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By rdnewsNOW Staff

Alberta launches second round of funding to Indigenous and small communities

Sep 25, 2024 | 4:49 PM

Alberta’s government is providing a $3 million to Indigenous and small communities in rural Alberta in an effort to support local economic development.

It’s the second round of grants to be distributed through the Small Community Opportunity Program, which is a further implementation of the Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan.

Alberta’s agriculture and irrigation minister RJ Sigurdson said the initiative aims to provide financial support for Indigenous and small communities to “to tackle challenges and tap into opportunities to grow their local economic footprint.”

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

To be eligible for funding, projects must align with the rural economic plan and build entrepreneurship, mentorship and skills development, small business supports or partnerships, as well as interconnectivity and collaboration within the local community.

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Organizations can apply for grants between $20,000 and $100,000 for local, community-led projects.

Officials say non-profit organizations may collaborate with Indigenous and small communities, or communities may work together or independently on projects that drive innovation and achieve sustainable growth and diversification.

Projects must be completed within two years and have a measurable impact on supporting, improving, or enhancing rural and Indigenous communities, local economic development and/or the agriculture industry.

Applications open Sept. 24.

In 2023, the program awarded grants between $20,000 and $100,000 for 43 community led projects that build capacity in agriculture, small business supports and local economic development.