Food Futures Program in Alberta

Food Futures Program in Alberta is sponsored by Alberta (Government of Alberta in partnership with Alberta Hospitality Association). This program supports Work Integrated Learning placements within the food processing and hospitality industry in Alberta.

WIL Grant — Alberta Hospitality Association Alberta Hospitality Members can apply for $5,000 in grant funding to help alleviate labour costs and keep our industry engaged with the new emerging labour force in our province. This grant funding is brought to you in partnership with the Government Of Alberta.

What is the AHA WIL Grant AHA has been granted funds for an industry-specific campaign that will allow Alberta restauranteurs to receive $5,000 worth of government funding to help alleviate labour costs, in an effort to introduce passionate individuals to the hospitality sector.

The grant allows restaurants to hire post-secondary students who are actively seeking roles within the hospitality sector - this includes service and kitchen-related positions, management, marketing, administrative and tech support. Restaurants must be active AHA members to qualify for the grant.

To be considered applicants must show proof of student enrollment, fill out a short questionnaire, and provide paystubs for the student at the end of the work term. The Association has roughly 60 grants to provide to restaurants in Alberta in 2026 and wants to ensure that this process will be as simple and as efficient as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions A yearly AHA membership gives you access to the grant application, exclusive member benefits, industry resources and events. Plus, you will be joining your fellow owners and operators in Alberta to create a larger voice to advocate for change within our industry. WIL stands for Work Integrated Learning.

The aim is to provide paid work placement for hundreds of students in their field of study, ensuring they get meaningful, hands-on experience from industry experts and launch successful careers after graduation. Who can apply for the grant? Only members of the Alberta Hospitality Association can apply for the grant.

Once a member, the grant is specifically for owners/operators within Alberta who have hired someone who is currently enrolled or has recently graduated (within the last 12 months) from a publicly-funded post-secondary institution in Alberta. How much is the grant for? The grant is $5,000 CAD dollars.

Can I apply for the grant more than once? Note for multi-location operators: In 2026, one WIL grant per ownership group will be paid immediately. Operators may apply for the WIL Grant for multiple business locations , provided each location holds its own active AHA membership .

Additional locations may still apply for and complete placements . If those placements are completed and the required documentation is submitted, they will be held for reassessment after September 1, 2026 . If program funding remains available at that time, additional placements may be approved and reimbursed.

Two restaurants under the same ownership group may both apply if each location has its own AHA membership. One completed placement will be funded immediately; additional completed placements may be reconsidered later in the year depending on remaining funding. When will I hear back about my application?

Applications are reviewed monthly. We will notify the sender of the application status within 60 working days. Can the student have attended or be attending school outside of Alberta?

No. The student must be actively enrolled or have graduated within the past 12 months from a publicly-funded post-secondary institution in Alberta for their employment costs to be eligible for the grant funding. Is there a minimum number of hours the student must work?

Yes, in order to be eligible for the grant the student must work on average 18 hours per week for the three-month period beginning from the date of your application or the student hire date (whichever is later). Does the student already have to be working? The grant can be applied to existing employees or new employees.

If you intend to hire for a new position, you can apply before you hire into the position. You will be conditionally approved. Once you successfully hire a post-secondary student into the role and provide proof of minimum number of hours worked (18 hours per week for 3 months) you will receive the funds.

When will I receive my grant money once I have been approved? Three months after your grant application or student hire date (whichever is later) you will be reminded to submit all required documentation. Once that is received you will receive your funds within 2 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions