Doug Schweitzer, Alberta Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Innovation. (Photo: Government of Alberta)

By David Opinko

$1.78 million grant to support entrepreneurs in Southern Alberta

May 12, 2022 | 3:39 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB — The Government of Alberta has announced funding to aid businesses and business leaders across the province.

A total of $18,730,000 will go to eight regional economic development agencies through the Alberta Innovates program.

Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy, and Innovation, says the funding will support entrepreneurs in developing their products and getting them to market.

“Alberta has some of the most ambitious and industrious entrepreneurs anywhere,” says Schweitzer. “We want to ensure they can get connected with regional innovation networks, where they can draw on world-renowned business and technical experts to accelerate the growth of their businesses, diversify the economy, and create jobs.”

The Lethbridge Economic Development Initiative Society (LEDIS) will receive $1,785,000 for the Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta (RINSA)

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Renae Barlow, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation with Economic Development Lethbridge, says local funding will help to ensure that entrepreneurs feel supported in their vision to solve problems in the region and grow their businesses.

“[RINSA] is excited to continue our funding with Alberta Innovates to support entrepreneurs developing new ideas in technology, or expanding their company’s technology integration efforts,” says Barlow. “We work closely with entrepreneurs from ideation through to commercialization, growth, and scaling with foundational workshops, ecosystem navigation, business advisors, and customized programs.

RINSA is a collaborative partnership between Lethbridge College, Economic Development Lethbridge, Blood Tribe Economic Development, and the University of Lethbridge.

It offers entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses support with business development, marketing, networking, and funding at various stages.