ID 129276589 © Industryviews | Dreamstime.com

By rdnewsNOW staff

Provincial Politics

Alberta announces $4M investment for small and medium-sized manufacturers

Jul 3, 2025 | 3:43 PM

The Alberta government has announced an investment of more than $4 million to help small and medium sized businesses boost their productivity and thrive across the province.

Provincial officials say the government is focused on growing the economy by creating a business-friendly climate where companies want to invest. The government says Alberta is already home to one of Canada’s largest manufacturing industries, and with low corporate taxes and regulatory burden, its’ helping more businesses succeed.

In collaboration with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Alberta’s government says it is investing more than $4 million to support small- and medium-sized manufacturing businesses through the Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant. Officials say the two-year pilot program offers businesses access to advice, expertise and up to $30,000 in matching funding for technology upgrades along with new machinery and equipment. The pilot program is expected to support approximately 130 small- and medium-sized businesses.

“Alberta’s government is committed to making sure small- and medium-sized businesses have the resources they need to grow,” states Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration. “The Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant is empowering local business owners to invest in new technologies, machinery and equipment that will allow them to take their business to the next level – while also driving job creation and growth in Alberta’s manufacturing sector.”

Officials say manufacturing companies from any sector are eligible to apply to the pilot program if they have a physical location in Alberta which makes, refines, refurbishes or processes a product or material, uses the equipment or technology from the grant in Alberta and employs between five and 750 employees.

WHAT'S ON

Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in December

Nov 30, 2025

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: November 28-30

Nov 28, 2025

IN THE COMMUNITY

Organizations in Medicine Hat and area receive donation from energy company

Nov 25, 2025

“As a measure we’ve strongly advocated for, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters applauds the Government of Alberta for this measure that will help derisk investment for small- and medium-sized manufacturers during uncertain economic times,” says Dennis Darby, president and chief executive officer, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters. “This program will be pivotal in supporting Alberta manufacturers to make investments that will help them grow.”

As of May 2025, the government says Alberta’s manufacturing sector employed 144,800 people – 5.6 per cent of the province’s total workforce. In 2024, Alberta’s manufacturing GDP is said to have reached $25 billion, with investment in the sector totalling $4.8 billion, marking a 41.9 per cent increase over 2023.

Provincial officials note the manufacturing sector has impacts across the economy, in areas including wood product manufacturing, machinery and equipment manufacturing, food processing, chemical production and fabricated metal production.

“Manufacturing is a critical link in Canada’s energy supply chain – from precision components to large-scale equipment, every piece matters,” explains Gurpreet Lail, president and chief executive officer, Enserva. “This support for technology and equipment upgrades will directly enhance the productivity and competitiveness of Alberta’s energy manufacturers, who are essential to meeting growing energy demands at this pivotal moment for the Canadian economy.”

“Technology drives innovation, sustainability and global competitiveness in the chemistry and plastics sector,” adds Christa Seaman, vice-president, plastics division, Chemistry Industry Association of Canada. “Support for investment in advanced technologies will help companies decarbonize, reduce waste and deliver the next generation of low-carbon, high-performance materials. This is why the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada is proud to support the Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant, which is providing over $4 million to help small- and medium-sized enterprises across the province – of particular importance to the plastics industry – modernize their equipment, enhance operational efficiency and advance sustainability.”

“The Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant is a strategic investment in the future of Alberta’s economy,” shares Shauna Feth, president and chief executive officer, Alberta Chambers of Commerce. “By helping manufacturers upgrade technology and equipment, this initiative empowers businesses to enhance productivity, drive innovation and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.”

Alberta government quick facts

• The manufacturing sector spans different industries, including the production of chemical, food, beverage, wood, machinery and petroleum products.
  • In 2024, the top six manufacturing subsectors (chemical manufacturing, petroleum and coal product manufacturing, food manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, fabricated metal product manufacturing and wood product manufacturing) made up about four-fifths of Alberta’s manufacturing GDP.
• Manufacturing is an integral part of Alberta’s economic prosperity.
  • In 2024, manufacturing contributed seven per cent to Alberta’s GDP, the fourth-largest sector contribution.
  • In 2024, manufacturing accounted for 24 per cent of Alberta’s exports, at $43 billion.
  • In May 2025, manufacturing employed 144,800 people in Alberta, representing 5.6 per cent of total Alberta employment.
    • Three subsectors (food manufacturing, fabricated metal product manufacturing and machinery manufacturing) account for roughly half of Alberta’s manufacturing jobs.
• Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) represents more than 10,000 companies nationwide and works closely with various governments to promote growth within Canada’s manufacturing sector. CME also provides industry intelligence on the opportunities and challenges faced by manufacturers in Alberta and across Canada.