OCIF Express Overview

OCIF Express is a new, simplified funding mechanism of the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) designed to support the growth and innovation of Calgary-based companies. The first round of OCIF Express will allocate up to $5M in total funding through two separate funding streams to fuel and foster businesses growth in Calgary.

 Whether you’re hiring top talent or advancing current staff skills for your next project, OCIF Express is designed to help Calgary companies thrive in today’s economy. 

To address the need for high-demand positions and talent development, employers with a new innovation-driven initiative on the horizon, that meet all eligibility requirements, can apply today.  

   

Fueling job creation and advancing employee training.

Application Process

Application timeline: October 17 - November 8, 2024

ELIGIBILITY 

Key sectors eligible for both OCIF Express Funding for Stream 1 or 2:  

  • Clean Energy Transition
  • Ag/AgTech
  • Life Sciences/Health
  • Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing/Logistics
  • Creative Economy/Digital Industries

*The opportunity to ask questions will close on November 4th

Stream 1 | Job Creation 

Stream 1 will focus on targeted project support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within in-demand sectors that hire high-skills employees. New hires must be a new employee and reside in Calgary, and they can either be a Canadian citizen or a newcomer. 

Roles eligible for funding include the following titles or similar scope:

  • Data scientist
  • AI/ML engineer
  • Software engineer 
  • Information system specialist
  • Informatics consultant
  • Database analyst 
  • Application architect 
  • Cloud infrastructure engineer
  •  Geomatics engineer/technician

Applicants can access up to $25,000 per new hire.  
To learn more about the funding rates, please refer to Call for Applications – Job Creation. 

Stream 2 | In-house Training

Leverage OCIF Express funding Stream 2 to fuel new in-house training programs with a maximum duration of one year in specialized, technical and professional  areas to upskill employees in innovative fields to get your next initiative across the line. 

Stream 2 supports reskilling or upskilling of current employees in areas such as: 

  • Software development
  • AI/ML
  • Cloud computing
  • Quantum computing
  • Aircraft instrument systems
  • Electrical and avionic mechanics
  • Project management
  • Critical thinking
  • Analytical skills
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Leadership

Applicants can secure up to $10,000 per trainee, not exceeding 50 per cent of total project costs.  
To learn more about in-house training funding rates, please refer to Call for Applications – In-house training.

How to Apply 

Before completing OCIF Express’ simplified application (link to application portal), please read the following:

- Call for Applications - Job Creation
- Call for Applications - In-house training
- Application checklist
- Key Terms
- Proforma Template 

* OCIF Express is a competitive process and submitting an application does not guarantee funding

Have questions? We have answers.

Frequently Asked Questions