Empowering entrepreneurs in today’s competitive market.
2025 investment intake is open until Nov. 5, 2025. Funds are distributed on a first come, first serve basis.
The program is investing $75,000 in small businesses; offering tailored support across three vital streams (education, equipment and technology, and marketing).
On this Page:
ELIGIBILITY
Are you eligible?
- You must be located in Sturgeon County (having 25 employees or less, but greater than 1).
- You must have a valid Development Permit and be in good standing with the County.
- You cannot have received funding via this program within the last 3 years.
What are the funding details?
- Matching contribution of at least 50% from project owner is required.
- Maximum Sturgeon County reimbursement is $5,000 (minimum is $1,000).
Please read all eligibility requirements for each investment stream before applying. If you have questions, please reach out team at SBIncentive@sturgeoncounty.ca.
INVESTMENT STREAMS
Education
This investment stream aims to support small business owners in enhancing their skills and knowledge through educational programs such as courses, seminars, conferences or workshops.
Eligible Expenses
Include, but are not limited to, participation in programs, courses, seminars, webinars, conferences and/or workshops.
Ineligible Expenses
Include, but are not limited to, travel and accommodation, salaries, operational expense, hosting and/or hospitality, food and beverage, printing fees, internet fees, etc.
Equipment
and
Technology
This investment stream aims to support small business owners in equipment and technology purchases that will boost their business’s efficiency, productivity, security, and competitiveness.
Eligible Expenses
Include, but are not limited to, automation software/equipment, equipment replacement (where replacement creates efficiency/improved productivity), computer hardware, smart inventory control systems, security enhancement (lighting, fencing, shatter-proof glass, etc.), electronic payment/point-of-sale system, etc.
Ineligible Expenses
Include, but are not limited to, lease or rental costs, vehicles, cellular phones, consumer grade computer technology (ex. laptops, tablets, mobile devices, software, etc.), etc.
Marketing
This investment stream aims to support small business owners in enhancing the quality and impact of their marketing efforts, making it easier for them to reach a broader market.
Eligible Expenses
Include, but are not limited to, the development of a marketing plan, marketing materials and/or advertising implementation, e-commerce and web development, etc.
Ineligible Expenses
Include, but are not limited to, sponsorship fees, website hosting and maintenance fees, staff salaries, conference/tradeshow/industry event registration fees, hospitality, food and/or beverage, travel, corporate apparel, etc.
APPLICATION PROCESS
APPLY
This incentive has a continuous intake process. The close date for applications is November 5. Applicants can start their project as soon as they’ve applied, but do so at the risk that they may not be approved for funding.
REVIEW
There are two review periods for the incentive in 2025; one on September 3 and another on November 13. Your application will be reviewed on these dates and we will contact you if there are any questions. All applicants will be notified if they are approved or not within 5 business days of the review date.
AGREEMENT
If awarded funding, you will receive an agreement with the County. This will include supplying electronic transfer information to the County for your reimbursement.
REPORT
Once your project is complete, you are required to fill out a form and submit proof of payment. This MUST be received by the County on December 1, 2025 by 4 p.m. in order to be reimbursed. If these items are not completed and received by the County by this date, no reimbursement will be issued.
REIMBURSEMENT
Once your report and expenses are received and verified you will be reimbursed via electronic tranfer within 30 business days.
Note: You can only be approved in one stream per year. After being awarded funds, you will not be eligible to receive funding again for three years.
FAQ
Can I get reimbursed for a project that I already completed?
A: No. To be eligible for this incentive, you are required to first submit your application and quote for the work you plan to do. Once your application has been submitted you can start on any of the project work you want reimbursement for. However, you will only be reimbursed if your application is approved.
Can I apply for more than one investment stream?
A: No. You may only apply for one of the three streams at a time.
When will I receive my reimbursement?
A: Timing for reimbursement depends on when your application is approved and your required paperwork is completed. See above application process information for specific review dates and reporting deadline.
Can you provide an example of how this incentive works?
A: Certainly! See below.
Bob at ABC Inc. is planning to upgrade his security cameras and is applying to the Equipment and Technology stream. He has a quote from a security company for $10,000 to upgrade his cameras. Bob applies for the incentive and includes his quote, stating that he’s seeking $5,000 from Sturgeon County for the incentive.
Bob has two choices; he can wait till he gets approved to begin work or he can start the project at his owk risk as soon as he submits his application. He will find out after the next review period if he has been approved for the incentive and will be reimbursed.
If Bob is approved, he will pay the security company the $10,000 and then submit required paperwork to Sturgeon County in advance of the reporting deadline. Once all the required documents are reviewed and confirmed, Bob will receive his $5,000 reimbursement from the County via electronic bank transfer.
What if my application is not approved?
A: If your application is not approved, you have the option to appeal the decision directly to Council. For more information on this process, please contact our team at SBIncentive@sturgeoncounty.ca. Reasons for an application to be denied could include:
- not meeting application deadline,
- not meeting reporting requirements,
- not being in good standing with the County,
- not having a valid development permit, etc.
If you have any questions about the Small Business Incentive Program, please contact our team at SBIncentive@sturgeoncounty.ca.