Congratulations the two recipients of the 2024 Credit Unions of Alberta Big Future Innovation Grant: The Jungle Farm and ShiftPro!
This grant, awarded each year by Credit Unions of Alberta and Alberta Central, gives two innovative and community-minded Alberta-based businesses $25,000 each to grow their future. And following a review and shortlisting of 100 applicants, followed by five compelling pitches from leading Alberta-based small businesses, the grant judges deliberated, and these two recipients were selected based on their innovative ideas, commitment to supporting the community and exciting ideas for how to use the funds to continue to help their businesses grow and prosper.
You can read more about the recipients and their innovative businesses below or on the Big Future page here.
The Jungle Farm
The Jungle Farm is a centennial family farm in Red Deer County that offers family u-pick fun grown by Blaine, Leona, and their three sons and including fruits, vegetables, and flowers. You can find everything from strawberries, raspberries, and lettuce to pumpkins, artichokes, and potted flowers.
The Jungle Farm will be using the grant funds to deliver new and enhanced Indigenous-focused educational programs for all ages and to complete The Jungle Farm Forest Walk, a accessible forest path and cultural, historical and scientific resource for visiting groups to enjoy. The Jungle Farm is a member of Servus Credit Union.
Learn more: thejunglefarm.com
ShiftPro
ShiftPro is an innovative workforce management platform that simplifies shift scheduling and employee coordination. Designed for businesses across various industries, it features automated scheduling, real-time notifications, and user-friendly tools to enhance productivity and reduce administrative burdens. ShiftPro empowers companies to optimize operations, improve communication, and ensure seamless workforce management.
ShiftPro will be using the grant funds to conduct research and development work to enhance their predictive analytics, as well as to support the development of a mobile app for their product. They will also be focused on increasing community initiatives and expanded free workshops and resources for small businesses and non-profits.
Learn more: shiftpro.io