CIC Community Fund
The Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC) is a network of agencies in the Calgary region that support innovation-driven entrepreneurs, startups, and enterprises.
Our collective presents a single vision and voice regarding the priorities of Calgary’s innovation community, a unique model for collaboration in Alberta's innovation ecosystem. The CIC is supported by Alberta Innovates' Regional Innovation Network (RIN) program.
Access to programs and services to accelerate the creation and growth of technology and technology enabled businesses is key to empowering Calgarians to participate and grow our changing and dynamic economy. The CIC Community Fund provides CIC members funding to offer collaborative programs and services to support the creation and growth of technology enabled and innovative companies in Calgary.
CIC Community Fund 2025
The CIC Community Fund supports CIC members to offer programs and services to entrepreneurs and startups in Calgary. Eligible projects can receive up to $50,000 in funding, though programs in the $25,000 range are preferred.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to collaborate with partners to enhance the impact and alignment of their initiatives within the ecosystem. CIC emphasizes funding that promotes partnerships among ecosystem members and does not provide funding for initiatives retroactively. Applications are assessed by the CIC to identify those with the highest potential value, ensuring they align with both current and future funding priorities.
To meet the diverse needs of Calgary’s innovation ecosystem, funding is provided through multiple streams. Applicants may submit proposals in the following categories:
1. Community Events
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Purpose: To stimulate networking, public engagement, and visibility for innovative ideas.
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Examples: Launch parties, exhibitions, and high-engagement public events.
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Funding Limit: Up to CAD $5,000 per event.
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Key Focus: High attendance, inclusivity, and real-time connection-building.
2. Capacity Building & Learning Programs
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Purpose: To enhance skills, share knowledge, and build the capacity of entrepreneurs.
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Examples: Single-session workshops, multi-day boot camps, and speaker series.
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Funding Limit: While projects up to $50,000 will be considered, proposals in the $25,000 range are preferred.
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Key Focus: Measurable outcomes (e.g., new venture creation, increased job creation, enhanced business performance).
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1. Applicants must be members of the Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC)
2. Projects qualifying for funding should:
a. Deliver programming that contributes to the creation of new startups (technology or technology enabled firm with fewer than 5 employees) in the Calgary region, or
b. Deliver programming that supports the growth of a startup to become a junior technology company (a company with 5 - 49 employees) in the Calgary region.
c. Projects with EDI specific programming
d. Identify gaps in service delivery/identify new opportunities for service delivery, or
e. Programs with a sustainable strategy are preferred f. Projects with additional funding or matched funding are encouraged.
g. Collaboration between members is expected.
h. Projects are encouraged to engage underrepresented groups.
i. Projects must be completed within the Funding Term (to be completed by Feb 28, 2026).
3. Eligible projects may include, but are not restricted to:
a. Early stage startup development through support for areas such as product development, revenue strategies, customer acquisition, marketing, and financial sustainability support.
b. Providing training in growth and scaleup areas such as product management, market expansion, and connections to industry.
c. Delivering entrepreneurship education and coaching to boost the number and quality of technology startups in Calgary.
d. Conducting research and fostering a robust entrepreneurial culture.
e. Enhancing access to early-stage funding via private investments and alternative channels for high-growth ventures.
The Calgary Innovation Coalition only funds reasonable costs incurred after the Effective Date on an Investment Agreement. Any costs incurred prior to the Effective Date in the Investment Agreement, or costs greater than market prices are deemed ineligible. Costs must be incurred between arm’s length entities. Eligible Expenses will be disbursed after approval of the Project.
Collaboration between institutions is encouraged, and multiple organizations can co-apply for support on a single Project, selecting one primary organization to serve as the Applicant. In this circumstance, the CIC may consider an increased Investment based on the scope of the Project and the number of CIC members applying.
CIC will hold a call for proposals in Summer 2025, providing an opportunity to apply for funding. The application period will open on June 16, 2025 and close on August 1, 2025. Applicants are required to complete the application form and submit it for review.
Once submitted, all applications will be reviewed by the CIC Community Funds committee. The committee will deliberate on which initiatives will receive funding and determine the funding amount, up to the maximum for each stream. Funding decisions will be based on how well the application meets the established criteria.
Final decisions will be communicated to all applicants by August 15, 2025.
Access the Application Worksheet HERE
Email all completed applications to communityfund@calgaryinnovationcoalition.ca
Each application will be reviewed by the CIC Community Fund Committee on the basis of the following minimum criteria:
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Impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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Feasibility given the resources and expertise of the organization.
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Need or deficiency being addressed in the existing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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EDI Does it focus on/engage with underrepresented groups in the tech industry?
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Collaboration with stakeholders, and a clear plan for impact and effectiveness of the proposed program.
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Stated outcomes of the proposed program should be clearly defined, measurable, realistic, and tracked for reporting.
The Committee may consider other aspects in making a decision on funding.
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Applicants will track and report impact results and program metrics throughout the duration of the project to the CIC and Alberta Innovates through a spreadsheet provided. Any data and company specific information will be held confidential between the applicant, the CIC and Alberta Innovates.
The Calgary Innovation Coalition believes the Innovation and Entrepreneurship ecosystem is stronger and more sustainable when it is broadly reflective of the overall diversity of our community and therefore embraces the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity. We are dedicated to contributing to a diverse and inclusive ecosystem that represents the communities in which we exist and serve.