Unlocking Training Opportunities: The Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG) 

Givens LLP | September 22, 2025

SHARE

 

One important funding opportunity currently available in Alberta is the Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG). This program provides financial support to employers who invest in productivity-focused training for their teams, making it an attractive option for organizations looking to enhance their operations and technical capabilities.
The program is employer driven, meaning employers apply on behalf of their current or future employees for training that directly enhances productivity and aligns with business needs.

Employer Eligibility

  • Open to private sector, non-profit organizations, First Nations, and Métis Settlements.
  • Employers must have current or potential employees who require training to fill existing or forthcoming positions.
  • To participate, employers will need to register through the CAPG portal, including setting up an Alberta.ca Organization Account.

Trainee Eligibility

Must be living in Alberta and be one of the following:

  • Canadian citizen
  • Permanent resident
  • Protected person under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

The following individuals are ineligible:

  • Business owners, board members, or corporate decision-makers are not eligible trainees
  • Family members
  • Temporary foreign workers or anyone temporarily working in Canada

Training Provider Requirements

  • Must be based in Alberta and have been in operation for at least two years
  • Must serve as a third-party provider (cannot be affiliated, such as an employee, family member, or subsidiary of the employer)
  • Training must be instructional and not delivered informally or through internal coaching

Eligible Training

Training must focus on developing productivity-related skills, falling into one (or more) of these categories:

  • Business Process & Operations Management – e.g., improve and optimize processes, operations, systems and resource management
  • Technical Skills – e.g., tool usage, equipment setup and maintenance, design and monitoring
  • Digital & Technological Skills – e.g., software training, data analytics, cyber security and system infrastructure
  • Training must be relevant to the trainee’s job
  • Training must be completed within 52 weeks from the data the application is received

Eligible costs:

  • The training must be instructional and delivered in Alberta in-person, online, or hybrid formats are acceptable.
  • Application must be submitted before training begins a lead time of 30 days is strongly recommended to ensure adequate processing.
  • Only direct training costs are eligible for reimbursement:
    • Tuition/course fees
    • Textbooks, software
    • Examination/certification fees
    • Approved travel and lodging tied directly to training
    • Other course-specific materials (distinct from general business supplies)

Ineligible Training/Costs

Certain types of training and expenses are specifically excluded:

  • General or soft skills (e.g., communication, interpersonal)
  • Leadership or management development outside process focus
  • Basic safety or occupational health and safety training
  • Training toward post-secondary degrees or diplomas
  • Business start-up funding/training
  • Consulting, coaching, or mentoring
  • Conferences or trade shows.
  • Pre-recorded video or audio content with no instructor interaction
  • Project-based research, including capstone and research papers

What's next:
Should you plan to undertake training initiatives in the future you will need to keep the following in mind:

  • Identify relevant training needs now, especially those involving technical, digital, or operational capabilities.
  • Gather provider information and quotes early to meet the recommended 30-day pre training application timeframe
  • Register on the CAPG portal and prepare your application. Opening for this grant is expected to be September 2025
  • Monitor the Alberta CAPG webpage for any additional updates and guidance.

Funding

There is an individual employer cap of $100,000

There are individual trainee caps of:

  • 50% of total eligible training costs up to $5,000 for employed trainees and;
  • 75% of total eligible training costs up to $10,000 for unemployed trainees.

Trainee Type: Employed trainees

  • CAPG will pay: 50% of total eligible training costs up to $5,000 per individual
  • Employers pay: 50% of total eligible training costs

Trainee Type: Unemployed trainees

  • CAPG will pay: 75% of total eligible training costs up to $5,000 per individual
  • Employers pay: 25% of total eligible training costs

How Givens LLP Can Help

The Canada Alberta Productivity Grant is a powerful opportunity for organizations to invest in productivity enhancing training while offsetting costs through government funding. The eligibility rules and application requirements, however, can feel complex and time sensitive.

At Givens LLP, we are here to help you navigate the process—from assessing training eligibility and aligning with program requirements to preparing a strong application package. If you are considering training for your team or would like to explore how CAPG can benefit your organization, please reach out to our team. We would be happy to guide you through the process and ensure you maximize the available funding.

RECENT POSTS