If you’re an Alberta small business looking to work with a post-secondary researcher, the Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) Program was designed for that purpose. Delivered by Alberta Innovates, CASBE helped small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) work with academic experts to solve technical challenges and bring new products or services to market. While the program is now closed, many businesses still want to know how CASBE worked so they can get ready for similar funding opportunities or future programs.
The CASBE Program supported applied research partnerships between Alberta SMEs and Campus Alberta institutions, such as universities, colleges, and polytechnics. The goal was to help small businesses move ideas closer to market by making early research and development more affordable and less risky.
To qualify, your business needed to meet all of the following:
CASBE focused on short-term, applied research and development projects, including:
Projects needed to deliver clear business value and measurable results, not just academic research.
Alberta Innovates managed CASBE funding, with project-specific funding amounts rather than a set grant cap. Funding levels depended on the project’s size, partners, and technical details. In most cases, funds went through the post-secondary institution, not straight to the business.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly sort Alberta innovation programs by industry and research focus.
Even though the CASBE Program is closed, knowing the application process can help you get ready for similar Alberta Innovates programs.
Businesses needed to find a Campus Alberta partner before applying. This usually meant:
Strong CASBE applications clearly explained:
Applications went to Alberta Innovates, with documents from both the business and academic partner. Alberta Innovates checked projects for:
Starting without a research partner
CASBE required a confirmed Campus Alberta partner. Applications without academic support were not eligible.
Proposing basic academic research
Projects had to show a clear business outcome, not just academic interest.
Missing Alberta’s technology goals
Applications that didn’t support Alberta’s main technology priorities were unlikely to succeed.
Submitting ideas not ready for research
CASBE supported applied research with real business use cases. Very early ideas without clear plans struggled.
Q: Is the Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) Program still open?
No. The CASBE Program is currently closed and not accepting applications.
Q: Who was the CASBE Program best suited for?
The program was for Alberta SMEs needing short-term academic help to solve technical problems or bring new products or services to market.
Q: How much funding did CASBE provide?
Funding amounts changed by project and were set by Alberta Innovates based on project size and impact.
Q: Could CASBE funding be combined with other grants?
Sometimes, stacking with other Alberta Innovates programs was possible, depending on the rules and project details.
Q: Was CASBE funding taxable?
Grant funding may be considered taxable income in Canada. Confirm with the Canada Revenue Agency or a tax professional.
If you were interested in the CASBE Program, these related topics may also be useful:
Even though the Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) Program is closed, Alberta Innovates still offers research and business funding for SMEs. GrantHub tracks current grant programs across Canada and highlights alternatives when programs like CASBE close, so you can find options that match your business needs and growth plans.
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