When economic uncertainty is high and capital is tight, many manufacturers delay the upgrades they know they need: more efficient machinery, automation tools, or digital systems that could drastically improve throughput and reduce costs. The hesitation is understandable. Change feels risky. But right now, Alberta’s manufacturing sector is being offered a rare opportunity to invest without going it alone.
The Government of Alberta, in partnership with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), has launched the Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant (AMPG), a $4 million pilot program designed to help small and medium-sized manufacturers modernize their operations. The funding offers up to $30,000 in matching support per project, giving Alberta-based companies a valuable boost to invest in productivity-enhancing technologies.
At Prime Capital, we see this as more than a financial opportunity. It is a moment to think bigger. Strategic investment, when paired with smart financial guidance, can unlock growth that far outpaces the initial spend.
What the Grant Offers and Why It Matters Now
For manufacturers operating with 5 to 750 employees, the grant covers 50 percent of eligible costs (up to $30,000) for projects based in Alberta. Eligible companies must have a physical presence in the province and be engaged in manufacturing, refining, refurbishing, or processing.
In short, if you have been considering a new piece of equipment or a shift in your production process, this could be the perfect time to act.
And the timing could not be better. Alberta’s manufacturing sector, already employing more than 144,000 workers and contributing $25 billion in GDP, is poised for continued growth. But staying competitive requires continual improvement. As Dennis Darby, President and CEO of CME, put it, this grant helps “de-risk investment” at a time when that risk often causes businesses to pause.
That’s where Prime Capital comes in.
Manufacturers Are the Heroes. We’re the Financial Guide.
As a financial partner to business leaders across Alberta, we see firsthand how the right funding strategy can turn a simple equipment purchase into a full-scale operational transformation.
When clients bring us a project like this, we look beyond the surface-level grant eligibility. We assess:
- What is the real productivity upside of this investment?
- How will it affect cash flow in both the short and long term?
- Could this grant act as a catalyst for broader changes like workforce training, facility upgrades, or technology integration?
In many cases, we help clients structure the investment to ensure it aligns with their growth goals, ROI expectations, and operational realities. We may recommend combining the grant with financing that smooths out cash flow or building in metrics to measure performance gains over time.
You do not just need capital. You need clarity.
A Hypothetical That Feels Real
Consider a mid-sized Alberta-based fabricator. They have been eyeing an automated CNC system that would speed up production by 30 percent, reduce labor costs, and improve precision. But the initial investment feels daunting even with the grant.
With our guidance, they could apply for the AMPG to cover a portion of the cost, layer in tailored financing to manage the balance, and integrate that investment into a broader plan: streamlining procurement, retraining operators, and measuring outcomes. Instead of a single equipment purchase, it becomes a strategic shift with minimized risk and maximized upside.
That is the difference a trusted financial guide can make.
This Is More Than a Grant.
Government support can open the door, but it is up to businesses to walk through it with purpose. Grants like the AMPG are rare opportunities not just to reduce costs, but to redefine what is possible.
Whether you are exploring your eligibility or already planning a project, the next best step is to connect with a partner who can help you translate this opportunity into long-term growth. Prime Capital exists to be that partner.
We do not just manage transactions. We map trajectories.
Ready to Make the Most of This Opportunity?
If you’re a manufacturer in Alberta, do not let this funding go unused or underutilized. Let Prime Capital help you align your investment with a bigger vision for productivity, profitability, and competitive strength.
Contact us today to schedule a strategic planning conversation. We will help you understand your eligibility, assess your investment options, and build a plan that positions your business to lead.
