Overview
The Industry Advancement Grant provides funding to organizations for initiatives that enhance Class 1 and 3 driver recruitment, training and retention in Alberta’s commercial transportation industry. It supports project-based efforts to attract new talent, increase industry awareness, and create sustainable partnerships.
Program goals and benefits
This funding stream aims to strengthen the transportation industry by addressing the shortage of commercial drivers in Alberta. Organizations can apply for funding to support initiatives that attract, retain and diversify the workforce.
Organizations can apply for funding to support projects that contribute to:
- training and transferability, attraction, and retention of Class 1 and Class 3 drivers in the Alberta commercial transportation industry
- diversification of Class 1 and Class 3 drivers in the Alberta commercial transportation industry
Who can apply
Through this funding stream, organizations can apply for one-time project-based funding to support projects that advance the commercial driving industry. To qualify for the Industry Advancement Grant, organizations must be one of the following:
- Non-profit organizations
- First Nations and Metis Settlements
All organizations must have at least one year of direct experience supporting the commercial transportation industry and/or drivers in Alberta and must be in good standing with the province.
Under the Industry Advancement Grant program, there is no maximum limit to the number of partners involved in a project, however one entity must be designated as the lead and the roles and contributions of each partner must be clearly defined.
Private businesses (such as numbered companies, etc.), as the primary applicant, may be permitted on an exceptional, case-by-case basis. If a private business is the primary applicant, the application must provide evidence that the goals and outcomes of their specific project are related to benefiting the public broadly, and to advancing the commercial driving industry as a whole. The private business should also demonstrate readiness for the grant including partnerships, operating for more than one year, etc.
Funding
The funding for this program is project-based. Key features of the funding include:
- grants of up to $1 million depending on the scope of the project
- no limit on the number of projects an organization can receive funding for
- proposals from individual organizations or group proposals will be accepted
Organizations have up to 2 years to finish their project. Ongoing projects may be eligible for this one-time funding.
How to apply
On April 15, 2025, the grant guidelines will be available and organizations will be able to submit expressions of interest.
Contact
For questions related to this grant and the Class 1 Learning Pathway, please contact Programadmin@learningpathwaygrant.ca.