Northern and Regional Economic Development Program

Organizations can apply for funding for projects that support economic development and diversification.

• • For Indigenous applicants

    • The NRED Program will provide up to 75% of total eligible project costs.
    • Total eligible project costs must be a minimum of $13,333.
    • Applicants must be able to match the funding requested at a minimum of 25% of the total project cost.
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  • For all other applicants

    • The NRED Program will provide up to 50% of total eligible project costs.
    • Total eligible project costs must be a minimum of $20,000.
    • Applicants must be able to match the funding requested at a minimum of 50% of the total project cost.

  Eligibility

  Review the NRED Program Application Guidelines for further information on eligibility.

• • Eligible applicants

    Entities eligible to apply for funding under the NRED Program include:

    • incorporated not-for-profit organizations that have an economic development mandate
    • municipalities
    • Indigenous communities, including First Nations or Metis Settlements

    Refer to the NRED Program Application Guidelines for further details on entities that are eligible to apply.

    Applications from project-based partnerships are permitted provided the application is submitted by an eligible entity (listed above). This entity will be considered the ‘lead’ and, if successful, will enter an agreement with the Alberta government on behalf of their organization and their partner(s).

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    Eligible projects

    The NRED Program funds initiatives that support economic development and will achieve tangible and impactful results in one or more of the following priority areas:

    • Increase investment readiness and regional attractiveness for private investment.
    • Support planning and feasibility studies that lead to economic development enabling investments to boost regional growth.
    • Support local and regional business and industry, business retention and expansion.

    Projects must not take more than 3 years to complete and must be ready to begin immediately at the start of the grant. An eligible project must identify with one of these project types:

    • Planning/feasibility studies: This includes market analyses, feasibility studies for new ventures, and other planning activities that lay the groundwork for future development projects.
    • Training or events: Projects that focus on enhancing skills and capacity through conferences, webinars, or other training events.
    • Marketing and investment/regional promotion: Initiatives aimed at attracting investments, promoting the region, and improving its appeal to private investors through targeted marketing campaigns and strategies.
    • Business retention and expansion projects: Projects that support the growth and expansion of local businesses, including initiatives that provide direct support to businesses to help them scale and become more competitive.
    • Other: Projects that align with program priorities but do not fit into the above categories. There include innovative initiatives, pilot projects, research and development, and unique approaches that support investment readiness, economic development, and business supports.
       

  How to apply

  The program is accepting new applications, please follow the steps below to apply:

  Step 1. Get familiarized with the program requirements

  Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the NRED Program Application Companion Guide and associated supplementary forms to familiarize themselves with the criteria and requirements.

  Step 2. Create a user account and log into the online application portal

  All applications must be submitted through the online application portal. When logging into the online application portal for the first time, applicants will be prompted to create an Alberta.ca account with a secure login name and password.
  Once the account has been created, applicants will gain access to the online application portal. Only a ‘basic’ account is required to access the online application portal, your account does not need to be verified with your ID.
  If you experience any issues with the creating or accessing your account, contact the Alberta.ca Account team at: 1-844-643-2789 or alberta-ca.account@gov.ab.ca. 

  Online application portal

  Step 3. Complete and submit the application before November 19 at 4 pm Alberta Time

  Applicants are encouraged to review the NRED Program Application Companion Guide before completing their application. As part of the application submission process the applicant will need to be prepared to upload the following:

  • quotes and estimates
    • quotes, estimates, or historical data to substantiate budget costs
  • letters of commitment
    • include letters from project collaborators or funding sources confirming their financial contributions
  • in-kind contributions
    • If in-kind contributions are included, provide a detailed valuation and evidence of these contributions
    • any additional supplemental project documentation

  Get help

  Program and application inquiries can be directed to nred.program@gov.ab.ca.

  For broader economic development support, Regional Economic Development Specialists (REDS) provide advisory services, economic information, pathfinding support and tools and resources.

  The REDS have local and regional knowledge of the economic development opportunities and challenges facing Alberta’s regions. They can provide coaching and advice to help you prepare grant applications.

  Reporting

  Applicants will be provided a grant agreement for successful projects. This grant agreement must be signed and returned by the recipient before the deadline communicated by the program – when the grant agreement is supplied.

  The grant agreement will outline the terms and conditions of support. Before the release of any payment, this agreement must be signed by both parties:

  • recipient organization’s representative
  • representative from Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration

  As a part of the grant agreement, recipients will be required to regularly report on the financial status of projects and on the outcomes achieved. The reporting schedule and requirements will be outlined in the grant agreement.

  Any significant variations in project scope or other requirements of the contract must be agreed to by both parties.