Northern and Regional Economic Development Program

• The NRED Program will provide up to 75% of total eligible project costs.
• Total eligible project costs must be a minimum of $13,333.
• Applicants must be able to match the funding requested at a minimum of 25% of the total project cost.

• The NRED Program will provide up to 50% of total eligible project costs.
• Total eligible project costs must be a minimum of $20,000.
• Applicants must be able to match the funding requested at a minimum of 50% of the total project cost.

Entities eligible to apply for funding under the NRED Program include:

• incorporated non-profit organizations that have an economic development mandate
• municipalities
• Indigenous communities, including First Nations or Métis Settlements

Refer to the NRED Program Application Guidelines for further details on entities that are eligible to apply.

Applications from project-based partnerships are permitted provided the application is submitted by an eligible entity (listed above). This entity will be considered the ‘lead’ and, if successful, will enter an agreement with the Alberta government on behalf of their organization and their partner(s).

The NRED Program funds initiatives that support economic development and will achieve tangible and impactful results in one or more of the following priority areas:

• Increase investment readiness and regional attractiveness for private investment.
• Support planning and feasibility studies that lead to economic development enabling investments to boost regional growth.
• Support local and regional business and industry, business retention and expansion.

Projects must not take more than 3 years to complete and must be ready to begin immediately at the start of the grant. An eligible project must identify with one of these project types:

• Planning/feasibility studies: This includes market analyses, feasibility studies for new ventures, and other planning activities that lay the groundwork for future development projects.
• Training or events: Projects that focus on enhancing skills and capacity through conferences, webinars, or other training events.
• Marketing and investment/regional promotion: Initiatives aimed at attracting investments, promoting the region, and improving its appeal to private investors through targeted marketing campaigns and strategies.
• Business retention and expansion projects: Projects that support the growth and expansion of local businesses, including initiatives that provide direct support to businesses to help them scale and become more competitive.
• Other: Projects that align with program priorities but do not fit into the above categories. There include innovative initiatives, pilot projects, research and development, and unique approaches that support investment readiness, economic development, and business supports.
   

Arts Council Wood Buffalo
Arts Incubator Project is a plan to transform the Arts Council Wood Buffalo (ACWB) property in downtown Fort McMurray into a creative hub to drive economic opportunities.

• Grant amount: $200,000

Athabasca County
Athabasca County Regional Branding Strategy and Initiatives will support a regional branding strategy for the Athabasca Region.

• Grant amount: $102,750

City of Grande Prairie
The City of Grande Prairie will develop its Investment Attraction Action Plan.

• Grant amount: $75,000

Cold Lake First Nations
PDEMS Fire Training Centre will deliver training and labour skill development for the fire department that address gaps in the local labour force.

• Grant amount: $72,150

Community Futures Lakeland
The Power Up North 2023 Conference will deliver training sessions, networking and growth opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses in the northeast region.

• Grant amount $41,000

County of St. Paul, No 19
The Regional Tourism Development project will support a feasibility study to identify tourism opportunities and assets that can be further developed to build capacity in regional and provincial tourism.

• Grant amount: $70,000

Frog Lake First Nation
The Developmental Indigenous Sustainable Hemp Ecosystem Strategy (DISHES) will develop a business feasibility study and an investment outreach strategy for Indigenous landowners, which will determine the viability of a hemp facility in the region.

• Grant amount: $25,000

Lac La Biche County
The Main Street Revitalization project will improve the existing main street in order to increase business attraction and improve the visitor experience in Lac La Biche County.

• Grant amount: $200,000

Town of Westlock
Heritage Building HVAC Energy Efficiency and Exterior Upgrade project modernize the Heritage Building in order to increase tourism traffic and bring more economic development opportunities to downtown Westlock.

• Grant amount: $200,000

County of Grande Prairie No. 1
The County of Grande Prairie will implement its Industrial Investment Attraction Strategy and develop investment marketing.

• Grant amount: $37,000

High Level Native Friendship Centre Society
The Friendship Park and History Walk project will enhance and upgrade the High Level Native Friendship Centre's amenities.

