Twenty non-profit community groups in communities across Alberta have received a Women’s Economic Recovery Challenge Grant to help enhance economic opportunities for women and girls. Successful applicants come from across Alberta, and their work expands programs into new parts of the province and kick-starts new projects. Recipient projects include STEM training and mentoring, digital literacy, career planning, employment and entrepreneurship skills and inclusivity campaigns.

“Alberta’s economy is moving from recovery to sustained growth. There is opportunity in every industry as labour shortages are the only thing holding back further growth. The programs these grants support will ensure that women and girls are not left out of those opportunities.”

Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation

Funded projects will support women and girls in diverse populations across the province, improving their ability to go back to work in good-paying jobs and providing them with opportunities for training, skills development and the knowledge they need for the future. Ultimately, these programs will help women better support their families, the economy and their communities.  

“Women’s inclusion in the economy is essential to building Alberta’s future. These projects will create new opportunities for women to advance their careers and promote gender equality. I look forward to seeing how these initiatives change the lives of Alberta women, their communities and this province for the better.”

Whitney Issik, Associate Minister of Status of Women

Originally, $1 million was budgeted for the Women’s Economic Recovery Challenge Grants. The applications received by the department showed a strong interest in the program and the budget was more than tripled to $3.6 million. Grants range from $25,000 to $250,000.

“We are very appreciative of the Government of Alberta's generous support of our New Immigrant Women Becoming Entrepreneurs (NIWBE) program launch. NIWBE will sustainably support budding new immigrant women entrepreneurs through a community lens of empowerment. It will provide women entrepreneurs a solid foundation to grow their businesses through a more relatable, ethnocentric-based approach of coaching and mentorship.”

Sally Zhao, president and chief executive officer, The Immigrant Education Society

“Now more than ever we need to support the skill development of our young women, to help build their knowledge and confidence that they need to be successful in the future. Through this funding, we will be able to expand mentoring opportunities and provide STEM training to more young women in our community. We are thankful for the support we have received from the Women’s Economic Recovery Challenge Grant Program.”

Liz O’Neill, executive director, Boys and Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area

Women’s Economic Recovery Challenge Grant recipients are:

  • Agriculture for Life Inc.
  • Alberta Council of Women's Shelters
  • Board Ready Women
  • Boys & Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area Society
  • Calgary Immigrant Women's Association (CIWA)
  • Ever Active Schools
  • Fort McMurray #468 First Nation
  • HIV Network of Edmonton Society
  • Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta
  • Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre Association
  • North of McKnight Communities Society
  • Our Lady of Victories School Association
  • Red Deer Polytechnic
  • Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
  • The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA)
  • The Immigrant Education Society
  • United Cultures of Canada Association
  • University of Alberta - WISEST
  • University of Calgary - Shift
  • Vecova Centre for Disability Services and Research
Alberta's Recovery Plan