2012 Programs and Services for Growth

Development Officers with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development serve as the first point of contact for Alberta's growing and established agri-processing companies. In addition to having a thorough understanding of the agri-processing industry, they have created this resource to assist agri-processing companies in finding funding programs, servcies and supports. They are 'your connection to resources for business growth.'

The following information will help you:
- discover what's available to help grow your agri-processing business,
- find the programs and services that suit your needs,
- apply to financial cost-sharing opportunities for new initiatives,
- access resources that improve your business.
Document available in pdf format (486KB)


Automation, Technology & Lean Manufacturing

Agriculture Innovation Program NEW
Type of Program: Grant/Interest-Free Loan
Administered by: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada www.agr.gc.ca
Description of Program:
The program is designed to support research, development, commercialization and adoption of new products, technologies, processes and services. The program has two streams. Stream 1 Knowledge Creation and Transfer is focused on research and development and applied projects where the commercialization is 3-7 years away. Grant funding of up to 75% for not-for-profit groups and 50% for profit companies. Stream 2 Commercialization includes capital equipment but should be new, not just to the company, but to the sector or region. An interest-free loan of up to 50%.
Maximum Funding: Stream 1: $4,000,000. Stream 2: $10,000,000
Program End Date: March 31, 2013

Agri-Processing Initiative
Type of Program:Grant/ Interest-Free Loan
Administered by: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada www.agr.gc.ca
Description of Program:
The program is designed to enhance the competitiveness of the agri-processing sector in Canada. Eligible projects include new (novel to facility) machinery and equipment (including the commissioning) that enables the adoption of new manufacturing technologies and processes and consultation, design and advice on new technologies, processes and products which are new to the facility. The contributions are non-interest bearing and unsecured. Companies could receive a repayable contribution of 50% of eligible project costs.
Maximum Funding: $2,000,000
Program End Date: March 31, 2014

Alberta Technology Innovation Program
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: Food Beverage Canada www.foodbeveragecanada.com
Description of Program:
The program provides financial support for companies to attend approved National and International technology-related trade shows, conferences, seminars and other industry events to foster support for both company and industry innovation and growth. Approved participants are eligible to receive 50% cost-sharing on economy airfare, event and seminar registration fees and a per diem for out-of-pocket expenses.
Program End Date: April 1, 2012 (with possible extension)

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Growing Forward Agri-Business Automation & Lean Manufacturing Program
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (Crop) www.growingforward.alberta.ca & Alberta Livestock & Meat Agency (Livestock) www.alma.alberta.ca
Description of Program:
The program is designed to stimulate new investment and capital expansion in the agri-food industry in Alberta. The program contributes to improvements to the productivity of processors through cost reductions and/or increases in operational efficiencies. A maximum of 20% of eligible costs will be payable for capital projects. Non-capital projects, which include third-party costs, consulting and engineering fees, training and eligible travel costs will have a maximum of 50% payable.
Maximum Funding: $2,000,000
Program End Date: March 31, 2013

Productivity Improvement Services
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development www.agriculture.alberta.ca & Productivity Alberta www.productivityalberta.ca
Description of Program:
These services can help your company increase productivity and competitiveness through on-site operation assessments, practical recommendations and guidance regarding resources for implementation.

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Food Safety

Alberta HACCP Advantage (AHA)
Type of Program: Resource/Certification
Administered by: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development www.agriculture.alberta.ca/aha
Description of Program:
AHA! is a voluntary program that has many excellent resources to assist food processors in developing, improving and implementing a food safety system (i.e. GMP or HACCP system) to meet the requirements of current customers and help gain new customers. these resources include coaching and guidance from experienced Food Safety Specialists, a food safety "how to" manual, personnel training materials, food safety DVDs, template record keeping forms, and more! The program also provides formal third-party certification and government recognition for facilities that implement the AHA! program.

Gap Assessments
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development www.agriculture.alberta.ca & Alberta Food Processors Association www.afpa.com
Description of Program:
Gap assessments are available to assist processors in preparing for customer or regulatory audits. This program is also valuable for processors that want to implement a Food Safety program but either aren't sure where to start or want to know where their shortfalls may be prior to proceeding.