• Grant amount: $114,000

Mackenzie County
Mackenzie County will develop an outdoor recreation and tourism plan.

• Grant amount: $55,800

Municipal District of Peace No. 135
The Recreation and Tourism Development Signage project will help increase tourism to the Municipal District of Peace.

• Grant amount: $24,500

Northern Sunrise County
Sunrise Gateway Busines Park Business Attraction Strategy will support a marketing package to attract new development in the Sunrise County Business Park.

• Grant amount: $20,000

Regional Economic Development Initiative for Northwest Alberta
Northwest Alberta Investment Attraction and Business Development project will support the creation of business cases and undertaking activities, such as feasibility studies, workshops and conferences, to support local entrepreneurs and investors in the Northwest region.

• Grant amount: $83,200

The Village of Berwyn
The Berwyn Main Street Beautification project will support the development of a highway-commercial and multi-family residential structure plan.

• Grant amount: $33,000

Town of Fox Creek
The Fox Creek Wayfinding Signage project will enhance wayfinding signage in Fox Creek.

• Grant amount: $199,300

Town of Grimshaw
The Social Media Readiness and Development project will provide business supports and marketing within the Town of Grimshaw.

• Grant amount: $30,000

Town of High Level
The High Level Business Attraction project will support proactive attraction of new businesses and services that fill existing commercial, industrial, and services gaps.

• Grant amount: $99,500

Town of Peace River
The Town of Peace River will develop the Investment Attraction Strategy for a Northern Hub.

• Grant amount: $32,500

Town of Slave Lake
The Industrial Land Market and Fiscal Impact Analysis project will develop an investment attraction action plan for the Town of Slave Lake.

• Grant amount: $35,500

Town of Spirit River
The Town of Spirit River will upgrade and revitalize the Chepi Sepe Campground.

• Grant amount: $30,475

Village of Donnelly
The Hemp Decortication, Economic Development Strategy and Infrastructure Improvements Project will support a strategy to develop a new agricultural and processing industry within northern Alberta's largest agricultural area.

• Grant amount: $100,000

Willmore Wilderness Preservation and Historical Foundation
The Rocky Mountain Traditions Moving Forward project will support marketing, tourism awareness and capacity building in the guide and outfitting sectors.

• Grant amount: $149,000

Camrose County
The Choose Camrose Region Marketing Campaign will promote rural communities and businesses in Camrose County to bring awareness and infuse economic growth.

• Grant amount: $21,900

Camrose Regional Exhibition and Agricultural Society
Camrose Regional Exhibition Economic Impact Study will evaluate the economic benefits of the Camrose Regional Exhibition.

• Grant amount: $25,000

City of Camrose, Tourism Development
The project will help build capacity in economic development, and create a trail master plan and a destination and events attraction plan for the City of Camrose.

• Grant amount: $54,750

Flagstaff County
The Flagstaff Business Support Hub Program will provide business supports and capacity building for small business owners in the Flagstaff region.

• Grant amount: $84,700

Go East Regional Tourism Organization
The Go East RTO Regional Tourism Development and Industry Support Initiative will provide business support and training for entrepreneurs northeast, east and southeast of Edmonton aimed to retain and create new jobs in the tourism industry.

• Grant amount: $40,000

Lamont County
Lamont County's Integrated Heartland Infrastructure Planning project will support infrastructure planning in Lamont County's heavy industrial area in order to facilitate client needs aiming to locate their projects in Lamont County.

• Grant amount: $200,000

Samson Cree Nation
The National Final Rodeo Tourism Project will assist in building tourism capacity for Samson Cree Nation and area.

• Grant amount: $35,925

Town of Drumheller
CN Rail to Trail Wayfinding Signage project will improve the trail network and pedestrian connectivity to allow better access to town businesses, gathering places, and natural amenities.

• Grant amount: $38,000

Town of Provost
Provost and Region Tourist Revitalization Partnership will create a cohesive tourism plan for economic impact in Provost and throughout the region.

• Grant amount: $34,000

Town of Sedgewick
The Connect Mobility Project will make upgrades to provide better connectivity for underserved businesses in Sedgewick.

