Alberta’s government is investing $3 million through the NRED program in 2026 to help communities and organizations strengthen local economies and attract private-sector investment. Applications for the program are open until Nov. 19.

Since launching in 2022, the NRED program has invested almost $29 million in 291 projects led by businesses, municipalities, organizations and industries to drive innovation and growth. 

“Every corner of Alberta plays a part in our province’s economic success. The grants provided through the NRED program help communities of all sizes create jobs, attract investment, and build stronger local economies.”

Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration

“The investment from Alberta’s government through the NRED program strengthens communities by driving economic development and encouraging innovation. We look forward to supporting this year’s recipients as they bring forward projects that drive regional growth.”

Tany Yao, parliamentary secretary, Small Business and Northern Development

In 2025-26, the NRED program supported projects across Alberta, including:

  • City of Cold Lake for planning and feasibility work on 75+ acres of municipal commercial land.
  • Taber Community Improvement Society for coordinated tourism branding and investment promotion tools to establish the Highway 3 corridor as a unified regional destination.
  • N'Deh Limited Partnership for a feasibility study assessing the viability of a community-scale log home mill integrated with a biomass pellet and bioheat system.
  • Sawridge First Nation, Slave Lake for a feasibility study for a clean fuel facility converting biomass to low-carbon fuel.
  • Town of Sylvan Lake for a retail and commercial gap analysis to identify unmet market demand and guide future business attraction.

“The City of Cold Lake is grateful for the support of the Northern and Regional Economic Development program, which has allowed us to work towards opening up more than 75 acres of commercial land for development. Cold Lake is seeing rapid growth, and this work is crucial to allowing our business community to keep pace with the increasing demand for services. NRED’s support has provided the basis for tens of millions of dollars in additional investment while creating new jobs, building new businesses, and providing the space needed for existing businesses to continue to grow.”

Bob Mattice, mayor, City of Cold Lake

The NRED program provides up to $300,000 per project to help communities and organizations attract investment and strengthen regional competitiveness. Supported activities include planning and feasibility studies that lead to economic-development-enabling investments that boost regional growth, and projects that support local and regional business and industry, including business retention and expansion.

Quick facts

  • Program Guidelines and the Application Companion Guide are available on the NRED Program website (www.alberta.ca/northern-and-regional-economic-development-program).
  • Grants range from $10,000 to $300,000 per project, for projects up to three years in duration, and are available to Alberta municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations with an economic development mandate. 
  • The program provides up to 50 per cent of total eligible project costs. Projects led by Indigenous communities can receive up to 75 per cent of total eligible project costs.

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