Overview
The Alberta Innovation Vouchers program helps small technology and knowledge-driven businesses in Alberta get their ideas and products to market faster. The program assists Alberta companies that are in the concept and formation stages of their business and helps to facilitate their movement into the growth stage, preparing them for success. Companies can apply for vouchers worth up to $15,000 or $50,000 to be used with a service provider for business and technology development services.
To access applicable forms and guidelines for this program, please visit the Industry Funding Forms & Guidelines page.
*Please note application forms have changed as of November 1, 2011. Please print any future applications on the updated forms.
Objective
The Voucher program is designed to enhance the ability of small businesses operating in Alberta to be successful in the global marketplace. The Voucher program aims to:
- Assist small rural and urban businesses to move more rapidly from concepts and ideas to commercial products or services, thereby gaining a competitive advantage in domestic and export markets.
Value of Vouchers
Innovation Vouchers are available in two denominations:
- A Voucher to a maximum value of $15,000 for an Opportunity Assessment Report OR for specialized services required to assist the entrepreneur related to business development and mentoring for the purpose of supporting the advancement of technology, small scale prototyping or intellectual property services.
- A Voucher for a maximum value of $50,000 for more substantial technology development activities such as product prototyping, lab verification, field testing, intellectual property protection, etc.
Businesses are potentially eligible to receive one of each type of Voucher throughout the duration of the program. Companies who do not use the $15,000 Voucher for an opportunity assessment, will be required to have a valid third party opportunity assessment, meeting the criteria as outlined in this program guide, prior to consideration for funding through the $50,000 Voucher or other funding opportunities within Tech Futures.
* Please note that the $15,000 Voucher replaces the former $10,000 Voucher. Companies who received a $10,000 Voucher are not eligible to receive the $15,000 Voucher.
Deadlines
Four competitions are held each year. The deadlines are at 4:00pm MST January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. (Please note that when the competition deadline falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, the deadline shifts to the first working day following the holiday.) Results are announced six to eight weeks after the application deadline.
FAQ
Have a question? Visit the Innovation Vouchers program FAQ page for answers to some common questions about the program.
For more information on the Vouchers program, please refer to the Innovation Vouchers Program Guide which can be found on the Forms & Guidelines page with other applicable information for this program.
Voucher Recipients
October 2010
December 2010
February 2011
August 2011
October 2011
January 2012
For general inquiries, please contact:
Tausha Mansfield
Program Associate
Tel: 780-450-5552
tausha.mansfield [at] albertainnovates.ca
Stacey Ohlmann
Director, Industry Development
Tel: 780-450-5505
stacey.ohlmann [at] albertainnovates.ca