• Grant amount: $50,000

Town of Vegreville
The Town of Vegreville will develop a wayfinding signage master plan and signage standards that tailor to Vegreville's brand and identity, which will create easy navigation for residents and visitors to the community.

• Grant amount: $20,075

Town of Wainwright
The Wainwright Economic Development 2023-2024 Project will create and implement business support and marketing campaigns for the Town of Wainwright.

• Grant amount: $24,000

Alberta Information and Communications Technology Council
The Technology Alberta Connected Growth Program will facilitate a robust, pan-provincial network to unleash economic potential in municipal districts through stronger relationships and connections.

• Grant amount: $100,000

Alberta's Industrial Heartland Association
The Economic Competitiveness Benchmarking project will develop a study for economic competitiveness benchmarking of capital cost and other variables that impact final investment decisions for petrochemical facilities.

• Grant amount: $100,000

City of Edmonton
The Improving Downtown Edmonton's Urban Forest project will support the beautification of Downtown Edmonton's core as part of the implementation of the Downtown Vibrancy Strategy.

• Grant amount: $200,000

City of Fort Saskatchewan
The Fort Saskatchewan Downtown Action Plan Expansion project will revitalize Downtown Fort Saskatchewan by redesigning and rehabilitating 104th Street to better serve local businesses.

• Grant amount: $200,000

Digital Media Association of Alberta
The Alberta Game Series Expansion project will implement a conference that will bring together the Alberta game development industry.

• Grant amount: $54,100

Parkland County
The Parkland County will implement its Tourism Blueprint project.

• Grant amount: $100,000

Spruce Grove City Centre Business Association
Spruce Grove City Centre Business Association will host an event to bring high visitor traffic to the city centre of Spruce Grove.

• Grant amount: $20,000

Central Alberta Economic Partnership Ltd.
The Building Local Economic Development Capacity through Regional Economic Diversification and Growth project will support a strategic plan for business retention, expansion and attraction.

• Grant amount: $30,000

City of Lacombe
The Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan Priority Projects will upgrade the downtown core to make it more accessible and welcoming.

• Grant amount: $200,000

Lacombe County
The Success Grows Here: Building Capacity for Regional Economic Development in Lacombe County project will help build capacity to retain and attract business investment in Lacombe County.

• Grant amount: $30,000

Town of Blackfalds
The Regional Economic Development Initiative - Vehicular and Pedestrian Wayfinding Signage Updates/Bike Skills Park Signage project support wayfinding signage upgrades and enhancements throughout the Town of Blackfalds.

• Grant amount: $21,615

Town of Innisfail
The Innisfail Cultivating Investment Program will support a strategy and marketing plan to attract investment in Innisfail.

• Grant amount: $59,750

Town of Sylvan Lake
The Town of Slave Lake will use funding to support research, planning and strategy development, and marketing for labour force attraction in Sylvan Lake.

• Grant amount: $90,000

Downtown Canmore Business Improvement Area
The Canmore Downtown Study will support the development of a restructure plan for the Town of Canmore.

• Grant amount: $23,700

Edson Friendship Centre
The Willow River Lodges project will upgrade and enhance the Willmore Campground.

• Grant amount: $25,000

Hinton and District Chamber of Commerce Association
The Destination Management Organization project will build capacity to enhance visitor services.

• Grant amount: $70,000

Municipal District of Bighorn No.8
The Harvey Heights Area Redevelopment Plan will support consulting services to address and remove barriers to coordinated redevelopment hotel lots at the border of Banff National Park.

• Grant amount: $50,000

Town of Drayton Valley
The Labour Market and Industry Gap Analysis project will create a comprehensive industry and labour report and an implementation plan.

• Grant amount: $37,500

Town of Hinton
The Trails Tourism Initiative will enhance the outdoor adventure tourist experience in Hinton.

• Grant amount: $40,000

Alberta Southwest Regional Alliance Ltd.
The Alberta Southwest Regional Alliance Ltd. conduct a feasibility study for the Manufacturing, Energy, Construction, Agriculture Processing (MECAP) Network Development Project.

