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$2.8 Million Investment

Province announces investment for small and medium sized businesses

Jun 25, 2025 | 2:43 PM

The Alberta government has announced a $2.8 million investment to help small- and medium-sized businesses grow and reach international markets around the world.

To help small- and medium-sized businesses continue to grow, Alberta’s government says it is investing in the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), which empowers them to increase their exports and revenue, while also creating new jobs for Albertans.

In 2017, TAP was established nationally and Calgary Economic Development started administering the program within Alberta in 2018. Since its creation, the government says TAP has helped more than 550 companies in Alberta receive the knowledge, mentorship and resources they need to help their businesses grow and reach international markets.

Through this new $2.8-million investment, Alberta’s government says it is ensuring Calgary Economic Development has the resources it needs to continue delivering TAP for another five years, which is expected to help up to 650 more companies, say provincial officials.

“Increasing trade is a priority for our government, which is why we are helping small- and medium-sized businesses grow,” explains Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration. “More than ever, we need to diversify our global trade and give businesses the tools they need to succeed. In return, Alberta will see more jobs, more investment and a stronger economy with programs like this.”

“With global markets shifting rapidly, Alberta’s small- and medium-sized businesses need every advantage to stay ahead,” states Brad Parry, president and CEO, Calgary Economic Development. “This support from the Government of Alberta invests in entrepreneurs’ big ideas and helps ensure that local businesses can access the tools and expertise they need to scale globally. Stronger trade capacity means stronger businesses – and a stronger, more resilient Alberta.”

In addition to the continued operation of TAP, the government says this funding will also facilitate the creation of a new program from Calgary Economic Development called “Levelling Up.” This program is anticipated to launch in 2026, say provincial officials, and include additional sector- and market-specific trade programming to support businesses in their complex global market expansion needs. The government says “Levelling Up” will also include the ongoing Global Trade Classroom Series along with online resources. It is described as a program designed for companies who have participated in TAP, with targeted trade support for entering more complex markets.

“Calgary Economic Development and the Government of Alberta have been pivotal in accelerating naturemary’s growth, innovation and global reach,” shares Kapil Kalra, president & co-founder, naturemary, (TAP alumni). “Their support empowers us to thrive, create jobs and elevate pain relief and wellness from Alberta to the world.”

Companies like naturemary, Rok Water, Knead Technologies and Zeno Renewables began in Alberta as small businesses but received training and support through TAP, note government officials. Now these companies, like many others, have grown to receive recognition and business in markets around the world.

Alberta government quick facts

  • TAP supports businesses across Alberta through province-wide delivery, with past sessions hosted in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Grand Prairie, Canmore, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.
  • The program is open to any Alberta-based company and businesses can attend sessions in any region.
  • Upcoming TAP cohorts across Alberta include:
    • Calgary, Sept. 9 – Oct. 22
    • Red Deer, Oct. 15 – Nov.20
    • Edmonton, Nov. 4 – Dec. 10

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