The ERIN Community Initiatives Sub-Committee uses Community Initiatives funding as a strategic investment to strengthen the long-term capacity, connectivity, and competitiveness of the Greater Edmonton innovation ecosystem.

Community Initiatives are activities rooted in the innovation community that align with its goals and values, and are entrepreneur-focused by addressing needs such as networking, visibility, and learning. Initiatives may consist of one or more projects aligned to a common goal and can include, but are not limited to, events, workshops, networking, and learning opportunities.

The purpose of this funding is to help new or emerging initiatives gain momentum and establish themselves within the ecosystem. It is generally intended to support initiatives in their early stages rather than sustain well-established programs with stable funding sources. However, previously supported initiatives are not excluded and may continue to be eligible where they provide ongoing value and alternative funding is limited or unavailable.

Community Initiatives funding is intended to support the following ecosystem outcomes:

• Increased connectivity between entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and service providers

• Greater participation of underrepresented founders in innovation activities

• Improved access to mentorship, capital, and expertise

• Increased collaboration across institutions and sectors

• Acceleration of early-stage innovation activity in the Greater Edmonton region

Eligibility will be assessed on a case by case basis by the Community Initiatives Sub-Committee. However, it is generally understood that all funded initiatives should be hosted in full or in part in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region* and applicants must be members of the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network.

The ERIN welcomes applications from both for-profit and not-for-profit entities, encouraging initiatives that create meaningful, measurable impacts in the community. The ERIN does not fund business development or startup activities. Therefore, applicants operating a for-profit enterprise must demonstrate that the community benefits of their initiative outweigh the advantages to their business.

To support ERIN’s overarching goal of building a collaborative and cohesive innovation ecosystem, applicants are expected to establish meaningful partnerships with organizations or institutions engaged in similar or complementary work. Collaborative efforts strengthen alignment among ecosystem stakeholders and enhance the overall impact and reach of funded initiatives.

For initiatives led by for-profit entities, collaboration with at least one post-secondary institution or recognized service provider is mandatory. Failure to include such a partnership may render the initiative ineligible for funding.

* Beaumont, Edmonton, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Strathcona County, Leduc County, Sturgeon County, Bon Accord, Bruderheim, Calmar, Devon, Gibbons, Legal, Morinville, Redwater, Thorsby, Stony Plain,Spring Lake, Wabamun, Warburg, Betula Beach, Golden Days, Itaska Beach, Kapasiwin, Lakeviewcase-by-case, Point Alison, Seba Beach, and Sundance Beach, Alexander 134 of the Alexander First Nation, Enoch Cree Nation 135 of the Enoch Cree Nation, and Wabamun 133A and 133B of the Paul First Nation.

Eligible Expense guidelines are intended to ensure that ERIN funding supports initiatives that align with our objectives and deliver meaningful, measurable benefits to Edmonton’s innovation ecosystem.

Applicants are encouraged to review the criteria carefully to understand which expenses may be considered eligible.

Please note that eligible expenses vary by funding stream. Refer to the specific stream details below for complete information.

Initiatives that have previously secured funding from Alberta Innovates or its affiliated entities are not eligible for ERIN grant funding.

To support transparency and accountability, ERIN will ensure that all funded Community Initiatives are publicly reported and accessible to the broader ecosystem. All funded initiatives will be shared on the ERIN website and included in the ERIN Annual Report, providing a comprehensive overview of funding activities and outcomes. In addition, a summary of Community Initiatives will be presented during the Annual General Meeting, offering stakeholders an opportunity to review progress, understand impact, and engage in ongoing dialogue about the initiatives’s effectiveness and impact.

Community Initiatives are projects, events, or programs that strengthen Edmonton’s innovation ecosystem by bringing people together, increasing access to resources, and supporting collaboration. These can include workshops, networking events, learning opportunities, or other initiatives that support entrepreneurs and the broader community.

Applicants must be an ERIN member in good standing, deliver their initiative in full or in part within the Edmonton region, and demonstrate clear community benefit beyond their own organization. Both for-profit and non-profit organizations are eligible, but for-profit applicants must show that the community benefit outweighs business gain.

• Micro-Sponsorship Stream: Up to $1,000, rolling intake. Best for smaller, timely opportunities.

• Impact Stream: Up to $10,000, two intake periods per year. Best for larger, high-impact initiatives.

Eligible projects include events, workshops, networking opportunities, and programs that increase access to mentorship, capital, or expertise. Initiatives must benefit the broader innovation ecosystem, not just one organization.

Retroactive funding, pure business development or startup funding, initiatives already funded by Alberta Innovates, and projects that primarily benefit one organization.

Yes. You must show at least one partner or collaborator. ERIN should not be the sole contributor. Stronger partnerships strengthen your application. For-profit applicants must partner with a post-secondary institution or service provider.

Eligible expenses may include venue costs, materials, marketing, and some software. Restrictions apply: limited salary coverage, no alcohol, and all expenses must align with the approved budget.

Matching funding is preferred but not always required. Applications with additional funding or in-kind support are viewed more favourably.

Applications are evaluated based on alignment with ERIN’s mission, ecosystem impact, collaboration, clarity of plan, and measurable outcomes.

• Micro-Sponsorship: Approximately 30 days.

• Community Initiatives Stream: Approximately 45 days after intake closes.

Successful applicants sign a funding agreement, receive funds based on approved terms, and must submit a post-initiative report within 30 days.

You must report on attendance, partnerships, impact, and include at least one qualitative result such as a testimonial. Larger initiatives require more detailed reporting.

Generally one application per stream per intake. You may apply again in future intakes with new initiatives.

Applications that clearly benefit the community, show strong collaboration, address real gaps, include measurable outcomes, and demonstrate thoughtful use of funds.