• Grant amount: $25,000

BIPOC Foundation
The Building Longevity in Alberta's Rural Black Business Communities project will provide the “Done For You" guided business plan to 10 entrepreneurs in order to accelerate their ability to finalize or strengthen their business models.

• Grant amount: $40,000

City of Medicine Hat
The City of Medicine Hat will develop a regional economic development strategy aiming to improve the regional capability to attract and retain economic growth in southeast Alberta.

• Grant amount: $200,000

Community Futures Lethbridge Region
The Blackfoot Morphology Project will support wayfinding signage for the Lethbridge region.

• Grant amount: $27,500

Community Futures Wild Rose
Funding will help building capacity for entrepreneurs by providing access to training and mentorship throughout the Community Futures Wild Rose Region.

• Grant amount: $76,270

Lethbridge Destination Management Organization
The Southern Alberta Market Readiness Training will build capacity for new and existing tourism businesses to increase revenues and profits through market readiness training.

• Grant amount: $76,000

Lethbridge Economic Development Initiative Society
Funding will support infrastructure capacity building and increase the online presence of Canada's Premier Food Corridor.

• Grant amount: $100,000

Southgrow Regional Initiative
The Regional Economic Development Solar Project will support a feasibility study to explore the potential for developing the Southgrow Solar Project.

• Grant amount: $21,250

Town of Claresholm
The Development by Design project will develop an area structure plan for highway-commercial and multi-family residential development.

• Grant amount: $52,430

Town of Raymond
The Economic Development Capacity Building and Sports Tourism Readiness project will upgrade and market the Victoria Sports Park in the Town of Raymond to attract more economic activity.

• Grant amount: $21,540

City of Airdrie
The Advancing Airdrie’s Economic Strategy will implement the Airdrie's downtown revitalization plan, identifying opportunities and potential in the sport tourism sector, and providing local business supports.

• Grant amount: $195,000

E.D.A. Alberta (An Association of Economic Developers)
Phase 2: Building Community Economic Development Capacity through Professional Development Training and Certification Opportunities will launch three educational modules for the E.D.A Alberta Learning Platform.

• Grant amount: $81,250

Foothills Tourism Association
The Foothills Tourism photo asset social media promotional project will help promote tourism to Alberta’s foothills region through social media.

• Grant amount: $23,000.00

Inglewood Business Improvement Area
Inglewood Gateway AR Mural will help beautify Calgary's historic main street.

• Grant amount: $21,500

Town of Okotoks
Okotoks Economic Development Strategy will support the completion of the Town of Okotoks Economic Development Strategy.

• Grant amount: $40,000

Alberta HUB
Funding will support a feasibility study for the Northeast Alberta Sector Development Strategy

• Grant amount: $86,830

Big Lakes County
Funding will support the establishment of a website for county business supports.

• Grant amount: $22,000

Chard Métis Community Association
Funding will support the recruitment of an economic development officer.

• Grant amount: $132,020

City of Cold Lake
Funding will support hosting the 2025 Aerospace Industry Symposium, which promotes unmanned aerial vehicle technology in collaboration with defence and industry sectors.

• Grant amount: $30,000

City of Grande Prairie
Funding will support the creation of the “Starting a Business in Grande Prairie” resource guide by Invest Grande Prairie.

• Grant amount: $36,000

Cold Lake First nations
Funding will support a feasibility study to see how the Casino Dene's expansion will drive local economic activity.

• Grant amount: $108,600

Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region
Funding will support the creation of a strategic plan to enhance the regional growth team.

• Grant amount: $62,000

Community Futures Wood Buffalo
Funding will support the establishment of a technology centre in Fort McMurray, Wood Buffalo.

• Grant amount: $200,000

County of Grande Prairie
Funding will support an investment attraction initiative.

• Grant amount: $188,500

Elizabeth Métis Settlement
Funding will support the enhancement of economic activities in the community.

• Grant amount: $63,000

Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce
Funding will support the chamber's regional workforce development partnership.

• Grant amount: $155,000

Growth Alberta (Grizzly Regional Economic Alliance Society)
Funding will support the implementation of the Growth Regional Economic Development Association (REDA), and Growth Regional Emissions Education Taskforce Symposium (GREETS) projects.

