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ID 154298308 © Nalidsa Sukprasert | Dreamstime.com (Image Credit: ID 154298308 © Nalidsa Sukprasert | Dreamstime.com)
By Tanner Smith
Provincial funding

Northern & Regional Economic Development funding available

Aug 24, 2026 | 1:14 PM

Applications are being accepted again for the Alberta Government’s Northern and Regional Economic Development program.

Local businesses, municipalities, organizations and industries have until Nov. 19 to receive up to $300,000 (minimum $10,000) from the provincial government’s latest $3 million investment in the program.

According to the province, this funding is designed to help areas outside main city hubs “strengthen local economies and attract private sector investments,” with just under $29 million put towards 291 projects since 2022.

Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration Joseph Schow says “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.”

In 2025-2026, the City of Cold Lake had a project approved for “planning and feasibility work on 75+ acres of municipal commercial land.”

Bob Mattice, Cold Lake’s Mayor says they are growing rapidly and the work is “crucial to allowing our business community to keep pace with the increasing demand for services.”

He adds that the work done through this NRED project “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.”

Anyone interested in applying for this round of NRED funding can visit the province’s website.

by Tanner Smith