How to Apply

Important Notes:

  • You will need to complete and submit your application in one session, so we suggest preparing your submission in a separate document before filling out the online form. Below please find the questions to help you prepare. 
  • Applications will be reviewed by a panel in order to be shortlisted down to the final four. The shortlist of four finalists will be asked to complete a virtual 15 to 20 minute presentation to the judging panel on October 6, 2 PM (MST) and the judges will then select two recipients who will each receive $25,000, deposited into a business account at their local credit union. If you apply, we encourage you to pre-emptively block your calendar for the pitch day in the case you move forward as a finalist. Full details are available on our FAQ page.

Application Form Questions:

  1. Business Profile (300 words)
    • Provide an overview of your business. Include key areas of operation, location, length of time in business and qualifications of key team members. [Worth up to 10 points]
  2. Marketplace Solution (300 words)
    • Describe what solution you provide. Include the value your business brings to the market, your key demographics and your customer needs. [Worth up to 10 points]
  3. Goals (300 words)
    • What are your business and/or expansion goals? Include steps and time frames to achieve them. [Worth up to 10 points]
  4. Community Support (500 words)
    • Credit unions are people-focused organizations that support their communities. Tell us how your business contributes to the development/growth of your community. [Worth up to 20 points]
  5. Business Innovation (500 words)
    • How does your business currently demonstrate innovation? Include examples of innovative solution(s) that have solved business problems. [Worth up to 20 points]
  6. Use of Funds (500 words)
    • Tell us how you would use the grant funds to continue innovation in business. Include plans and timelines as well as key performance indicators (KPIs) or benchmarks you’ll use to demonstrate that the funds have assisted your business in continuing innovation. Include details on why or how these funds will make a tangible difference to your business, community or idea. [Worth up to 20 points].

Please note that applications will also be reviewed on overall completeness, the overall story and passion of the applicant (including use of details, examples and stories) and any supplementary assets provided that help create a compelling reason for why your business should be selected.

If you have any issues submitting the form, please reach out to communications@albertacentral.com.

Apply Now!

Applicant and Business Information

Your Name
Required to verify proof of existing business.
Business Address
If applicable.
If applicable.

Application Questions

Please complete all application questions in a single session.
Provide an overview of your business. Include key areas of operation, location, length of time in business and qualifications of key team members. [300 words max; Worth up to 10 points]
Describe what solution you provide. Include the value your business brings to the market, your key demographics and your customer needs. [300 words max; Worth up to 10 points]
What are your business and/or expansion goals? Include steps and time frames to achieve them. [300 words max; Worth up to 10 points]
Credit unions are people-focused organizations that support their communities. Tell us how your business contributes to the development/growth of your community - for example, how you give back to the community you operate in with donations or volunteer hours, how you support a specific group of people, or other ways that your business demonstrates social impact. [500 words max; Worth up to 20 points]
How does your business currently demonstrate innovation? Include examples of innovative solution(s) that have solved business problems. [500 words max; Worth up to 20 points]
Tell us how you would use the grant funds to continue innovation and grow your business. Include plans and timelines as well as key performance indicators (KPIs) or benchmarks you’ll use to demonstrate that the funds have assisted your business in continuing innovation and supporting the community. If applicable, note other funding currently being applied for/required to take your business to the next level. [500 words max; Worth up to 20 points]
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
Attach any supporting visuals such as your logo, product shots, storefront images, sales kit, etc. that help tell your story. Max file size is 40 MB and file uploads is five items. You must wait until files are uploaded before clicking submit. Alternately you can email attachments to communications@albertacentral.com
Where did you hear about the Big Future Innovation Grant? Select all that apply.
Are you currently a credit union member?
Declaration of Understanding Eligibility Requirements
I am an authorized signing officer of the applicant organization. I have read and understood the eligibility requirements as set out in the Rules + Regulations and certify that I meet the applicant eligibility requirements and that my business is an eligible for-profit small business (as defined in the Rules + Regulations) and is not otherwise excluded from the eligibility requirements. I declare that all information provided in this application is true, complete and accurate, and I have not knowingly made any false or misleading statement or failed to disclose information. I understand that the information provided in this application is subject to review and audit. Consequences for providing false or misleading information include, but are not limited to, repayment of grant funds.
Consent to Disclose Personal/Business Information
I, personally and on behalf of my business, acknowledge and agree that: • I have reviewed the application, the Rules + Regulations, and the above information and understand how Credit Unions of Alberta/Alberta Central will use my personal and business information and that I will only be contacted in regards to this Grant. • I have full authority to bind my business to these terms and conditions. • I am giving my informed consent to the collection, usage, and disclosure of my personal and business information. • Credit Unions of Alberta/Alberta Central can collect, use, and disclose my personal and business information as set out in the application. • I irrevocably grant to Credit Unions of Alberta/Alberta Central, and those acting with its authority, the unrestricted, perpetual, worldwide right and license to use my personal and business name, address, website, social media handles, photograph, likeness, voice, biographical and personal background information and statements, including without limitation any notes, photograph, film, video, or audio that may be taken of me or of such materials (collectively, the “Content”), without further notice to me or to any third party, and to reproduce, copy, modify, create derivative works of, display, perform, exhibit, distribute, transmit or broadcast, publicly or otherwise, or otherwise use and permit to be used the Content in any format or medium (including but not limited to any format of any computer based, Internet based, or electronic media) in connection with Credit Unions of Alberta/Alberta Central’s general advertising, promotion, publicity, and other business activities or materials. • I consent to receiving electronic messages, commercial or otherwise, from Credit Unions of Alberta/Alberta Central. At any time, I may contact Credit Unions of Alberta/Alberta Central to stop receiving such electronic messages. • If a new purpose arises for the use or disclosure of my personal and business information, Credit Unions of Alberta/Alberta Central will seek my approval in advance.
Rules + Regs
FAQs + Media
Grant Home

The Big Future Innovation Grant is brought to you by Credit Unions of Alberta and Alberta Central. 
Credit Unions of Alberta represents the 12 credit unions located across the province and Alberta Central is the central banking facility and trade association for Alberta’s credit unions. You can stay in the loop on all the Credit Unions of Alberta grants and scholarships by subscribing here.
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Credit Unions of Alberta