Province announces investment to boost economic development

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on July 4, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

The government announced Thursday it will be providing both Indigenous and small communities with an additional $3 million in grants to maximize opportunities in rural areas. Additionally on Thursday the government also announced more than $4 million to help small and medium sized businesses boost productivity.

The first announcement, targeted at the province’s manufacturing sector, will see more than $4 million toward creating the Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant that will support small and medium sized manufacturing businesses.

The announcement funds a two-year pilot program that will provide qualified businesses access to up to $30,000 in matched funding for technology upgrades, along with the purchase of new machinery equipment.

The province says manufacturing companies from any sector are eligible to apply for the grant funding if they have a physical location in Alberta that makes, refines, refurbishes or processes a product or material and employs between five to 750 employees.

“Alberta’s government is committed to making sure small and medium sized businesses have the resources they need to grow,” said 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.”

According to the province, the pilot program will also offer businesses access to advice and expertise and is expedited to support 130 businesses.

“The Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant is a strategic investment in the future of Alberta’s economy,” said Shauna Feth, president and CEO of the 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.”

The manufacturing sector spans to include different industries such as the production of food, wood, machinery, beverages as well as petroleum and chemical products and last year the entire manufacturing sector anointed for approximately one quarter of all provincial exports at $43 billion.

Alberta Indigenous and small communities also received an economic boost Thursday as the province announced an additional $3 million in funding to support the second round of grants through the Small Community Opportunity Program.

The program funds community-led projects that focus on building capacity in agricultural and small businesses by awarding grants ranging from $20,000 to $90,000.

The grant program that was funded in 2023 has already supported 41 projects that help Indigenous and rural communities build economic opportunities close to home.

Grant funding helps support labour force issues and provides skill development to workers. Grant funding is also used toward marketing and promoting rural tourism.

“Indigenous and small communities are vital to Alberta and its long-term economic prosperity,” said RJ Sigurdson, minister of agriculture and irrigation. “The Small Community Opportunity Program is financially backing Indigenous and small communities. These grants help to build capacity in small businesses and the agriculture industry.

“When rural communities succeed, all of Alberta thrives.”

The $3 million in funding is part of the 2024-25 Budget.

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