Rural Alberta small businesses and entrepreneurs are being encouraged to make use of new tools and training available through the Community and Regional Economic Support, or CARES program.

Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Deron Bilous, says the program is intended to help businesses and entrepreneurs bring their plans to life "There haven't been dollars specifically designed to help communities, not just to identify potential projects but to do the business plans, the initial case studies and that's what these dollars can be used for," Bilous says. "I think this is what makes the CARES program so unique is it's not the Government of Alberta telling communities 'this is what you need to do to diversify your communities' it's the communities saying 'these are the initiatives we would like to undertake'"

To assist businesses to access loans, training and coaching,  The Community Futures Network of Alberta will receive $109,887 to support their 'What If Project?'.

Bilous announced that the Cochrane economy will be getting a boost of $16,534.00  through the  CARES program to support the Cochrane Community Dollar program.  This initiative is a partnership between the Town, ATB Financial (local branch) and the Cochrane Monetary Foundation.

Bilous says "For the Cochrane currency project the CARES funding will go toward the production of bills, as well as creation and delivery of an ongoing marketing campaign. Both of these projects by Community Futures Network of Alberta and the Town of Cochrane will allow rural businesses and entrepreneurs to leverage services and programs that might overwise be unavailable."

Minister Bilous added that " by extension, the project also has potential to support new jobs as increased local spending can lead to increased staffing needs"

Several other local and Calgary area organizations also received funds from the CARES program on Friday. 

The Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association, the Boys and Girls Club of Calgary, Community Futures Centre West, The Korean Art Club and Community Futures Network of Alberta had applied for funds during Stage One of the program.

Local businesses and entrepreneurs are encouraged to complete applications for the next round of funding available through the CARES program, starting April 1.

More information about the Economic program is available here