Growing Forward Food Safety Program - Processing
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development www.growingforward.alberta.ca
Description of Program:
The program allocates funds for processors to implement food safety systems that result in demonstrated behaviour changes in food safety practices. Non Capital Items - Assistance for non-federally registered food processing companies will be on a 70/30 cost-shared basis (government / applicant) to a maximum of $25,000. A maximum of $25,000 for incremental wages for your own staff or a maximum of $20,000 to hire a food safety consultant to assist in the implementation of food safety programs. Capital Items - Assistance will be on a 50/50 cost shared basis (government / applicant) to a maximum of $50,000 for capital items that can assist with controlling food hazards.
Maximum Funding: $50,000
Program End Date: March 31, 2013

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Online Food Safety Training & Prerequisite Program Management
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Alberta Food Processors Association www.afpa.com
Description of Program:
This program will enable Alberta food processors to train employees within the facility on seven food safety modules, administer quizzes and present certificates upon completion of the training. It will also give HACCP Coordinators the tools to manage employee training and prerequisite programs to ensure they are current and ready for audits. Technical support is also available to assist processors in entering employee names into the database, downloading SOPs and training to use the system.

Onsite Training
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Alberta Food Processors Association www.afpa.com
Description of Program:
This program is available to Alberta food processors that want to train a group of employees on HACCP or other food safety topics but do not want to go offsite to a publicly offered course. This minimizes the potential expense and time away from production. It also gives a team approach to training, which many companies prefer.


Investment


Agri-Business & Agri-Food Financing
Type of Program: Financing/Loan
Administered by: Farm Credit Canada www.fccfinancing.ca
Description of Program:
FCC provides financing to processors, wholesalers, input providers, equipment manufacturers and dealers. They offer term and cash flow financing and venture capital.

Canada Small Business Financing Program
Type of Program: Loan
Administered by: Industry Canada www.ic.gc.ca
Description of Program:
Under the program, the Government of Canada makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk of lenders. Companies must be small businesses operating for profit in Canada, with a gross annual revenue of less than $5 million.
Maximum Funding: $500,000

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Canada Youth Business Foundation Program
Type of Program: Loan
Administered by: Canada Youth Business Foundation www.cybf.ca
Description of Program:
This program provides start-up financing of up to $15,000, with flexible three to five year repayment schedules with no principal payments in the first year. Furthermore, the Business Development Bank of Canada teamed up with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) to provide entrepreneurs with up to an additional $15,000 to get their businesses off the ground. Expansion financing of up to $10,000 is also offered for existing CYBF entrepreneurs.
Maximum Funding: $15,000

Pre-Commercial Investment Program
Type of Program: Loan
Administered by: AVAC Ltd. www.avacltd.com
Description of Program:
Investment funds are targeted at pre-commercial and start-up opportunities. AVAC will help entrepreneurs and new venture developers pursue their ideas by sharing some of the early stage risk (less than 50%). Investment return is based on a royalty approach, calculated as a percentage of gross revenue of the client business, or of a specific new product or service.

Value Added & Agri-Business Program
Type of Program: Financing/Loan
Administered by: Agriculture Financial Services Corporation www.afsc.ca
Description of Program:
The program is designed to provide enterprises with suitable financing to start, develop and grow their businesses. The loan can be used to start, expand, purchase or upgrade facilities, equipment, or other capital assets needed for your business. VAAP also covers working capital expenditures, including training costs that support new or expanded operations or products for value added or agri-business enterprises and change of ownership.
Maximum Funding: $5,000,000

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Nutrition/Labelling


Food Labelling Health Benefits
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada www.agr.gc.ca
Description of Program:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) recognizes the important role that the food regulatory environment plays in protecting public safety, promoting health and supporting industry competitiveness. The Food Regulatory Issues Division provides the sector with information and advice on food policy and regulatory issues, particularly with regards to innovative foods with health benefits.

Food Labelling Information Service
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Canadian Food Inspection Agency www.inspection.gc.ca
Description of Program:
The CFIA Food labelling Information Service consolidates and coordinates voluntary federal food label reviews. This service is particularly directed to facilitating market entry for new businesses. Food processors can receive general labelling advice, including nutritional labelling, and have draft labels reviewed by contacting the Food Safety and Fair labelling offices in Edmonton and Calgary.

