Please Note: This program has been discontinued. Please consider other Research & Development Funding for government incentives towards your innovation activities. Complex innovation challenges can pose a significant challenge for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). However, when companies collaborate with each other and research institutions, it’s possible to achieve far greater results and increase the…
Alberta Innovates is a collection of Alberta small business grants and vouchers designed to support the research and development of advanced technologies. These programs provide a dynamic solution for businesses struggling with internal technical challenges. These research funding programs provide small business grants and loans to enhance and accelerate innovative technology-focused projects. Suitable projects may…
Technology developers understand that the most critical stage of any project is the point of commercialization. Will the technology work once a prototype is created? Can it be tested to identify potential issues? Who will buy your technology, and how much of it will they buy? The commercialization gap kills innovation in all industries and…
There were many signs of growth and prosperity for Canada’s manufacturing industry in 2016. New manufacturing orders increased by nearly 3%, a roadmap was developed to help the industry double in size by 2030, and investments are being made across all sectors, especially the automotive industry. Despite this success, a dark cloud still looms over…
Alberta Innovates is a provincially-funded catalyst for innovative research and development. The corporation administers Alberta government funding programs to small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) and operates two applied research subsidiaries to help businesses execute their innovative projects. On November 1, 2016, Alberta Innovates consolidated its four previous corporations – Bio Solutions, Energy and Environment Solutions,…
Developing value-added products and services is critical to Canada’s knowledge economy and competitiveness. More than ever, startups and early-stage businesses are being called on to support innovation and respond to new consumer/market preferences. Because of the rising demand for new consumer products, Canadian startups should focus on finding and establishing themselves within this market. Thankfully,…
The Western Innovation Initiative (WINN) is a research and development funding program for small businesses located in western Canada. Companies operating in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba may apply for up to 50% of their project’s expenses to a maximum $3.5 million in repayable funding contributions. Innovative businesses use this fund to lead their…
The Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG) is a small business grant providing businesses with grants to train their employees. Companies can offset third-party training costs by up to 66%, enabling employers to develop a more skilled workforce. As of June 2016, more than $29 million in funding has been claimed by Canada-Alberta Job Grant applicants. Over…
Created in 2013, the five-year Western Innovation Initiative (WINN) will invest up to $100 million towards late-stage research and development projects conducted by businesses in western Canada. By commercializing new innovative products and processes, small and mid-sized businesses across western Canada will be able to expand and support employment opportunities. The Western Innovation Initiative provides…
Youth unemployment has become an increasingly dangerous problem across Alberta over the last year. In January 2016, Alberta’s youth unemployment rate was 7.5%, up nearly 2% since January 2015. This substantial increase is troubling for many youth workers joining the labour market via summer internships. Many students face the possibility of not finding jobs this…