RURAL ANNCR 2

The Alberta government created the Small Community Opportunity Program to support local projects promoting innovation and sustainable economic growth. Grants of $20,000 to $100,000 have been given to 43 community-led projects focused on agriculture, small businesses, and local economic development. These projects are aligned with the Economic Development Rural Alberta Plan and aim to provide economic opportunities for Indigenous communities and rural Albertans. Grant recipients have two years to complete their projects and make a measurable impact on rural and Indigenous communities' economic development. To support local projects that promote innovation and sustainable economic growth across the province, the Alberta government established the Small Community Opportunity Program. Through Budget 2023, the program has awarded grants between $20,000 and $100,000 for 43 community-led projects that build capacity in agriculture, small business supports, and local economic development. To ensure economic opportunities for Indigenous communities and rural Albertans, each successful project is aligned with the Economic Development Rural Alberta Plan. Grant recipients have two years to complete their projects and make a measurable impact supporting, improving, or enhancing economic development in rural and Indigenous communities. In Edmonton, I'm Brie Boucher.