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Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S)


Certificate of Recognition Program
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Alberta Food Processors Association www.afpa.com
Description of Program:
The program is essential to WCB's PIR and a key component of Alberta Human Services Partnerships program. A Certificate of Recognition (COR) is issued to employers who have successfully implemented a workplace health and safety management system that meets partnerships standards. Benefits of obtaining a COR include: minimized accident costs, improved worker productivity, safer workplace and a possible rebate of a minimum of 10% to a maximum of 20% of WCB premiums.

Small Employer Certificate of Recognition
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Alberta Food Processors Association www.afpa.com
Description of Program:
The Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (SECOR) program provides an option for employers with a small number of workers to develop a safety management system and achieve a Certificate of Recognition. The program is designed to meet the application and training needs of employers with 10 or fewer employees. A SECOR is issued to an employer whose health and safety program meets the partnerships standards. Small employers with a SECOR are eligible to receive a 10% to 20% rebate on their WCB premiums.

Workplace Health & Safety Program
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Alberta Food Processors Association www.afpa.com
Description of Program:
The Alberta Food Processors Association is committed to improving health and safety for the industry and offers extensive educational courses. The following courses are instructed by qualified industry experts: Health & Safety Program Building, Internal Auditor Training, Hazard Assessment, WHMIS Train the Trainer, Incident & Accident Investigation and Roles & Responsibility for Managers and Supervisors.

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Research & Development/Marketing


Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development www.agriculture.alberta.ca
Description of Program:
A multi-tenant, CFIA registered facility with eight private, fully serviced processing suites dedicated to assisting food processors in the scale-up and commercialization of food products and technologies leading to successful establishment of their own enterprises.

Alberta Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Credit
Type of Program: Tax Credit
Administered by: Government of Alberta www.advancededandtech.alberta.ca
Description of Program:
The Provincial tax credit program benefits businesses of all sizes and in all sectors that conduct research and development that will lead to new, improved or technologically advanced products or processes. The credit is for all expenditures incurred after December 31, 2008 that are also eligible for the federal Scientific Research and Experimental Development Credit. The Alberta SR&ED tax credit is over and above the federal SR&ED credit, helping the research and development investments made by Alberta companies go farther.
Maximum Funding: Tax credit of up to 10%

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Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program
Type of Program: Grant or Loan
Administered by: Agriculture & Food Council www.agfoodcouncil.com
Description of Program:
The program objectives are to facilitate the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector’s ability to seize opportunities, to respond to new and emerging issues, and to pathfind and pilot solutions to new and ongoing issues in order to help it adapt and remain competitive. Maximum level of funding will not exceed 85% of total project costs.
Maximum Funding: $3,000,000
Program End Date: December 31, 2013

The Canada Brand in the Canadian Market - NEW
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada www.marquecanadabrand.agr.gc.ca
Description of Program:
To help increase the competitiveness of Canadian food prodicers and processors here at home, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has developed a new domestic branding initiative. The initiative will help you promote the advantages of your food products to Canadian consumers, capitalizing on research showing that they prefer to buy domestic foods over imports.

Co-operative Development Initiative
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Canadian Co-operative Association & Co-operative Secretariat of Canada www.coop.gc.ca
Description of Program:
This program is a Government of Canada program delivered in partnership with co-operative sector organizations to enhance the contribution of co-operatives to meeting the economic and social needs of Canadians. There are three program components: advisory services, research and knowledge development, and innovative co-operative projects.

Developing New Alberta Crop-Based Products - NEW
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund (ACIDF) www.acidf.ca
Description of Program:
This program is targeted to work with Alberta's agricultural crop-based manufacturers and growers to grow their own businesses. The program increases manufacturing using Alberta-grown crops, through development of new commerical ingredients and products. Enriching supply chain business rleationps is highly desirable. Ultimately the success of this program will be a significant increase in demand and use of Alberta-grown crops in Alberta-based manufacturing. ACIDF will rpovide up to 25% of eligible project cash costs up to a maximum of $100,000 per project.
Program End Date: December 31, 2014

Food Processing Development Centre
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development www.agriculture.alberta.ca
Description of Program:
The Food Processing Development Centre is a modern, fully equipped pilot plant and product development laboratory facility. It is staffed with experienced food scientists, engineers and technologists. Centre services are designed to strengthen and expand the capability of Alberta's food processors to meet the challenges of the marketplace through application of new technology and the development of new or improved products and processes.

