Small Community Opportunity Program (Alberta)

Small Community Opportunity Program (Alberta) is sponsored by Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation. This program provides grants to solve challenges and find opportunities in rural areas, building capacity in agriculture, small business, and local economic development.

Small Community Opportunity Program | Alberta. ca Funding decision notification: Spring 2025 The Small Community Opportunity Program provides grants to solve challenges and find opportunities in rural areas. Indigenous and small communities, as well as non-profit groups they work with, may receive between $20,000 and $100,000 for local projects.

By building capacity in the agriculture industry and small business, these rural communities will grow their economic footprint.

Indigenous communities, Metis Settlements and small communities may apply if they meet the following characteristics of rural communities: have a population less than 20,000 have a limited geographic proximity (100 km or further) to population centres with more than 25,000 people that could provide employment and services may be remote or have in them, or around them, a significant amount of nature, natural resources, agricultural land and wilderness areas have a workforce largely focused on primary economic activity, including oil and gas, agriculture and forestry Eligible rural communities may work together or independently on local projects, or they may collaborate with non-profit organizations that are: non-profit entities incorporated under Part 9 of the Companies Act or the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act with an economic development mandate a federally incorporated non-profit must partner with a provincially registered non-profit a legal non-profit entity located in Alberta that is owned and controlled by an Indigenous community that has at least 51% ownership an agricultural society organized under the Agricultural Societies Act (Alberta) or under The Agricultural Societies Ordinance, ONWT 1903 c17, or any earlier ordinance relating to agricultural societies an organization designated in the Agricultural Societies Regulation as a society for purposes of the Agricultural Societies Act (Alberta) Eligible projects must align with one or more of these strategic directions in the Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan: rural business supports and entrepreneurship support for labour force and skills development marketing and promoting rural tourism rural economic development capacity building In addition, the project must address one or more of these priority areas: entrepreneurship and mentorship partnerships, interconnectivity and collaboration Projects must be completed within 2 years from the date the grant agreement between Alberta’s government and the recipient is signed.

Grant recipients must ensure their project will be sustainable beyond the 2-year funding and have a measurable impact supporting, improving or enhancing one or more of the following: rural and Indigenous communities local economic development Projects will not be eligible for grants through the Small Community Opportunity Program if they: focus on regional economic development support economic development enabling infrastructure Funding may be available for these types of projects through Alberta’s Northern and Regional Economic Development Program .

Applicants may apply for grants between $20,000 and $100,000 for each project. The grant may fund up to 90% of eligible project costs and the applicant must fund at least 10%.

Project costs eligible for the grant include: skills development training training equipment and supplies salary expenses for new staff to deliver a project equipment and supplies to deliver the project, such as computers, software, office supplies and more eligible travel costs for hotel, meals and mileage based on the Alberta Travel, meal and hospitality expenses policy promotion and marketing activities related to the project project administration up to 10% of the total eligible project costs any other expense the Government of Alberta deems eligible under the Small Community Opportunity Program The project must start when funding is distributed and be completed within 2 years.

Large projects may receive funding installments, with most funds provided at the onset.

Applicants may cover their portion of eligible project costs by matching funds from their organization with monetary payments, awards and donations, or grants from one or more of the following: for-profit enterprises, non-profit organizations and post-secondary institutions private sector programs, such as corporate social responsibility initiatives Grant recipients cannot receive any other Government of Alberta funding for their project or related activities.

The Small Community Opportunity Program will also not accept in-kind contributions. See the Guidelines and Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan for more information: Small Community Opportunity Program Guidelines Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan The grant agreement outlines the reporting requirements and schedule. Recipients must regularly report on the project’s financial status and outcomes achieved.

If the project scope or deliverables change after the Grant Agreement is in place, the recipient must contact the Small Community Opportunity Program . Both parties must agree to amend the Grant Agreement to accommodate the changes.

Small community grant recipients The county will develop strong branding and marketing for the Celebrating Rural Women’s Conference to grow leadership and development skills and attract more women to agriculture.

