OCIF Express

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. 

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.

The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) is a $100 million fund, created from the City of Calgary in 2018. It was created to diversify Calgary’s economy, and it has delivered on that mandate over the past five years.    
    
Looking ahead to the next five years, OCIF is continuing to build a diversified and resilient economy by investing in projects that will accelerate innovation and equip working Calgarians with the skills they will need to succeed – this includes ensuring equity-deserving groups can effectively participate in Calgary’s economy.

OCIF operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of the City of Calgary, governed by an independent Board of Directors and administered by Calgary Economic Development.   

• OCIF finds opportunities with the highest potential benefit to Calgary’s economic future. 
• It fuels these opportunities through funding that ensures impact. 
• It fosters their success by integrating each investment into network of support.

OCIF finds opportunities with the highest potential to benefit Calgary’s economic future and identified obstacles that prevent the city from realizing its economic potential. One obstacle is job creation and in-house training in high growth roles. These funding streams directly impact SMEs ability to hire and conduct in-house training, one of OCIF’s key performance indicators.

OCIF invites all Calgary-based SMEs comprised of under 500 employees in key sectors to apply, including past OCIF beneficiaries. Please review the eligibility requirements before proceeding with your application.

OCIF Express is OCIF, but on a smaller scale. This simplified and quick funding process creates a fast track to funding for projects with one performance metric (i.e. new jobs, number of people trained) and will be completed in less than 24 months.   

 OCIF is still accepting project-based applications with multiple measurable economic outcomes (i.e. new jobs, square footage absorbed) including innovation and sector benefits. The application process for OCIF is customized to each potential beneficiary, whereas OCIF Express uses a standardized application.   

Learn how the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund is finding, fueling and fostering to diversifying Calgary’s economic future.  

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

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

 These sectors are chosen based on furthering innovation as a driver for building Calgary and positioning our city as a magnet for bright minds and big ideas.   

Currently, OCIF is accepting applications for the Job Creation and In-House Training streams.   

Visit OCIF Express for new funding opportunities as they are available.   

Over the last six years, OCIF gained ample knowledge around the talent gaps for local SMEs allowing us to identify the most pressing needs. In addition, OCIF conducted extensive research from internal and external studies to tailor funding rates that will fuel the growth and competitiveness of Calgary-based SMEs.  

Unsuccessful applicants will be notified in early November. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted around the same time to determine next steps. The first intake for Streams 1 and 2 is planned to be awarded by December 15, 2024.  

OCIF and OCIF Express are milestone-based programs, meaning funds are released after verifying that specific outcomes have been met. Milestones are typically set annually, and OCIF collaborates with each successful applicant to establish milestone amounts, targets, and reporting dates. OCIF does not issue pre-payments. 

To qualify for OCIF Express funding, you must create at least five new high- skill positions each year. OCIF can support up to 50 high-skill positions per project. 

While not exhaustive, examples of eligible high-skill positions include Software Developers, AI/ML Engineers, Cloud Computing Engineers, Cybersecurity Specialists, Data Scientists, Solution Architects, Aerospace Mechanics, and Technicians.