Congratulations to Lynn Dargis and Laurel Thompson, the recipients of the 2023 Women in Ag Grant from Credit Unions of Alberta!
Read more about the recipients here.
To sign-up for the mailing list for information about a 2024 grant, email communications@albertacentral.com.
Credit unions understand the value of agriculture to Alberta and to Albertans.
Ag businesses can be found in all the communities we operate in, both rural and urban. And we know how hard it is for anyone to build or grow an ag business – but it can be especially challenging for women due to insufficient access to capital and financing.
That’s why Credit Unions of Alberta is proud to announce the new Women in Ag Grant.
This Grant provides an opportunity for Alberta-based women who are currently working in or planning to work in the agriculture industry to apply for funding to put towards their ag business’ financial future. Two grants of $10,000 will be awarded to two individuals or businesses.
Important Dates
- Applications open: June 12, 2023
- Application deadline: July 5, 2023
- Notification sent to successful recipients: July 21, 2023
- Distribution of funds: no later than August 4, 2023
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be legal residents of Alberta, who, at the time of entry, are at least 18 years of age. Applicants must be women who currently work or are planning to work in agriculture.
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.
For those currently working in agriculture:
- Sole proprietors or partnership: for those applicants who are applying as a sole proprietor or as part of a partnership, please include your business number (this also applies to corporations – see further requirements for corporations below).
- Corporations: for those applicants who are applying on behalf of a farming corporation, please include your business number as well. Please note that the individual applying must either hold beneficial ownership within the corporation (at 35%) or be listed as a director or officer on the Alberta corporate search – proof of ownership may be requested upon shortlist.
- Employed in agriculture: for those applicants who are an employee in a current ag-related business, please provide a document outlining the business name, your role, the name and contact information for your direct manager and relation to company ownership (if applicable).
For those applicants who are intending to work in agriculture:
- Provide a two page business plan detailing (but not limited to) the following:
- Your target market (demographics, purchasing behaviour, etc.).
- Marketing strategy.
- Two-year projections including projected revenue and detailed expenses.
- Any other relevant information.
How to apply
- Complete the application form here between June 12 and July 5, 2023.
- 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.
Grant Questions:
Submissions for the Women in Ag Grant must include responses to the questions as outlined below.
The application form will also capture applicant identifying information, business details (where applicable) and other relevant details identified under the Eligibility Criteria section above (this may also include submission of supporting documentation where required).
- Explain your current role in the agriculture industry and a typical “day-in-the-life” in your current role. If you do not currently work in agriculture, please explain what facet of agriculture you intend to pursue and what an expected “day-in-the-life” would look like in this projected role.
(Worth 10 points) - What inspired, or continues to inspire, you to pursue a career in agriculture?
(Worth 20 points) - What are some of the most pressing issues facing women in agriculture today and how can the broader agricultural community work to address these challenges? How do you see yourself contributing to this effort?
(Worth 20 points) - Describe your vision for the future of agriculture and how your current or proposed business will work towards this vision.
(Worth 20 points) - Explain how you would intend to utilize the $10,000 grant to further your current or proposed ag business or vision.
(Worth 10 points)
Judging
Applications will be reviewed by a judging panel using a pre-determined scoring rubric and the two chosen grant recipients will be notified by email. Want to learn more about our judges? Click here!
Applications closed July 5th – check back to see who won by July 21st!