Communities across Central Alberta are receiving a boost through the province’s Small Community Opportunity Program.
Alberta’s government is providing an additional $3 million in grants to support Indigenous and small communities, aiming to help them tap into economic opportunities and address local challenges.
The program has awarded grants ranging from $20,000 to $90,000 for 41 community-led projects focused on agriculture, small-business support, and local economic development.
“For the second year, the Small Community Opportunity Program is financially backing Indigenous and small communities,” said RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. “These grants help build capacity in small businesses and the agriculture industry. When rural communities succeed, all of Alberta thrives.”
Each project aligns with the province’s Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan, which aims to ensure Indigenous and rural Albertans can pursue economic opportunities in their own communities.
“Indigenous communities are vital partners in building a prosperous province,” said Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations. “These investments empower local leaders, foster innovation, strengthen local economies and help build vibrant, self-sustaining communities.”
Grant recipients have up to two years to complete their projects, which are expected to support, improve or enhance economic development in rural and Indigenous communities, or within the agriculture industry.
A full list of this year’s grant recipients can be found on the Alberta government website.
With information from the Government of Alberta.
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