New $30K CME Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant (AMPG)

Every dollar saved by modernizing machinery could mean tens of thousands more in profit down the line, and with the new Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant (AMPG), manufacturers in Alberta finally have a matching push to make that happen. 

Alberta’s manufacturing sector is entering a new growth phase, and for any small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) manufacturers, that change hinges on capital investments and technology adoption. That’s where the AMPG funding program comes in.  

Through Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), the provincial Government of Alberta has launched a two-year pilot to help manufacturers offset up to half the cost of qualifying upgrades, up to $30,000.  

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what AMPG offers, who can apply, how it works, and which other federal and provincial funding options you might stack alongside it. If you’ve been holding off on a modernization push, now is the time to get serious. 

 

Funding Snapshot: Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant (AMPG) 

Below is a high-level view of the AMPG. Scroll past to see context, tips, and parallel funding sources. 

Objective: 

Support Alberta-based manufacturers in modernizing production operations, adopting advanced technologies, and improving competitiveness. 

Funding Amount: 

• Up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $30,000. 
• Matching funding of up to $30,000 to support investment in long-term production assets and technology. 

Please note that only one project per company may be funded. 

Eligible Applicants: 

• Incorporated (federal or provincial) manufacturing businesses in Alberta, with two or more years of running business. 
• Between 5 and 750 full-time employees in Alberta. 
• Physical operations in Alberta, with the investment benefiting Alberta operations. 
• Cannot stack with other Alberta-funded programs. 

Eligible Activities: 

• Capital equipment, materials, robotics, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), etc. 
• Installation and training for new equipment. 
• Professional services or consulting tied to the project. 
• Direct labour devoted to project implementation and management. 

Timeline: 

• Projects must start on or after April 1, 2025 and complete by December 31, 2026. 
• Reports and expense claims must be submitted no later than January 15, 2027. 
• Applications accepted until October 31, 2026 or funds are depleted. 
• The program ends March 31, 2027. 

Why AMPG Matters and How to Fit It into Your Alberta Business Strategy 

Closing the Modernization Gap 

Many SME manufacturers hesitate to adopt automation, robotics, or smart systems because of upfront cost risk. AMPG mitigates that risk by offering funds matched at 50%. As CME puts it, the program “helps small- and medium-sized manufacturers improve their operations, invest in technology to automate production and increase competitiveness in markets across Canada and abroad.” 

The inclusion of a complimentary operational technology assessment (Phase One) ensures that companies don’t just throw money at shiny equipment, but they get a plan.  

This grant isn’t just about making one machine smarter: it’s a trigger to future-proof your process flows, strengthen resilience, and compete better nationally and globally. 

Match with Other Government Funding Programs 

Because AMPG disallows stacking with other Alberta-funded programs, eligible companies could layer it with federal funding options or non-Alberta provincial ones, such as but not limited to: 

• The National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP): This is Canada’s flagship SME innovation support program. It offers non-repayable contributions for research and development (R&D), technology commercialization, and process development activities. IRAP also supports projects in clean technology, automation, and tech integration.  
• Global Innovation Clusters/NGen/Advanced Manufacturing Cluster: Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Cluster (through NGen) funds collaborative innovation, supports scaling, and helps SMEs adopt advanced manufacturing technologies across industries. 
• Strategic Response Fund (SRF): For larger transformational manufacturing projects, SRF remains a possibility. It supports innovation, digital adoption, and industrial expansion at a scale beyond typical SME grants.  
• Clean Technology/Energy Efficiency Programs in Alberta: One relevant parallel is the Strategic Energy Management for Industry (SEMI) program, run by Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) in partnership with NRCan. It supports energy retrofit and capital upgrades to reduce emissions and energy costs. 
• Tax incentives: Many manufacturers already use the Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) federal tax credit, and some provinces offer complementary credits. In Alberta, clean technology investment tax credits may also align if your project reduces emissions or energy intensity. 

By layering AMPG with IRAP (for R&D elements) or clean tech programs (for energy improvements), manufacturers can stretch each dollar further without violating stacking rules. 

Get Started on Applying for AMPG Funding 

The launch of the AMPG is a strong signal that Alberta is serious about helping its manufacturers modernize, remain competitive, and expand into new markets. The 50% matching structure, paired with diagnostic support, helps lower financial risk. That said, success depends on timing, project selection, and smart stacking with federal and non-Alberta supports. 

1. Check eligibility: Confirm your incorporation status, employee count (5–750 in Alberta), operational history, and physical facility in Alberta. 

2. Submit eligibility application: CME will review your submission; you will hear within about 15 business days whether you qualify for Phase One. 

3. Undergo the operational technology assessment: CME’s experts will spend days on-site (at no cost to you) to diagnose opportunities and propose recommended investments. 

4. Receive the investment grant application: Use the assessment report to craft your project plan, budget, and schedule. 

5. Sign contribution agreement: Once approved, receive 30% of funding within 30 business days of contract signing.  

6. Implement your project: Execute your investment (equipment, installations, labour, training) within the prescribed timeline (by December 31, 2026). 

7. Submit final report and claim: Submit all expenses and justification to CME. They typically review final claims in 30–60 business days.  

Reach out to the Ryan Canada Government Funding Team for application support. Our team will help you determine if your business qualifies, map out the optimal stacking strategy (AMPG + IRAP + clean energy programs), and guide you through the application. Contact us today. 

If your team has been hesitating on automating a process, upgrading robotics, or integrating AI and IoT into your factory floor, now is an ideal window to act. Don’t let the opportunity pass while funds are still available.