow the sector
• any other activity deemed eligible by the Minister that supports an emerging opportunity in the sector

How to apply

• Interested applicants can contact the program area directly to discuss if their project meets the objectives of the program. If the project is deemed a fit, the applicant will be invited to submit a letter of request to the program.
• The program area will prepare recommendations for minister based on project alignment with assessment criteria and available funding.

Contact

Connect with the Emerging Opportunities Program team:

Email: [email protected]

General information:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)

Toll free: 310-FARM (3276) (in Alberta)
Phone: 403-742-7901 (outside Alberta)

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