New program aims to aid Indigenous and small rural communities

Indigenous and small communities are getting some financial help from the Alberta government.

It's making $6 million available through the Small Community Opportunity Program, aiming to back rural Alberta communities to grow their economic footprint.

"The new Small Community Opportunity Program provides financial backing for Indigenous and small communities to tackle challenges and tap into opportunities to grow their local economic footprint," says Agriculture Minister RJ Sigurdson. "By building capacity in small businesses and the agriculture industry, these rural communities will have a strong foundation to thrive."

For a project to be eligible, it must align with the Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan and build capacity within the local community in entrepreneurship and mentorship, skills development, small business supports and/or partnerships, interconnectivity and collaboration.

Non-profit organizations may collaborate with Indigenous and small communities, or communities may work together or independently on projects that drive innovation and achieve sustainable growth and diversification. Projects must be completed within two years and have a measurable impact supporting, improving or enhancing rural and Indigenous communities, local economic development and/or the agriculture industry.

Indigenous and small communities, and non-profit organizations that support them, can apply for grants between $20,000 and $100,000 for local, community-led projects.

Applications open Friday, November 10.

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