The Government of Alberta has announced more than $3 million to boost the economy in the south region. (Photo: Pattison Media)

By David Opinko

$3 million announced to boost southern Alberta economy

Apr 9, 2025 | 1:34 PM

The Government of Alberta says it is tripling funding for the regional economy and doubling community impact.

It has announced $9.8 million for 81 projects across the province through the Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) program.

That includes $3,013,400 for 25 projects in southern Alberta.

Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones says the government is helping to build stronger, more resilient communities that contribute to the overall prosperity of the province.

“The NRED program is empowering communities to attract investment, grow economies and create high-value, stable jobs for Albertans. This program unlocks new opportunities for Albertans in every corner of the province, ensuring Alberta remains the best place to live, work, invest and raise a family,” says Jones.

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Previously, groups could apply for a maximum of $100,000 in grant funding, but that has now been increased to $300,000.

The full list of projects that were approved for funding in 2024/25 in southern Alberta include:

Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association

Funding will support agri-tourism training and marketing initiatives to strengthen rural businesses and promote sustainable growth across Alberta’s agricultural communities.

• $300,000

Alberta Small Brewers Association

Funding will support technical training and education to strengthen Alberta’s craft brewing sector and expand market opportunities for small brewers.

• $63,000

Alberta SouthWest Regional Alliance Ltd.

Funding will support feasibility studies and marketing initiatives to strengthen investment readiness and promote regional growth across 15 municipalities.

• $77,300

Calgary Economic Development Ltd.

Funding will support a collaborative initiative across eight municipalities to develop shared economic strategies, enhance investment readiness, and strengthen business retention in the Calgary region.

• $300,000

Chiniki First Nation

Funding will support infrastructure planning for a workforce housing development to strengthen regional labour capacity and support economic growth in Banff, Canmore, and surrounding areas.

• $281,300

City of Airdrie

Funding will support economic strategy updates, feasibility studies, and entrepreneur support initiatives to drive long-term growth and investment in Airdrie.

• $245,800

Cochrane Tourism Association

Funding will support tourism sector development in Cochrane through training, data tools, and visitor services to foster sustainable growth and support local businesses.

• $38,300

Community Futures Highwood

Funding will support a tech incubator in Okotoks that offers workspaces, mentorship, and training to help startups grow and diversify the local economy.

• $52,800

Community Futures Treaty Seven

Funding will support workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Treaty Seven to build business and digital skills.

• $41,300

Community Futures Wild Rose

Funding will support training, trade awareness events, and business support to address workforce shortages and strengthen small and medium enterprises in the region.

• $132,200

Cypress County

Funding will support the development of a 10-year investment strategy to attract private investment in agriculture, tourism, and renewable energy.

• $30,000

E.D.A. Alberta (An Association of Economic Developers)

Funding will support strategy development and capacity building to enhance regional economic resilience in Jasper, Edson, Hinton, and Yellowhead County.

• $36,000

Foothills County

Funding will support a marketing campaign and economic development plan to attract investment, support local businesses, and strengthen the regional economy.

• $29,500

Generate Canada Inc.

Funding will support feasibility studies and strategy development to attract investment in critical minerals and clean electricity, supporting Alberta’s low-carbon economy.

• $300,000

Innovate Cochrane

Funding will support the digital transformation of a rural innovation program to provide training, reduce barriers for small businesses, and promote scalable economic growth.

• $172,100

Langdon & District Chamber of Commerce

Funding will support the development of a business support website to enhance visibility, networking, and investment readiness for local small and medium enterprises.

• $14,300

Lethbridge Economic Development Initiative Society (LEDI)

Funding will support a feasibility study to explore the creation of a Creative Industries Hub in Southern Alberta, supporting growth in film, digital media, and interactive arts.

• $50,000

Lethbridge Economic Development Initiative Society (LEDI)

Funding will support training, mentorship, and digital tools to grow agrifood businesses and promote innovation in Canada’s Premier Food Corridor.

• $97,600

Momentum Community Economic Development Society

Funding will support training, mentorship, and pitch events to help Indigenous and purpose-driven businesses become investment-ready and scale their operations.

• $70,000

Siksika Nation Tribal Administration

Funding will support a small business incubator to provide training, mentorship, and resources for entrepreneurs in the Siksika Nation.

• $300,000

SouthGrow Regional Initiative

Funding will support tailored economic development plans for 30 municipalities in Southern Alberta to address capacity gaps, improve investment readiness, and promote long-term regional growth.

• $128,000

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce

Funding will support a series of sector-specific events to strengthen business growth and economic resilience.

• $70,400

Town of Cochrane

Funding will support an updated economic development strategy to guide investment readiness and sustainable growth.

• $75,000

Town of Strathmore

Funding will support the development of an online business hub and marketing platform to attract investment and support local businesses.

• $91,000

Town of Taber

Funding will support a targeted marketing campaign to attract foreign direct investment to Taber’s key industries.

• $17,500

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