EDMONTON — The Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) is welcoming today's announcement that the Government of Canada will provide up to $7.2 million in shop local funding for the prairies. Of these funds, Alberta is eligible for up to $4.95 million, with $1.2 million being distributed in first-round funding alone.

"Today's announcement is good news for our local business operators, our communities, and our province as a whole," says ACC President and CEO Ken Kobly. "As Alberta prepares to head into Stage 3 reopening, this investment is ideally timed to help gear up our local economies."

This initial $1.2 million will fund projects administered by more than 20 community-based chambers of commerce. Chambers will use these funds to initiate or expand shop local efforts. Projects may include creating branding or marketing content, organizing seasonal campaigns, or facilitating distanced shopping through the soon-to-be-launched Chamber Market platform. 

"When we hit July 1 and our daily lives begin to look more normal, our local job creators will still have a long road ahead to restore and rebuild their businesses," says Kobly. "These chamber projects will encourage consumers to choose local and promote confidence in our community businesses."

The ACC is currently processing applications for second-round funding and is on track to approve an additional $1 million worth of projects.

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President and CEO

Alberta Chambers of Commerce

(M) 780.975.1659

(P) 780.425.4180 Ext.5

kkobly@abchamber.ca