For Alberta’s economy to continue to grow and for more people to feel the benefits of a strong economy, every community needs to be part of the momentum. By providing $5 million in grants through ABIF, Alberta’s government is supporting the growth of Indigenous communities, community-led job creation and economic development. Grants will go toward capital costs like equipment purchases and infrastructure builds.
“Alberta’s government is proud to partner with Indigenous community-owned businesses across Alberta on this initiative. It’s one of the ways our government is working towards economic reconciliation by removing financial barriers and strengthening local economies.”
ABIF is helping Fort Chipewyan Métis by providing $500,000 toward capital construction costs of the Elders’ Housing and Rental Suites Project, which will meet two critical community needs.
The project will include six independent, affordable housing units for Elders and short-term accommodations for visitors, as well as a common gathering area. It is expected to create 50 construction jobs with 15 of the positions being filled by Indigenous Peoples.
“The groundwork for the site is already underway and trucks, loaded with supplies, are rolling into the community. The excitement around this new project in the heart of Fort Chip is building.”
Kainai Forage LP is receiving funds to assist with construction-related costs for a storage facility for their timothy hay product. The business expects to create 20 new jobs for community members, adding to the 49 current positions. Kainai Forage's exports will help support community programs and an internship program.
“Despite COVID-19, Kainai Forage has grown over 300 per cent in three years and is an example of how the right partnerships empower Indigenous communities to turn world-class opportunities into world-class businesses. Our partnership with Indigena Capital and the Alberta government has helped our community build Kainai Forage into one of Canada’s leading forage businesses.”
Alberta’s government is committed to reconciliation. Supporting Indigenous businesses with funding that will benefit not only their communities, but the rest of the province, is an important part of the pathway to economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in Alberta. Indigenous-led solutions that result in meaningful change will lead to a better future for all.
Quick facts
- Since 2014, the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund has supported 75 Indigenous businesses with $40.5 million and has created more than 646 permanent jobs for Indigenous people.
- Since 2020, the fund has supported 35 projects that have created
- 378 full-time jobs
- 254 full-time construction jobs
- These 14 applicants received funding from Budget 2022:
|
Applicant |
Community |
Project Name |
Funds Approved |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pimee Well Servicing LP |
Beaver Lake Cree Nation |
Rig 14 Pump and Tank Project |
$500,000 |
|
O'Chiese Contracting LP |
O'Chiese First Nation |
Harvesting Heavy Equipment |
$500,000 |
|
Kee Tas Kee Now Sawmills Ltd. |
Loon River First Nation |
Forest Harvesting |
$500,000 |
|
Fort Chipewyan Métis |
Fort Chipewyan Métis Local #125 |
Elders’ Housing and Rental Suites |
$500,000 |
|
Little Red River Group of Companies LP |
Little Red River Cree Nation |
Caribou Mountain Homes Expansion |
$500,000 |
|
Mini Thni Casino Corp |
Stoney Nakoda First Nation |
Event Centre |
$500,000 |
|
Kainai Forage LP |
Kainai Nation | Blood Tribe |
Storage Shed Construction (Shed 9) |
$250,000 |
|
Acden Tech Sonic Limited Partnership |
Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation |
Growth and Expansion Project |
$250,000 |
|
SmogBuster Inc. |
Mikisew Cree First Nation |
Cool Down the Work Environment (purchase and refurbishment of air conditioning units and dust collectors for workspaces) |
$250,000 |
|
Samson Management 2009 Ltd |
Samson Cree Nation |
Meniak Road Highway Commercial Project (includes building of travel centre with gas pumps, a truck stop, convenience store, electric charging station and restaurant) |
$250,000 |
|
Bear Hills Casino LP |
Louis Bull Tribe |
Bear Hills Gas Station |
$250,000 |
|
Willow Lake Métis Association |
Willow Lake Métis Nation |
Willow Lake Eco Bison Ranch |
$250,000 |
|
Alexander Business Centre Inc. |
Alexander First Nation |
HDD Shop and Headquarters |
$250,000 |
|
Comec Energy Services LP |
Cold Lake First Nation |
Tri Drive Pressure Truck Acquisition |
$250,000 |