Key Financial Resources for SMBs
Funding Overview
Alberta SMBs seeking to digitalize have several sources of public funding, even though the federal Canada Digital Adoption Program has closed to new applicants. The province continues to provide non‑repayable grants through Alberta Innovates, and the Edmonton Edge Fund offers substantial support for innovation within the city. The Canada‑Alberta Productivity Grant reimburses training costs for upskilling staff. Where grants fall short, the Business Development Bank of Canada offers flexible loans tailored to technology investment.
Alberta Innovates – Micro Voucher
Startups and small firms developing a prototype or assessing market fit.
Up to C$10 k (75 % of costs). Continuous intake; early‑stage technology development.
Canada - Alberta Productivity Grant
Employers investing in digital skills training or software implementation.
Reimburses 50 % up to C$5 k per employee and 75 % up to C$10 k per unemployed trainee
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII)
The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) commits $200 million over five years to accelerate AI adoption and commercialization across Canada. Delivered through regional development agencies, it helps SMEs and key sectors bring new AI technologies to market and scale adoption.
Alberta Innovates – Voucher
SMBs scaling digital products or services.
C$10 k–100 k grant (75 % of costs). For mid‑stage product development.
https://albertainnovates.ca/funding/voucher-program/
Edmonton Edge Fund
Edmonton‑based businesses developing or scaling innovative products.
Start Stream: C$75–100 k (no match) for prototyping
Scale & Grow Stream: C$250 k–1 million (50 % match) for commercialization
AI Assist Program
The AI Assist Program, launched in Budget 2024, will invest C$100 million to help Canadian SMEs develop or adopt generative AI and deep-learning solutions. Delivered through the NRC’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP), it supports firms in overcoming adoption and development challenges.
https://nrc.canada.ca/en/support-technology-innovation/ai-assist-call-proposals-organizations
Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant
Manufacturing firms adopting robotics, automation or advanced equipment.
Free Phase 1 assessment, then up to C$30 k matching grant for technology upgrades
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Any SMB needing financing for technology adoption; complements grants.
Flexible loans and venture capital; interest‑only periods; focused on cash.
flowhttps://www.bdc.ca/en/financing/small-business-loan
Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE)
The RIE (Regional Innovation Ecosystems) funding is targeted toward not-for-profit organizations that support innovative businesses in the Prairie provinces, with a focus on fostering inclusive growth and helping under-represented groups participate in the innovation economy.
How augmentus Consulting Can Help
Although the federal CDAP program has closed, Alberta SMBs still have access to a robust suite of funding options through Alberta Innovates, AMPG, CAPG, the Edmonton Edge Fund and BDC loans. By aligning project needs with program mandates, preparing thorough applications, and leveraging Alberta’s support ecosystem, SMBs can secure financial resources to implement transformative digital technologies and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
Want more help in deciding which funding source might be right for you and your business? Answer a few questions below.
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AI-Powered Content Creation
Leverage tools like ChatGPT & Canva AI for quick drafts of blogs, social posts, and visuals.
Benefit: Saves hours on writing & design, reduces content costs.
Difficulty: Easy
AI Powered Content Creation - A Quick Win Guide
Automated Customer Support
Implement basic chatbots to answer FAQs and guide customers 24/7.
Benefit: Reduces support load, improves response times.
Difficulty: Medium
AI Powered Content Creation - A Quick Win Guide
Smarter Email Automation
Use AI features in email platforms to personalize campaigns and segment audiences more effectively.
Benefit: Higher engagement, saves time on manual segmentation.
Difficulty: Easy
AI Powered Content Creation - A Quick Win Guide
AI-Optimized Scheduling
Utilize scheduling tools with AI features that find optimal meeting times and send smart reminders.
Benefit: Minimizes back-and-forth, reduces no-shows.
Difficulty: Easy
AI Powered Content Creation - A Quick Win Guide
Lead Generation
& Scoring
Integrate simple AI tools that help identify potential leads and score their interest.
Benefit: Focus on hot leads, increases sales efficiency.
Difficulty: Medium
Scoring Your Leads with AI - A Quick Guide
Workflow Automation
Automate repetitive tasks between apps (e.g., lead capture to CRM) using Zapier, n8n, Make, with AI integrations.
Benefit: Saves significant manual labor, reduces errors.
Difficulty: Medium
AI Powered Content Creation - A Quick Win Guide
Basic Data Insights
Use AI features in spreadsheet or analytics tools to quickly spot trends in sales or customer data.
Benefit: Faster decision-making, identifies growth opportunities.
Difficulty: Easy
Basic Data Insights
for SMBs
AI Thought Partner/Assistant
Use AI as a strategic thinking partner for business decisions, brainstorming, and problem-solving.
Benefit: Better decision-making, creative solutions.
Difficulty: Easy
Your 24 7 Assistant - Build an AI Powered Thought Partner
Custom Knowledge Base
Create an AI-powered knowledge base of company information, processes, and FAQs.
Benefit: Instant access to company knowledge, faster onboarding.
Difficulty: Medium
Build an AI Powered Custom Knowledge Base
Build a Lead Generating Website
Having a company website is table stakes. Don't be limited by your physical location.
Benefit: Improves accessibility to customers, let's you control the information you present.
Difficulty: Medium
Build a Lead Generating Website - A Quick Win Guide
Intelligent Social Media Management Campaigns
Easy to use and economical tools that help you launch and manage a campaign to drive visits to your business.
Benefit: Better reach and engagement with less manual effort.
Difficulty: Easy
Launch an AI Powered Social Media Campaign
Smart Financial Forecasting
AI-powered tools that analyze financial patterns and predict cash flow, revenue trends.
Benefit: Better financial planning, early warning of issues.
Difficulty: Medium
Smart Financial Forecasting
