PrairiesCan — Economic Development Initiative ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba - Non-profit organizations and associations - Indigenous businesses and organizations - Francophone SMEs and organizations (prioritized) - Private sector companies engaged in economic development projects - Partnerships and consortiums involving multiple eligible organizations - Must be established and operating within the Prairie provinces ### 💰 Funding Details - Type: Non-repayable contribution (grant) - Funding Size: Variable based on project scope and impact (specific caps not universally fixed; determined per proposal) - Cost-Sharing: Typically requires recipient contribution/matching funds (percentage varies by project category) - Repayability: Non-repayable - Budget Allocation: Prioritized for francophone SME support initiatives ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Economic diversification projects and feasibility studies - Business development and capacity-building initiatives - Innovation and technology adoption activities - Research and development related to market opportunities - Export marketing and market expansion programs - Partnerships and collaboration projects - Francophone business support programs and services - Training and skills development for SMEs - Strategic planning and business advisory services - Infrastructure and equipment supporting economic growth ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Projects must align with PrairiesCan's mandate for economic development and diversification - Recipients must demonstrate clear project outcomes and measurable results - Reporting and evaluation requirements throughout project lifecycle - Funds must be spent within eligible Prairie provinces (AB, SK, MB) - Preference given to projects benefiting francophone communities - Applicants must submit detailed project proposals with timelines and deliverables - Compliance with federal funding accountability frameworks required - Milestone-based disbursement tied to project progress and achievement verification