Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Pilot Program

Description

This funding will help to provide successful applicants with the resources they need to boost their productivity. The grant will empower local business owners to invest in new technologies, machinery and equipment while driving job creation and accelerating growth in Alberta’s manufacturing sector. The pilot program is expected to support approximately 130 small- and medium-sized businesses.

OVERVIEW

 

Funded by the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant (AMPG) helps small- and medium-sized manufacturers improve their operations, invest in technology to automate production and increase competitiveness in markets across Canada and abroad.

To compete in our modern economy, manufacturers must ensure their operations are world class. This includes leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies to enhance productivity.

Addressing the productivity challenge is critical to assuring Alberta, and Canada’s future prosperity through a strong, vibrant, and growing manufacturing sector. The good news, more than half of the manufacturers that responded to CME’s Management Issues Survey said they plan to invest in new technologies. Many of these same manufacturers stated that the cost associated with adopting new technologies is a challenge.

We are here to help!

Apply now to access an assessment of the viability of your chosen technology, and up to $30,000 in matching funding for technology adoption.

 

Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant - Phase One

Qualified applicants will be provided with a complimentary multi-day operational technology assessment conducted by qualified CME experts.

For the technology assessment, a qualified assessor will work on-site with companies to create a customized plan on how they can improve productivity by capitalizing on existing assets and implement the latest advanced manufacturing technologies including hardware, software, and cloud computing. Upon completion of the assessment, the qualified expert will recommend an action plan that will enable the applicant’s business to make informed decisions to assess, purchase, adopt, implement, train, and maintain new technologies.

The results of this assessment will directly benefit program participants by identifying opportunities for improvement and supporting informed decision-making.

 

Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant - Phase Two

The second phase of the program includes direct financial assistance to small- and medium-sized businesses to invest in new productivity enhancing technologies.

The AMPG provides successful applicants with a matching grant of up to $30,000 to support investment in long-term production assets and technology that increases production capacity.

The grant will cover a maximum of 50% of eligible costs, which can include capital equipment, materials, training on new equipment, installation of new equipment, professional service fees, as well as a company’s direct labour devoted to the completion and management of the project.

Technologies may include: equipment; robotics; automation; artificial intelligence; machine learning; advancing networks; and equipment for investments in the Internet of Things.

Please refer to the application guidelines for specific inclusions and exclusions of technologies and eligible costs.

 

KEY DATES

This program ends on March 31, 2027. Depending on funding availability, CME will continue to accept applications until October 31, 2026, with a completion date of no later than December 31, 2026. All reports and expense claims for approved investments must be submitted no later than January 15, 2027

To be considered for CME’s Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant, funded by the Government of Alberta, please note that being a member of CME is not required.

To be eligible, your company must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a manufacturer based on the following definition:
  • A manufacturer is described as involved in operations to produce or support products/services related to manufacturing, processing, fabricating or refining.
• Must be operating in Alberta, with the investment to be made into Alberta manufacturing operations.
• Must be an incorporated business (federally or provincially) for 2 years or more continuously.
• Must demonstrate financial stability.
• Must have greater than 5 and fewer than 750 full-time employees (FTE) in Alberta.
• While applicants are encouraged to apply to other eligible federal programs, this funding cannot be stacked with other Government of Alberta-funded programs.

 

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

The program provides funding for investments and implementation of long-term production assets and technology that increase capacity on production.

Technologies may include: equipment; robotics; automation; artificial intelligence; machine learning; advancing networks; and equipment for investments in the Internet of Things. Please note: investments in ERP systems and general training are not covered under this program.

Investments beginning April 1, 2025, in long-term production assets and technology may be eligible for funding. Implementation of the long-term production assets and technology must be completed by December 31, 2026.

 

ELIGIBLE COSTS

A proposed budget must be submitted with each application. The budget should provide a detailed breakdown of costs. All service provider invoices must clearly outline the services provided. Line-item descriptions such as “services rendered” will not be accepted.

Eligible expenses:

• Capital equipment
• Installation of capital equipment related to the project
• Training on new equipment related to the project
• Direct materials related to the project
• Direct labour devoted to the completion and management of the project
• Project management/consulting fees (excluding travel)

Any expense claimed that does not have a receipt included will be removed from eligible costs.

Ineligible expenses:

• Entertainment and meals

CME reserves the right to remove any unreasonable costs.

SELECTION CRITERIA AND REVIEW PROCESS

 

SELECTION CRITERIA

 

 

 

Applications will be evaluated based on their ability to meet the following criteria:

 

• Technology investments that aim to improve and modernize the manufacturing process, leading to increased productivity and competitiveness
• Creation of long-term employment and high-value jobs