• Grant amount: $33,000

Lac La Biche County
Funding will support the McArthur Park redevelopment project.

• Grant amount: $200,000

Loon River First Nation
Funding will support a feasibility study for a business infrastructure development project.

• Grant amount: $150,000

Municipal District of Bonnyville
Funding will support the creation of an investment attraction action plan through an Airport Development Economic Impact Assessment.

• Grant amount: $75,370

Municipal District of Opportunity
Funding will support the rebranding and enhancement of community entrance signs.

• Grant amount: $200,000

Oosita Group – Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation
Funding will support the recruitment of an economic development officer.

• Grant amount: $150,000

Prairie Gallery Society
Funding will support an indigenous programming and exhibitions project.

• Grant amount: $57,220

Town of Bonnyville
Funding will support upgrading main street decorative lights in the downtown core to drive retail traffic.

• Grant amount: $138,035

Town of High Level
Funding will support a wayfinding signage strategy and implementation plan.

• Grant amount: $81,200

Town of Peace River
Funding will support a wayfinding and tourism signage project to increase awareness of tourism destinations and local businesses.

• Grant amount: $200,000

Town of Sexsmith
Funding will support community capacity building to grow the local economy.

• Grant amount: $56,730

Town of Spirit River
Funding will support a feasibility study for the Pleasant View Lodge through an infrastructure condition assessment.

• Grant amount: $20,860

Town of Wembley
Funding will support a strategic re-branding project to increase tourism.

• Grant amount: $200,000

Wood Buffalo Economic Development Corporation
Funding will support training and coaching for entrepreneurs and small and medium businesses.

• Grant amount: $91,000

Woodlands County
Funding will support county re-branding to attract and retain business and workforce

• Grant amount: $62,500

Brazeau County
Funding will support a feasibility study for sector strategy development regarding emerging commodities.

• Grant amount: $48,510

Central Alberta Economic Partnership Ltd.
Funding will support workshops that create and enhance economic development capacity.

• Grant amount: $23,450

City of Edmonton
Funding will support a feasibility study on retention and an expansion survey for launching shop-local campaigns.

• Grant amount: $200,000

City of Leduc
Funding will support the creation of an economic development strategy to strengthen business attraction, leverage emerging sectors and drive sustainable growth.

• Grant amount: $37,500

City of Lloydminster
Funding will support a feasibility study on downtown revitalization through an area redevelopment plan.

• Grant amount: $165,100

City of Red Deer
Funding will support a feasibility study on joint economic development and regional transportation with Red Deer County.

• Grant amount: $100,000

City of Spruce Grove
Funding will support a feasibility study for a business incubator and startup support strategy.

• Grant amount: $20,520

County of Paintearth
Funding will provide business supports and training for the County.

• Grant amount: $68,020

County of Two Hills
Funding will support the establishment of a County tourism and marketing plan

• Grant amount: $122,450

County of Vermilion River
Funding will support the establishment of business supports and training for the County.

• Grant amount: $26,000

Digital Media Association of Alberta
Funding will support hosting the Alberta Games Series Conference.

• Grant amount: $62,020

Flagstaff County
Funding will support the establishment of business supports for the County.

• Grant amount: $113,000

Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI)
Funding will support the implementation of the JEDI Rural Industrial Land Development Opportunity Assessment plan.

• Grant amount: $22,000

Leduc County
Funding will support the Drink, Food & Tourism Capacity Development project.

• Grant amount: $200,000

Paintearth Economic Partnership Society
Funding will support a feasibility study on how to attract and establish a local class 1 driving school.

• Grant amount: $20,000

Samson Cree Nation
Funding will support a feasibility study and strategic tourism plan, including conceptual design and costing of a Cree Cultural Powwow Centre.

• Grant amount: $119,500

Spruce Grove City Centre Business Association
Funding will support the establishment of business supports to boost regional tourism and highlight small businesses for the region.

• Grant amount: $23,040

Sustainable Red Deer Society
Funding will support a feasibility study to explore the employment opportunities in Red Deer through Indigenous perspectives.

• Grant amount: $27,500

Town of Mayerthorpe
Funding will support a main street rehabilitation project, including the enhancement of the primary business corridor.