The county will create and promote an online Economic and Skills Development Dashboard that will offer opportunities for small business training and skills development workshops to grow the local economy and agricultural business.

County of Vermilion River The county will hire staff to manage current and future economic development projects by building a strategy to deliver economic development services, improve efficiency and streamline processes. Mackenzie County in partnership with Fort Vermilion and Area Board of Trade The joint project will assess the Peace River and local tributaries as potential irrigation sources in the region.

A new website will provide irrigation resources for local farmers and stakeholders to improve agricultural practices and water management. Town of Hinton in partnership with the Hinton Chamber of Commerce The town and the chamber will strengthen partnerships among small businesses to expand their marketing capacity both online and through special events and community initiatives.

The county will create a new marketing identity, provide access to data, complete competitive land analysis and sector profiles to support expansion and attract investment.

Mackenzie County in partnership with La Crete Area Chamber of Commerce Society The county and the chamber aim to advance regional agriculture through education, outreach, research and support by hiring an agriculture economic specialist who will focus on irrigation and diversification, including processing opportunities.

The county will work closely with local champions and entrepreneurs to create in-depth training, mentorships and guidance to help build successful businesses and boost rural economic growth.

City of Cold Lake in partnership with Stepping Stones Crisis Society The Food Security and Culinary Skills Development Program addresses food security and workforce development by offering culinary skills training, meal preparation services, and classes on nutrition and budgeting.

By partnering with agricultural producers, the program will support sustainable practices, create jobs and enhance self-sufficiency in the Cold Lake community.

Town of Stettler in partnership with the Stettler Regional Board of Trade and Community Development Through an in-depth marketing plan the town will promote Stettler's tourism, its economic opportunities and showcase an affordable community with available healthcare, schools and labour opportunities.

The town will upgrade its website by adding dedicated pages showcasing business supports, investment opportunities and agriculture-focused initiatives that will improve accessibility, economic development capacity, tourism promotion and community engagement.

The Invest Edson Business Accelerator Program will enhance the Invest Edson initiative with targeted marketing, establishing an ambassadors’ network to promote Edson’s advantages and providing workshops to strengthen local businesses.

The town will promote Falher as the honey capital of Canada by making signage and other enhancements to create a vibrant cultural and agricultural tourism hub, strengthening Falher’s identity and driving economic growth. The town will build upon the Fairview Sustainable Growth Action Plan to leverage existing data and insights to develop and grow the local tourism, housing and agriculture sectors.

The town will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the town's retail market by applying data-driven insights to identify gaps, assess economic leakage and uncover opportunities for local business growth.

The town will develop a new Tourism Development Strategy that will align with current priorities and leverage land, including Footner Lake, to improve recreational and adventure tourism opportunities such as canoeing, fishing, camping, resorts and trail development.

The town will bring the Mashup Lab Virtual Business Incubator Program to Provost with seasoned mentors offering personalized coaching support to drive business growth in the area. The town will aim to increase tourism and improve the local and visitor economy through a tourism marketing campaign.

The town will install a digital billboard sign to support strategic marketing and communications that promotes awareness of the rural and agricultural sector within the town to grow economic development and agritourism. The Town will study how to attract investment into their retail and light industrial sectors, measure spending lost to other communities and commission a business survey to identify areas for improvement.

The town will create and install signs at key locations in Vegreville to establish easy navigation for visitors travelling to key rural tourism events and amenities in the community. The town will work closely with a diverse group of partners to create an economic development strategy and implementation plan to ensure the sustainability and growth of the community and promote rural tourism.

This includes training for economic development staff and hosting business education and networking events. Town of Drumheller in partnership with Travel Drumheller Marketing Association The town and association will introduce a shuttle bus pilot in Drumheller to address the transportation gap, build capacity, increase local partnerships, boost the year-round tourism economy and improve the quality of life for its residents.

Village of Glenwood in partnership with Twin Rivers Country Economic Development Society The Glenwood Electronic Marquee Sign Project is designed to serve as a centralized platform for promoting local businesses, events and cultural activities, with the goal of fostering economic growth while strengthening community connections. The village will implement a municipal self-service kiosk and provide staff training and certifications.

