Supporting technology-based business recovery

NEWS RELEASE

Alberta Innovates partners with Western Economic Diversification Canada to invest in Alberta small and medium enterprises and organizations.

UPDATE

Alberta Innovates extends $350,000 to benefit Alberta-based businesses.
Read more.

(Edmonton, Alberta) October 27, 2020 - Alberta Innovates is investing in two impactful province-wide programs designed to help Alberta's technology-focused small- and medium-sized firms adapt and thrive in a business environment impacted by COVID-19. The programs are being supported through a $1.3 million investment from by the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification Canada, as part of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF).

The Alberta Innovation Network GrowthX program is a cohort-based support program for scaling-up technology-based companies in Alberta. The Alberta Innovation Network is made up of Alberta Innovates' eight Regional Innovation Networks (RINs) which are spread across Alberta. The Alberta Innovation network is partnering with GrowthX to deliver a six-month program focusing on strengthening product management knowledge and the marketing and sales plans for post revenue technology-based companies. Coaching will be provided by GrowthX's Sean Sheppard along with business coaches from the RINs.

Find out more about the Alberta Innovation Network GrowthX program.

The Innovation Relief and Recovery program offers high potential technology-based businesses with access to technical and business supports that are not covered through other relief programs. Project activities may include product testing and refinement, manufacturing capacity improvement, customer discovery work as well as professional services such as human resources, legal and financial required to support relief and recovery.

Find out more about the Innovation Relief and Recovery program.

The programs are designed to deliver practical and timely supports to Alberta businesses to help them recover from the current economic downturn.

QUOTES

"I've heard firsthand from western Canadian technology firms about the challenges they are facing because of COVID-19. My message to them is clear: the Government of Canada is listening and will do what it takes to support you to not just survive, but thrive. This collaboration between Alberta Innovates and Western Economic Diversification Canada will help Alberta firms develop and refine their technology products and processes, to emerge from this pandemic stronger than ever."

The Honourable Mlanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada

"This announcement will support tech sectors across the province and boost our economic recovery. By providing coaching and funding for product testing and HR, legal and financial services required for tech businesses to grow, we're helping grow the momentum we are seeing in our innovation sphere."

Honourable Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Alberta Jobs, Economy and Innovation

"These programs will support innovation and maintain jobs, allowing Alberta small and medium enterprises and other organizations adapt to the new economic realities caused by COVID-19. Innovation across regions and across sectors is key to Alberta's economic recovery".

Laura Kilcrease, CEO, Alberta Innovates

Alberta Innovates invests in research, innovation and entrepreneurship to drive provincial economic growth and diversity. We provide technical expertise, entrepreneurial advice and support, opportunities for partnerships and funding to advance the best ideas. We support a broad range of research and innovation activity - from discovery to use. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, bringing together bright minds and great ideas.

Find out how Alberta Innovates: albertainnovates.ca