Rural and Indigenous communities in Alberta are set to benefit from over $3.2 million in grants for various local initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and strengthening growth.
The Small Community Opportunity Program, initiated by the Alberta Government, aims to back projects that stimulate innovation and sustainable economic development throughout the province.
The program offers grants aimed at addressing challenges and seizing opportunities in rural areas. It provides financial support ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 for local projects involving indigenous and small communities, as well as the non-profit organizations collaborating with them.
Through Budget 2023, the initiative distributed grants ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 for 43 projects driven by local communities. These projects aimed to enhance capacity in agriculture, provide support for small businesses, and foster local economic development.
By providing financial backing, our Small Community Opportunity Program grants are empowering Indigenous and small communities to develop their local economies by building capacity in the agriculture and small business sectors. The fact is when these communities succeed, all of Alberta is made stronger. – RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation
The Small Community Opportunity Program projects are in line with four strategic directions outlined in the Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan. These include supporting rural businesses and entrepreneurship, enhancing labour force skills, promoting rural tourism, and building capacity for rural economic development.
The Rural Alberta Plan works to ensure rural Albertans and Indigenous communities have economic opportunities where they live.
Grant recipients have two years to complete their projects and make a measurable impact supporting, improving or enhancing economic development in rural and Indigenous communities or the agriculture industry.
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