This will support rural economic development by building workforce capacity, fostering economic resilience and serving as a scalable model for other rural Alberta communities. Indigenous community grant recipients The initiative will support Beaver Lake Cree Nation through hands-on mentorship and skills training in trades such as HVAC, plumbing and electrical.

The program will focus on providing real-world training opportunities and credentials that are essential for long-term employment and economic resilience. The project will evaluate the feasibility of reintroducing bison to lakefront lands to promote agricultural development and tourism.

Chipewyan Prairie First Nation This First Nation project will attract youth to farming though Indigenous-led agricultural skills training and mentorship to ensure food security, foster economic growth and inspire the next generation to sustain traditional and modern farming practices.

An economic development marketing project will develop a strategy, tools and materials to support small businesses, grow partnerships and attract investments.

The Tapawingo Lodge Tourism Expansion Feasibility and Impact Study will assess opportunities to diversify tourism for the Dene Tha’ First Nation through adventure tourism and Indigenous agri-tourism, including northern lights viewing, cultural workshops and traditional agriculture experiences. The Nation will develop a tourism strategy that will be a strong foundation to create authentic Indigenous tourism experiences.

Little Red River Cree Nation Agri-food training and mentorship will be provided to members of the Little Red River Cree Nation by developing three community gardens and makers markets. Non-profit grant recipients Athabasca and District Agricultural Society The society will introduce workshops on ranching, agriculture, and homesteading, and install a digital highway sign to promote local initiatives.

Focusing on youth, the society will launch farm safety courses, an introduction to trades workshop and agricultural awareness courses. Cold Lake Agricultural Society The society will develop a targeted marketing campaign to promote Mudfest 2025 by expanding marketing outreach, visitor engagement and enhancing the local and regional tourism ecosystem.

Community Futures Crowsnest Pass The Business Excellence Training Initiative will empower business owners and operators with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve operational efficiency, high-quality standards and sustainable growth. Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee The Conklin Community Greenhouse project tackles food insecurity with year-round sustainable food production.

A community worker will oversee operations, including participation in community plots, and engaging residents in sustainable agriculture while integrating Métis traditions with modern techniques. Participants will gain hands-on training in hydroponic farming, business planning, and networking, with the goal of boosting local food production and entrepreneurship.

Lac La Biche Regional Community Development Corporation The program will train high school students with business skills to transform business ideas into viable ventures through 8 weeks of workshops to develop business plans and secure initial funding.

La Crete Agricultural Society The society will conduct a study to evaluate irrigation infrastructure at varying scales, from private farms to projects up to 500,000 acres, to support the community make informed decisions on how to develop irrigation across the region.

The university project will work with leaders in Drayton Valley and Brazeau County to connect them with wealth building concepts and towns who have spearheaded successful rural economic projects to build capacity in areas of interest such as local business, housing, recreation and tourism.

Small community grant recipients The county will host a Farm Women's Conference in 2025 to provide women with the skills, leadership development and connections to increase workforce capacity in Athabasca's nine rural farming communities. The county will conduct an economic impact assessment of its industrial, agricultural, forestry and energy sectors to determine how to market the Western Economic Corridor.

The city will connect with the local business community and provide supports for succession planning and implementation. The city will complete a gap analysis and research on potential tourism businesses to encourage entrepreneurial development in the tourism sector.

The county’s Know Your Business Conference and Tradeshow will help rural businesses and tourism operators explore resources and build capacity through education, collaboration and networking opportunities. The county’s collaborative economic development project will create communications strategies and tools to help communities, businesses and non-profits target new investment opportunities in agriculture and other sectors.

The county will commission a feasibility study for a multi-use tourism facility at the Horseshoe Canyon recreational area to increase agri-tourism opportunities in the area. The county will collaborate with agri-tourism partners to deliver workshops that will help growers, farmers, entrepreneurs and retailers develop and promote new agritourism ventures.

