The Minister of Economic Development and Trade just announced the Community and Regional Economic Support (CARES) program.  Please link here to the News Release. This anticipated economic development funding program is part of the Jobs Plan Budget that was announced this spring. This grant program can be applied for through two streams: the community economic development stream and the regional economic development stream.

The community economic development stream projects are those that build local economic development capacity and strengthen local approaches to improve economic conditions. They begin at $10,000 and fund up to 50 per cent of the project’s value. 

The regional economic development stream projects are those that reflect a collaborative approach between communities and supportive partners to achieve a positive regional impact based on a shared economic vision for the future. They begin at $25,000 and fund up to 50 per cent of the project’s value. 

The program guidelines can be found here: http://economic.alberta.ca/documents/CARES-program-guidelines.pdf

The CARES Program will have three grant application intake periods with the first one beginning on Oct. 1, 2016, and ending Nov. 30, 2016.

For more information on program eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the CARES program webpage