• Grant amount: $100,000

Town of Onoway
Funding will support the development of a marketing strategy and action plan focused on business retention, growth and attraction of new businesses.

• Grant amount: $36,050

Town of Two Hills
Funding will support the economic development capacity building project to revitalize the local economy.

• Grant amount: $80,000

Town of Vermilion
Funding will support a pylon sign implementation project to increase visibility of the town to highway traffic.

• Grant amount: $56,490

Westerner Park and Exposition Association
Funding will support a wayfinding signage strategy to increase tourism and retail traffic.

• Grant amount: $200,000

Westlock County
Funding will support the attraction and development of low-carbon industrial facilities.

• Grant amount: $200,000

Biohubx
Funding will support the enhancement of Alberta's sciences sector.

• Grant amount: $171,250

City of Airdrie
Funding will support a feasibility study on sector analysis for foreign direct investment strategy development, urban modelling to attract new businesses, and realign the tax base.

• Grant amount: $200,000

City of Medicine Hat
Funding will support the development of a strategic airport master plan for Medicine Hat Regional Airport.

• Grant amount: $125,000

County of Newell
Completion of the Kinbrook Connection Pathway that links the Kinbrook Island Provincial Park to Brooks.

• Grant amount: $200,000

Danish Canadian National Museum
Funding will support the creation of a marketing campaign for the Danish Canadian National Museum.

• Grant amount: $25,420

Didsbury & District Chamber of Commerce
Funding will support the enhancement of the Didsbury Food Processing Hub.

• Grant amount: $21,875

E.D.A. Alberta (An Association of Economic Developers)
Funding will support the expansion of the Economic Disaster Resiliency Program through business supports and workshops.

• Grant amount: $72,020

Kananaskis Improvement District
Funding will support the creation of a tourism and destination development resiliency plan.

• Grant amount: $52,500

Lethbridge Economic Development Initiative Society
Funding will support the development of a Market Intelligence & Investment Infrastructure Enhancement plan.

• Grant amount: $155,000

Municipal District of Pincher Creek
Funding will support the administration of the renewable energy analysis and review project.

• Grant amount: $25,000

Palliser Economic Partnership
Funding will support a feasibility study for an investment attraction strategy.

• Grant amount: $70,000

Rocky View County
Funding will support a feasibility study to define tourism-driven growth prospects, focusing on hospitality, food services and retail within the region.

• Grant amount: $200,000

SouthGrow Regional Initiative
Funding will support planning and management for an electric vehicle charging stations project.

• Grant amount: $22,950

Starland County
Funding will support a feasibility study for the economic development strategy of a mixed use commercial and light industrial business park.

• Grant amount: $93,580

Stoney Nakoda Nations
Funding will support a sustainable economic growth strategy.

• Grant amount: $200,000

The Badlands Amphitheatre
Funding will support the creation of a tourism strategy and implementation plan for the Canadian Badlands.

• Grant amount: $131,200

The Banff/Lake Louise Tourism Bureau
Funding will support a feasibility study for Indigenous tourism strategies to generate demand for winter overnight stays.

• Grant amount: $156,400

Town of Crossfield
Funding will support a feasibility study for business retention and attraction to enhance investment readiness.

• Grant amount: $41,000

Town of Okotoks
Funding will support a tourism strategy and action plan.

• Grant amount: $37,250

Town of Olds
Funding will support a feasibility study for business retention, expansion, and sector gap analysis.

• Grant amount: $75,000

Town of Sundre
Funding will support the Mountain View Regional Film Office (MVRFO) strategic plan for the enhancement of the workforce attraction in the screen industry.

• Grant amount: $50,000

Village of Foremost
Funding will support optimizing the beyond visual line of sight smart agricultural project to boost productivity and sustainability.

• Grant amount: $200,000

Western District Historical Society
Funding will support the creation of an agricultural tourism destination targeting recreational vehicle tourists.

• Grant amount: $56,575

Wheatland County
Funding will support a feasibility study that facilitates, attracts and secures the development of low-carbon industrial facilities.

• Grant amount: $45,900