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Growing Forward Agri-Business & Product Development Program
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (Crop) www.growingforward.alberta.ca & Alberta Livestock & Meat Agency (Livestock) www.alma.alberta.ca
Description of Program:
The program targets agri-food and agri-based processing companies and producers with innovative, market driven opportunities to commercialize a product, create healthy or healthier products or expand their business. Projects under this program include: product development, market research and development, labelling and packaging development, and expanding an agri-business. Eligible expenses will be funded at 50% to a maximum of $400,000.
Maximum Funding: $400,000
Program End Date: March 31, 2013

Industrial Research Assistance Program
Type of Program: Resource/Grant
Administered by: National Research Council http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/ibp/irap.html
Description of Program:
This program supports small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada to build their technology and innovation capabilities. Industrial Technology Advisors work with small and medium-sized enterprises on-site to assess needs and design solutions which can be tailored to each business. NRC-IRAP offers direct technical assistance, access to the latest technological advances, expertise, facilities and resources. NRC-IRAP may also provide cost-shared financing of innovative technical projects to qualified firms.

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Matching Investment Fund
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: Canadian Dairy Commission www.milkingredients.ca
Description of Program:
The $6 million fund is designed to encourage growth and innovation in the manufacturing and use of Canadian dairy products and ingredients. Projects could receive $50,000 for consultations or $250,000 for product development. Funding must be matched in cash or in-kind by the business.
Maximum Funding: $250,000

Product Demonstration Fund - NEW
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: Alberta Innovates www.albertainnovates.ca
Description of Program:
The Product Demonstration Fund (PDF) will assist Alberta businesses across the province at a challenging time in the commercialization phase of their develoment, PDF funding, typically ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, will help businesses demonstrate their new products or services in a real-life, end-user environment.
Maximum Funding: $300,000

Scientific Research & Experimental Development Program
Type of Program: Tax Credit
Administered by: Canada Revenue Agency www.cra.gc.ca
Description of Program:
This program is a federal tax incentive program to encourage Canadian businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and development (R&D) in Canada that will lead to new, improved or technologically-advanced products or processes. Companies can apply for SR&ED investment tax credits for expenditures such as wages, materials, machinery, equipment, some overhead and SR&ED contracts.
Maximum Funding: Tax credit of up to 35%


Sustainability


ecoEnergy for Industry Assessment Incentive Program
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: Natural Resources Canada www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca
Description of Program:
Financial incentives for two types of assessments through the ecoENERGY for Industry program. The incentives help industrial companies perform assessments of their operations to optimize their processes, reduce operating costs, and use energy more efficiently. Funding is available for up to 50% of the study cost of a Process Integration study ($50,000 max) or a Computational Fluid Dynamic study ($30,000 max).
Maximum Funding: $50,000

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Workforce Development


Agricultural Processing Industry Summer Employment Program
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development www.agriculture.alberta.ca
Description of Program:
This program provides opportunities for career-related experience and skill training for students employed in Alberta's processing industry. Students must be enrolled full-time in a degree, diploma or certificate program and must be returning to school full-time in the fall or winter. Students enrolled in graduate studies are also eligible under the program. Processors who hire a student for the summer will be reimbursed for one-third of the employee's salary up to $500 per month.
Maximum Funding: $2,000

Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Citizenship and Immigration Canada & Alberta Employment and Immigration www.albertacanada.com
Description of Program:
The Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program is an immigration program which is designed in part to assist employers who are having difficulty recruiting qualified workers in Alberta. It facilitates the immigration process so that employers can retain the qualified workers they need.

Alberta Innovates Commercialization Associates
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: Alberta Innovates Technology Futures www.albertatechfutures.ca
Description of Program:
The Alberta Innovates Commercialization Associates program was developed to increase business management and marketing expertise in Alberta-based start-up and Small/Medium Enterprise (SME) companies by enabling these companies to recruit skilled business professionals. The program consists of an annual stipend of $70,000 (a minimum): with contributions of $55,000 from Tech Futures and $15,000 (minimum) from the company, for up to two years; and an annual commercialization allowance of $7,000 from Tech Futures to cover qualified costs for travel and marketing intelligence.
Maximum Funding: $62,000

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Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit
Type of Program: Tax Credit
Administered by: Canada Revenue Agency www.cra.gc.ca
Description of Program:
The federal incentive program is designed to help employers offset the cost of hiring and training employees who have entered into an apprenticeship contract. Employers can take advantage of a non-refundable tax credit equal to 10% of the eligible salaries and wages paid to apprentices in their first two years. Any unused credit may be carried back 3 years and carried forward 20 years.
Maximum Funding: $2,000

Career Bridge Program
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: Career Edge www.careerbridge.ca
Description of Program:
This program is for employers seeking qualified workers and for recent immigrants seeking professional level positions in their fields of expertise. Career Bridge offers paid internships of 4, 6, 9 or 12 months for recent immigrants. It can help employers fill a wide range of professional and managerial positions while minimizing the recruiting costs and risks.

