The Government of Alberta is investing $6 million in its new Small Community Opportunity Program, which will support Indigenous and small communities. (Photo 96298407 © Vadim Nikolaevitch Gouida | Dreamstime.com)

By Joel Mendelson

Alberta announces investment for small a

Alberta announces investment in small and Indigenous communities

Nov 9, 2023 | 11:57 AM

EDMONTON, AB – The Government of Alberta is investing $6 million in its new Small Community Opportunity Program, which will support Indigenous and small communities, while helping grow the economic footprint of rural Alberta.

Funding will be split into two grants of up to $3 million per year in 2024 and 2025.

This program was made to augment the impact of the Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan, which was released in December 2022.

READ MORE: Province allocates $1.5 billion over five years to build rural Alberta economy

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, said, “The new Small Community Opportunity Program provides financial backing for Indigenous and small communities to tackle challenges and tap into opportunities to grow their local economic footprint.”

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

22h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Sigurdson continued, “By building capacity in small businesses and the agriculture industry, these rural communities will have a strong foundation to thrive.”

In order for projects to qualify for the Small Community Opportunity Program, they must be in agreement with one or more of the following strategic directions:

• Rural business supports and entrepreneurship
• Support for labour force and skills development
• Marketing and promoting rural tourism
• Rural economic development capacity building

Matt Jones is the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade. He said, “Alberta’s rural communities play a crucial role in our province’s economic landscape. The Small Community Opportunity Program is an important part of our commitment to supporting their growth and development.”

“By empowering Indigenous and small communities to address their unique challenges and seize opportunities, we are fostering economic resilience and a brighter future for rural Alberta,” Jones added.

Non-profit organizations may work with Indigenous and small communities, and municipalities may collaborate between themselves on initiatives that drive innovation and achieve sustainable growth and diversification.

Potential projects must be completed within two years. Officials must be able to show the project’s impact in supporting, improving or enhancing rural and Indigenous communities, local economic development, or the agriculture industry.

Applications will open on Nov. 10, 2023. Indigenous and small communities, and the non-profit organizations that support them, can apply for grants between $20,000 and $100,000.

Albertans can learn more about the Small Community Opportunity Program in webinars.

Rural Municipalities of Alberta is hosting one on Nov. 15, 2023 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Economic Developers Alberta is hosting one from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 17.