April 3, 2023
The City of Edmonton has made improvements to its
Economic Action Plan Grant (EAPG) to increase eligibility for more private-sector projects, which will help create new jobs and economic investment in Edmonton. The EAPG supports expansion and growth projects of local businesses and business associations that contribute to the implementation of 13 actions of the City’s
Economic Action Plan (EAP).
“The Economic Action Plan Grant is helping to build a city with a strong, diverse and resilient economy, which attracts the best and brightest talent to our region,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “Businesses are the foundation of Edmonton's economy, and we want to continue to support these job creators and community builders in any way we can.”
Effective April 3, the following changes are being made to the grant program to increase intake:
- Increasing available matching funding per application (and per project) from a maximum of $25,000 up to $50,000.
- Allowing for expansions of existing business lines and offerings, as well as capital purchases for new businesses, to be eligible for the program.
- Considering event-related projects to be eligible for financial support under the program if they contribute to Action 24, which has now been added as an eligible program area.
- Where feasible, splitting payout of grant funds to up to 50 per cent upfront and 50 per cent upon project completion, subject to approved reporting.
- Allowing eligible applicants to access the grant more than one time for additional projects that are aligned to the EAP and actions eligible under the program. This will allow for businesses that have received a grant in the past to apply for support for a new project.
“Receiving the Economic Action Plan Grant funding made me feel like the City does want this business to grow here and build a headquarters here,” said Abby Aiyeleye, Co-CEO, Clavis Studio. “I felt seen. I felt like City staff understood my mission, and they helped drive it to completion.”
Clavis Studio received funding to build a marketplace for interior designers to showcase their portfolio and source new clients. This marketplace is part of their B2B platform, which provides apps and work tools for the designers to fully deliver their services online and reach more prospective clients.
This ingenuity aligns with Action 13 of the Economic Action Plan, which is about supporting made-in-Edmonton technology solutions. In order to be eligible for funding, applicants must show how their project aligns with one or more of 13 actions listed in the plan. Some of the other actions include:
- Action 3: Support building capacity and access for entrepreneurs from marginalized communities, such as newcomers and Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Action 5: Support projects aimed to strengthen or eliminate gaps within existing local supply chain networks.
- Action 15: Advance a coordinated approach to growing the local food economy.
The EAPG is just one step that the City is taking to deliver business-friendly and enhanced programs, promote innovation, and support businesses of all sizes and stages. The City of Edmonton offers numerous grants to businesses, in addition to the EAPG. Find out more at
edmonton.ca/businessgrants.
