Le Lézard
Classified in: Science and technology
Subject: CFG

Government of Canada funding for business accelerators aims to speed up growth of tech firms across Alberta


Federal investment of $5 million will increase access to training, capital, and resources for Alberta companies

EDMONTON, AB, Aug. 3, 2021 /CNW/ - Successful small- and medium- size businesses provide quality jobs for Canadians, spur innovation and contribute to a resilient Canadian economy. The Government of Canada is committed to helping these businesses access the tools and supports they need to grow and bring their innovative products and services to new regional, national and international markets.

Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, announced a $5 million investment under the Regional Innovation Ecosystem (RIE) program to increase access to supports and resources for Alberta-based small- and medium sized technology companies.

The federal investment will enable Alberta Innovates to expand funds available to not-for-profit business accelerators participating in its Scale-Up and Growth Accelerator Program. Alberta Innovates is a provincial organization that provides funding programs, advice, connections, technical expertise and applied research services to stimulate and grow research and innovation across Alberta. Funding will further bolster Alberta Innovates' efforts to attract and encourage local and global business accelerators to Alberta. Business accelerators play a critical role in enabling companies to scale and grow at a faster rate through supports such as training and mentorship, access to investors and networks, and logistical and technical resources.

Approximately 300 Alberta technology firms across a range of economic sectors are expected to benefit from the initiative over the next three years. Western Economic Diversification Canada funding will complement an investment of up to $25 million from Alberta Innovates, bringing total funding for the initiative to up to $30 million.

Quotes

"Alberta has a burgeoning technology sector, but we've heard from early- and mid-stage companies about the critical need to help accelerate their development and growth. We are making this investment to help encourage and attract local and global business accelerators to offer their supports to Alberta firms. This is a proactive and collaborative approach to providing Alberta's tech entrepreneurs with the networks, capital, and resources they need to bring their innovative products to market and create quality jobs for Albertans."
-       The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies

"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovation across the country as we build back better. Innovative businesses, like those participating in Alberta Innovates' Scale-Up and Growth Accelerator Program will be drivers of our economy in the future. That's why strategic investments from our Government are positioning innovators for Canada's future economic success."  
-       The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

"This additional funding augments the $25 million that our government is putting towards tech accelerators in Alberta. With funding from all three levels of government, we are going to fill the gap that exists and build on the huge momentum we are seeing in tech companies across Alberta."
-       Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation

"Business growth and scale-up is critically important to Alberta's technology-based businesses. This partnership with Western Economic Diversification extends our ability to help these businesses grow, attract investment and thrive."
-          Laura Kilcrease, CEO, Alberta Innovates

Quick facts

Additional links

Stay Connected

Follow WD on Twitter: @WD_Canada

WD Homepage
WD Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388

SOURCE Western Economic Diversification Canada


These press releases may also interest you

at 06:30
The Actuators market is estimated at USD 67.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 94.8 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 7.0 % from 2024 to 2029 according to a new report by MarketsandMarketstm. The growth can be attributed to growing...

at 06:13
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. ("JinkoSolar" or the "Company") , one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, today announced that since March 20, 2024, the Company has repurchased 788,178 American depositary shares...

at 06:05
AIS Healthcare, a leading provider of targeted drug delivery (TDD) and infusion care solutions, is proud to recognize March 25-31 as National Physicians Week. This week and throughout the year, we celebrate the dedication of physicians who selflessly...

at 06:02
With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major...

at 06:00
G-P (Globalization Partners), the recognized leader in the global employment market, and standard bearer for industry compliance, today announced it was awarded 50 leader badges in G2's 2024 Spring Report, including Employer of Record Leader, Global...

at 05:34
Sungrow, a global leading PV inverter and energy storage system supplier, has emerged as one of the standout companies on the 2024 Fortune Asia Future 30 list. The list, which recognizes the most promising companies in Asia Pacific, is a testament to...



News published on and distributed by: