Objective

The Business Retention and Expansion Grant helps local small and medium-sized businesses grow, innovate, and succeed. By supporting projects that address infrastructure and technology gaps, the program strengthens our local economy, creates jobs, and fosters a thriving business community. Designed to be flexible and responsive, this grant adapts to the evolving needs of businesses across the County.

Eligibility

Meet the definition of applicant small and medium businesses.  Businesses located within the County and pay County commercial or industrial taxes.  Applicant must not be in arrears or have amounts owing with regards to property tax, utilities, or other fees or amounts owed to the County or going through foreclosure.  Businesses that have been in operation for a minimum of one (1) year prior to the grant parameters. Additional eligibility requirements may be required as stated in the Business Retention and Expansion - Infrastructure Technology Grant Program and supporting guidelines.

Funding

Funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis until grant funds have been depleted, or the one-year grant timeline has expired, whichever comes first.

A grant matching 50% of project costs will be allocated up to a maximum of $2,000 per applicant per year.

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete the formal application, with all required supporting documents as follows:

• Completed application form
• Two (2) quotes provided based on same scope of work

Applications shall be reviewed by the County Manager or Program Coordinator as they are received.

The Program Coordinator reserves the right to accept, reject or ask for modifications to any information and render decisions in regard to complete applications as approvals, approvals with conditions, and refusals.

All decisions made by the Program Coordinator regarding whether to approve or reject an application are final and cannot be appealed.

Reporting

Grant recipients are required to submit a copy of the paid invoice for reimbursement or jeopardize the grant allocation. Failure to submit legitimate reimbursements and/or be considered for any future programs offered by the County.  Upon acceptance that the invoice cannot be submitted within six (6) months must contact the Program Coordinator, the applicant must apply in writing to request an extension. Extensions will be approved or declined by the Program Coordinator. Failure to complete the project in a timely manner may result in cancellation of the agreement at the discretion of the County of Grande Prairie.

There are three funding streams in this program:

Multi-Year Operating Funding: For larger organizations and facilities that contribute to quality of life and enhance livability that fall outside halls, arenas and curling rinks. Please contact Parks and Recreation 780-532-9727 before completing an application for this funding stream

Community Wellness & Safety: For groups or organizations that undertake protective measures to respond and protect the community from harm or contribute to providing a safe and healthy community. Also includes groups or organizations that foster connections among people through socially inclusive services with a diverse offering of cultural and recreational opportunities, outs of Family Community Support Services mandated.

Event Sponsorship, Donations & Community Support: For groups or organizations that provide County residents with cultural and recreational opportunities or contribute to the quality of life and enhance the livability of the community can apply for event sponsorship or other emergent support or funding needs. Events that fundraise to disperse funding to other organizations are not eligible for this grant. 

These applications are reviewed on a month basis by administration and then forwarded to the next available Council meeting:

Deadlines to apply are:

• Community Safety & Wellness: At least 45 days prior to program start or event date.
• Sponsorship requests: at least 45 days prior to your event
• Emergent Funding requests- Please contact Recreation and Culture Department (780-532-9727 ext. 2108) prior to starting application.
• New Multi-Year funding requests-Please contact Recreation and Culture Department (780-532-9727ext. 2108) prior to starting application.

Any Event Sponsorship request for funding over $10,000, emergent funding and operational funding requests will be required to have a delegation present to Council.

Review Policy K6 Community Assistance Grant

Program Goals

The Business Incentives Program is designed to:

• Attract new industrial and commercial investment
• Support high-impact capital projects
• Reduce barriers to development through tax-based tools
• Align with provincial priorities and funding programs
• Increase the County’s competitiveness for site selection and expansion decisions

Incentive Streams

1. Sector-Based Tax Exemption  For large-scale industrial projects in eligible sectors:

• Available to businesses participating in provincial programs like:

           Alberta Petrochemicals Incentive Program (APIP)

           Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit

           Alberta Carbon Capture Incentive Program

• Applies to projects over $10 million (agriculture or CCUS) or $50 million (energy)
• Provides an exemption on non-residential and/or machinery and equipment (M&E) property tax
• Based on a 2.5% credit equivalent
• Structured as a declining balance exemption, offering up to 80% per year, for up to 10 years

2. Infrastructure Incentive  For developments with significant capital costs that require County infrastructure upgrades:

• Applies to projects over $5 million that do not qualify for the sector-based exemption
• Covers up to 25% of eligible infrastructure costs (e.g., road construction, water/sewer extensions)
• Delivered as a property tax reduction over five years

Eligibility

To qualify, businesses must:

• Be located within the County of Grande Prairie No. 1
• Receive all necessary development approvals
• Be in good standing with taxes and County regulations
• Meet minimum investment thresholds and employment criteria

All successful applicants will enter into a formal Tax Incentive Agreement with the County, outlining terms, timelines, and reporting requirements.

How Do I Apply?

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

• Eligible Sector Incentive (2.5%) 
  • Provincial funding agreement (showing approval)
  • County development permit
  • County development agreement (if required)

      

• Infrastructure Incentive 
  • County development permit
  • County development agreement (if required)
  • Proof of payment for completed infrastructure (receipts, invoices, etc.)

      

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

• Fill out the fillable application form below.
• Attach all required documents.

Step 3: County Review & Council Approval

• County administration reviews your application.
• All decisions are taken to Council for approval.
• If approved, you’ll enter a Tax Incentive Agreement with the County

Useful Links

Provincial Tax Incentive Programs

• Alberta Petrochemicals Incentive Program (APIP): https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-petrochemicals-incentive-program.aspx Program Guidelines PDF [Alberta Pe...Guideline]
• Alberta Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit (APITC): Program Overview & Application Program Guidelines PDF [Agri-proce...Tax Credit], [Agri-proce...Alberta.ca]
• Alberta Carbon Capture Incentive Program (ACCIP): Invest Alberta News Program Guide [New Albert...st Alberta], [Alberta Ca...Guide 2025]

County Development Permit Process

• Development Permits | County of Grande Prairie [Developmen...de Prairie]
• Building and Planning Permits | County of Grande Prairie [Building a...de Prairie]

FAQs Q: Who can apply for the 2.5% incentive? A: Businesses with new construction or expansion projects that have been approved for a provincial incentive program.

Q: What counts as “proof of payment” for infrastructure? A: Receipts, invoices, or other documentation showing payment for eligible infrastructure costs.

Q: When should I apply? A: Before any development begins. Applications received after construction starts may not be eligible.

Q: How long does the incentive last? A: The 2.5% incentive can apply for up to 10 years, not exceeding 15 years from approval. The infrastructure incentive is applied over five years.

Q: Who decides if my application is approved? A: All applications are reviewed by County administration and then taken to Council for final approval.

Q: Where can I get help or more information? A: Contact the County Administration Building at 780-532-9722 or email our Economic Development team at ecdev@countygp.ab.ca