Alberta’s government has provided $2.1 million in grants to encourage economic development, innovation and growth in rural communities.
“Grant recipients will deliver initiatives that strengthen economic development capacity and promote sustainable growth and diversification in our rural communities,” said Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Nate Horner, in a statement.
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Organizations that have received one-time funding include:
• Alberta Women Entrepreneurs: $195,000 to expand the NextStep to Success program, which offers Indigenous women entrepreneurs with mentorship, business training and guidance on developing small business supports.
• Alberta Municipalities: $150,000 to support their members in accessing grant programs for municipalities.
• Rural Municipalities of Alberta: $150,000 for a rural-focused economic development officer course and a micro-grant program to support members in determining economic development opportunities within a municipality or region.
• Economic Developers Alberta: $130,000 for education and skills training, mentoring and creating networks that share best practices.
• Young Agrarians: $100,000 for an on-farm apprenticeship program to develop hands-on skills and knowledge to run a rural farm business.
• Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies: $50,000 for the Rural Development Cluster Coaching Series that focuses on developing agri-tourism, creating rural partnerships and using regional approaches.
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Each of the nine Regional Economic Development Alliances will also receive $125,000, and $200,000 was allocated for the Public Library Grant for Skill Development in Rural Alberta.
“Public libraries serve as vital community hubs in small towns and mid-sized cities across Alberta. Libraries are about more than books, they’re places for Albertans young and old to connect to the internet and the world, to build new skills and touch up their resumes, and for newcomers to discover the culture and benefits that our province has to offer,” said Municipal Affairs Minister Rebecca Schulz.