Economic Development

Economic Development in Peace River

Rooted in opportunity. Growing with purpose.

Peace River is a beautiful place to live, and it's also a place to build, invest, and thrive. 

Our Economic Development team is here to support local businesses, attract new investment, and foster a resilient, diverse economy that reflects the spirit of our community.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, developer, or investor, we are committed to helping you succeed. From business retention and expansion to workforce development and strategic planning, we are working to create the conditions for long-term prosperity for everyone.

Explore current initiatives, available programs, and how we are shaping the future of Peace River together!

Discover essential data and tools for economic growth, business supports, employer resources, and funding programs tailored to entrepreneurs and organizations across Peace River and Alberta. These are updated regularly for your success:

Data Resources for Economic Development 

A comprehensive guide to business supports, funding, economic strategies, and resources available to entrepreneurs and organizations in Peace River and across Alberta. 

Economic Development Businesses Resources

Explore Alberta’s top business resources to grow, scale, and future-proof your business.

Employer Resources 

Access grants, wage subsidies, training programs, and recruitment tools tailored to help Alberta employers attract, train, and retain talent across industries and regions. 

NEW GRANT PROGRAMS

  1. Helping manufacturers thrive in Alberta | alberta.ca Alberta's government is providing more than $4M to help small- and medium-sized businesses boost their productivity and thrive across the province. This two-year pilot Manufacturing Productivity Grant program offers businesses access to advice, expertise, and up to $30,000 in matching funding for technology upgrades along with new machinery and equipment. The pilot program is expected to support approximately 130 small- and medium-sized businesses.
  • Interested in applying? Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant — CME eligibility is restricted to SME Alberta manufacturers (between 5 and 750 employees) who have been in business for at least 2 years and can demonstrate financial stability.
  • This program ends on March 31, 2027. Depending on funding availability, applications will continue to be accepted until October 31, 2026, with a completion date of no later than December 31, 2026.

  1. Alberta’s government is excited to announce the new Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant. This program will effectively replace the previous Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG) program. The CAPG program aligns with Alberta’s efforts to increase productivity and help employers invest in skills training that boosts productivity.

    Employers can use the program to help their business increase efficiency and stimulate innovation, while equipping Albertans with the skills needed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy. 

    Visit https://www.alberta.ca/canada-alberta-productivity-grant for more information on the program, eligibility and how to register for online information sessions. Additional questions can be directed to jobgrant@gov.ab.ca.    

  2. Alberta’s government is providing $8 million for the new Alberta Youth Employment Incentive, which will provide grants to employers to offset costs associated with hiring, training and employing youth from age 15-24. 

    The Alberta Youth Employment Incentive will be managed by CAREERS – a long-standing not-for-profit organization that helps young people connect with employment. CAREERS will be responsible for delivering grants, determining eligibility and ensuring employers have the information they need if questions arise regarding the initiative. Once the incentive is available, applications by employers will be made through the CAREERS website. Careers The Next Generation - Internships for High School Students

    Beginning in October 2025, employers will be eligible for one of two incentive amounts.

  • Those who hire 1-2 young workers for a combined total of at least 400 hours, will be eligible to receive $4,000.
  • Employers who hire 3-5 young workers with a combined total of at least 750 hours, will be eligible to receive $7,500.
  • Through this initiative, Alberta’s government is helping pay $10 of the hourly wage for young workers.  

Municipal Grant Programs

  1. Business Revitalization Grant Details - The Business Revitalization Grant applies to improvement expenses related to the exterior of the building or property for business expansion or revitalization in the town.
  2. Tourism Enhancement Grant Details - Any individual or business located within the Town that is developing or expanding a new tourism-based product or experience, or applying to install Community Services signs or Tourist Attraction signs through the "All Sign Up Alberta" sign program. Find information at https://signupalberta.com/.
  3. Downtown Revitalization Grant Details - This grant supports downtown revitalization by funding new or renovated mixed-use, multi-family residential or commercial developments in Peace River’s downtown core.