Note: For the latest in Alberta government small business supports, consult the Government of Alberta website.
What government-funded grants and programs are available to small businesses in Alberta? We did the research for you so you don’t have to! From start-up support to market expansion, read on to learn what government supports are available in Alberta.
The advantage of grants is that you don’t have to offer anything in return or pay back grant money. Once you find the right program, make sure to complete your research and answer all the applicable questions.
VIDEO: Dil at True North Accounting shows you how to find loans and grants for small businesses in Canada.
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Start-up support
Indigenous grants
Tax credits
Advice and training
Market expansion
Start-up support
The Self-Employment Program offers eligible Albertans who are looking to develop and start a new business with formal training, business plan development, one-to-one business counselling, coaching and guidance.
Indigenous grants
These programs provide equity (forgivable loans) assistance for the start-up or the expansion of small businesses for Métis and Status Indian individuals.
Métis Entrepreneurs’ Assistance Program
Status Entrepreneur Assistance Program
Find a listing of resources and financing programs available for Indigenous business development, see the Government of Alberta.
Tax credits
Film and Television Tax Credit
The Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC) offers a refundable Alberta tax credit certificate on eligible Alberta production and labour costs to corporations that produce films, television series and other eligible screen-based productions in the province. As an applicant, you may apply for either a 22% or 30% tax credit rate.
See more information on Alberta corporate tax credits.
Advice and training
Regional economic development resources
Alberta communities and regions have access to resources that support local efforts to diversify and grow their economies, attract investment, and maintain a positive and competitive business environment.
The Canada-Alberta Job Grant is a training program where a business can apply on behalf of their present or future employees for eligible training costs. Employers decide who gets training and what type of training is needed by their employees.
Get information, programs and resources for Alberta employers to hire, train and retain Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW).
Market expansion
Alberta Export Expansion Program
The Alberta Export Expansion Program provides funding support to Alberta small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) promoting Alberta exports through outbound international business travel and bringing international buyers to Alberta.
The Alberta Purchasing Connection (APC) is an easy-to-use tool that lets public and private sector users manage, advertise, distribute, and download public purchasing opportunities for goods, services, and construction in Alberta. With APC, your small business can find opportunities to sell your products or services.
In Canada, there are loans and grants in various industries such as agriculture, innovation and technology. To learn more about small business loans and grants in Alberta and Canada, visit our blog. Innovation Canada is also a great place to start.
Discover more Small Business Basics content that might be helpful to you and your business on our blog.
