The Alberta Central Big Future Innovation Grant is open only to Alberta businesses that, at the time of entry, qualify as eligible for-profit small businesses (as defined in the small business criteria section). Applicants must be legal residents of Alberta who at the time of entry are independent owners/operators or authorized agents of an eligible for-profit small business and at least 18 years of age.
For full rules and regulations, including detailed eligibility criteria, please review the Rules + Regulations page here. For Frequently Asked Questions, please review the FAQs page here.
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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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.
Learn more: thejunglefarm.com
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.
Learn more: shiftpro.io
Diana Grant-Richmond is a strategic leader and systems thinker with nearly 20 years of experience spanning entrepreneurship, finance, innovation, and post-secondary education. As Associate Director of the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Mount Royal University, she leads high-impact, multi-stakeholder initiatives funded by government and industry, with a focus on program design, leadership development, and institutional capacity-building. Currently completing an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Calgary, Diana brings a rare blend of operational rigor, emotional intelligence, and cross-sector insight to help organizations navigate complexity, build aligned teams, and drive structural change.
We’re excited to welcome our 2024 Grant winner to return as a judge!
Leona Staples, together with her husband Blaine Staples, has been at the helm of The Jungle Farm in Red Deer County since 1996, continuing a family legacy with roots deeply embedded in Alberta’s agricultural heritage. She expertly blends tradition with innovation, nurturing a vibrant, community-focused farm experience. As a judge for the Big Future Innovation Grant, Leona brings decades of hands-on rural entrepreneurship, a genuine understanding of local economy dynamics, and a passionate commitment to empowering Alberta’s small-business visionaries.
Liz Robichaud joins the judging panel with more than 20 years in financial services, Liz Robichaud brings a passion for helping people and organizations thrive. As Vice President of Operations at BVCU, she leads with a forward-thinking and collaborative approach, always focused on creating positive experiences for members and supporting her team’s success. Liz is known for her ability to adapt to challenges, build strong relationships, and find opportunities for continuous improvement. Her dedication to sustainable growth and operational excellence reflects her commitment to BVCU’s values and the communities it serves.