Great People = Growing Profits Toolkit
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development www.agriculture.alberta.ca/workforcetools
Description of Program:
This online toolkit for employers features practical tools to help immediately address labour shortage issues. The toolkit offers recruitment and retention strategies with tools and templates that can be used independently or incorporated into your current business processes. Access the toolkit online or contact your Development Officer for a free copy of the toolkit on CD.

Growing Forward Leadership Development Grant
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development www.growingforward.alberta.ca
Description of Program:
This program is designed to support continuous learning and education opportunities to build leadership skills in the agriculture industry. The program is also available to leadership program developers to assist in the development of new comprehensive leadership development programs in Alberta. Assistance will be provided to successful applicants on a 75/25, government to applicant, cost shared basis. Maximum funding for the life of the program is $12,000 for individual applicants and $60,000 for leadership program developers.
Program End Date: March 31, 2013

The Market Development Team
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development www.agriculture.alberta.ca
Description of Program:
The Market Development Team brings experience in retail, foodservice, alternative markets such as c-stores and into the world of packaging and understanding consumer insights. This also includes innovation, broker relations, go to market plans and merchandising of products. The Team works with agri-food rpcoessors as they move through the stages of Start-up, Selling, Established and Capacity Growth. Contact your Industry Development Officer or New Venture Specialist and ask for the Market Development Team.

Sectoral Career Focus Program
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: Food Processing HR Council www.fphrc.ca
Description of Program:
This program offers food processing employers an opportunity to receive a wage subsidy to hire skilled youth, to access some of the skills that can further strengthen the sector: business, marketing, design, processing, engineering or other technical abilities. Eligible participants must be post-secondary graduates in food processing or other related disciplines. The program will reimburse 50% of the eligible wages and related expenses to hire a post-secondary student for a placement between 4 and 12 months.

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Small Business Internship Program
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: Industry Canada www.ic.gc.ca
Description of Program:
The program provides small and medium-sized businesses with up to $10,000 to hire a post-secondary student to implement e-business (internet-based) strategies for greater productivity and competitiveness. This funding will defray the cost of adopting e-business practices and technologies that allow your firm to actively market its products online, reaching new customers in new markets. The Government of Canada will reimburse 75% of the eligible wages and related expenses to hire a post-secondary student, for a total of 12 weeks, to carry out a project.
Program End Date: March 31, 2014

Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Citizenship and Immigration Canada www.albertacanada.com
Description of Program:
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a federal program. It is designed to meet temporary labour needs – the workers are in Alberta to fill short-term gaps in the labour force.

Training & Development Resources
Type of Program: Resource
Administered by: Food Processing HR Council www.fphrc.ca
Description of Program:
Up-to-date training materials, human resources kits, multimedia products, guides, and reports to upgrade your employees’ skills and abilities.  

Workforce Development Program
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development www.agriclture.alberta.ca/workforce
Description of Program:
This program provides assistance to address specific workforce issues in agricultural production and agri-processing sectors. Financial assistance is provided to assist Alberta agri-business managers to recruit workers outside of Alberta, reduce worker turnover through the development of retention strategies and assess and adopt technologies and processes which will increase worker productivity. 50% of eligible expenses incurred by a successful applicant in completing the approved project per applicant in a fiscal year (April to March).
Maximum Funding: $25,000 per client
Program End Date: Renewed Annually

Youth Employment Program
Type of Program: Grant
Administered by: National Research Council-Industrial Research and Assistance Program www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Description of Program:
The program provides financial assistance to innovative small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada to hire post-secondary science, engineering, technology, business and liberal arts graduates. Internships must be at least 6 and no longer than 12 months and are available anywhere in Canada. Support will help to cover a part of the intern's salary but does not include fringe benefits and overhead costs.
Maximum Funding: $30,000

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