In continuation of its Innovation Voucher Pilot Program which launched in November 2008, the government of Alberta is helping small businesses and entrepreneurs with high-tech projects.
The program has been designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs at the pre-commercial stage. The innovation vouchers total up to $110,000 and were awarded to three businesses in Alberta’s Lloydminster area, including Amisk, Cardogan and Fort Kent.
The vouchers are designed to help the businesses receive specialized expertise and services so they can move their high-tech innovations forward in the marketplace.
The vouchers can be used towards up to 75 per cent of the total cost of specialized services that are from an approved, non-profit service provider.
Businesses are only eligible to receive one $10,000 voucher and one $50,000 voucher over the lifetime of their business.
In total, 204 vouchers totaling almost $6 million were awarded to companies in 33 of the province’s communities.