The county’s irrigation initiative will explore and develop irrigation opportunities by building on early adopters’ knowledge and experiences. The county will transform passing tourists into engaged visitors by developing and promoting a trail system map for activities like hiking, biking, quad biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

The board will integrate a workforce strategy and regional housing assessment into a comprehensive strategy it will use to attract and retain workers in the rural area. The county will employ an economic development officer to manage a business park development project until 2025/26. The county will contract an economic development officer to manage a project focusing on small business growth, attraction and promotion.

The town will assess the feasibility of a solar greenhouse business for food production and create workshops to share business strategies and skills for greenhouse and indoor farming operations. The town will create a business liaison role within the community to facilitate workshops and provide coaching to help local businesses remain viable and grow.

The town will assess the feasibility of developing an industrial hemp sector to produce automotive and construction panels, which will foster new partnerships and create jobs in agriculture and manufacturing. The town’s Agri-Food Value Add Trade Show will create an annual hub showcasing local agri-food industries to local businesses, consumers and investors.

The town will develop and implement an investment attraction action plan for the Oyen Rail Yards and Logistics Park. The town will develop a partnership at the Three Hills airport with Kneehill County and Prairie College to increase facility use and create economic development opportunities. The town will develop a comprehensive economic development plan based on a strategic community assessment and public feedback.

The town will market the community and increase tourism by hosting the Explore Two Hills Regional Tourism Conference and Tradeshow, offering tourism workshops and creating promotional displays that highlight community assets. The town’s We Do Project will tackle challenges such as low-income barriers, houselessness, economic instability, poverty, and insufficient newcomer supports and settlement services.

The town will complete a comprehensive market analysis to determine opportunities and strategies for business retention, expansion and attraction. The village will uphold safety standards by developing an artificial intelligence-powered tool to assess and evaluate flight documentation that drone companies submit to the Foremost Unmanned Aerial System Test Range.

The village will hire an economic development officer to help showcase the business and tourism opportunities it has to offer. The village will host free entrepreneurship and agriculture business administration courses for community members over two years. The county will conduct studies on the local agri-food market and rural Alberta economic development best practices.

Indigenous community grant recipients The First Nation will implement a workforce development project to assess opportunities and employment diversification, analyze gaps and revamp an entrepreneur support program. The First Nation will provide training and employment to operate and maintain a community greenhouse and aquaponics facility in Chateh, Alberta.

Non-profit grant recipients Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce Society The society will create a one-stop-shop for business training and growth focused on workforce development, leadership and networking.

Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region The region will enhance entrepreneurship, workforce skills and economic development in local communities through entrepreneurial training, coaching, workforce development and networking. Jasper Employment and Education Centre The centre will organize job fairs and collaborate with workforce stakeholders across Alberta to address labour shortages in Jasper.

The Society of Joint Economic Development Initiative The society will develop an innovative website to showcase the unique businesses, attractions and agricultural heritage in the Hamlets of Winfield, Buck Lake and Alder Flats. La Crete Area Chamber of Commerce The chamber will install an interactive digital billboard to share information, promote local events and build awareness of its agricultural sector.

Le conseil de développement économique de l’Alberta Le conseil will create resources and provide business supports for local farmers to develop a thriving hemp industry cluster in the Smoky River Region. Newell Regional Tourism Association The association will leverage Open Farm Days’ marketing resources and supports to help local farms, business and organizations develop agri-tourism opportunities.

Northeast Alberta Information HUB The HUB will conduct a strategic impact study to determine how advanced drones could maximize underused air strips to diversify local economies, increase investments and create jobs. Travel Drumheller Marketing Association The association will deliver a training and professional development program to address skilled labour shortages in the tourism industry.

Waterton Chamber of Commerce The chamber will increase shoulder season visitation by promoting spring and fall experience offers, hotel specials and key events in Waterton. Willmore Wilderness Preservation and Historical Foundation The foundation will build its capacity to market and promote the Willmore Wilderness Park north of Jasper as a diverse tourism destination.

Connect with the Small Community Opportunity Program: Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays) Toll free: 310-FARM (3276) (in Alberta) Rural economic development Investment and Growth Fund Coal Community Transition Fund