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
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.
Apply today and fuel your business growth.
Stream 1 Job Creation Application Link Stream 2 Training Stream Application Link
Have questions? We have answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF)?
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.
How does OCIF work?
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.
Why is OCIF focusing on job creation and in-house training?
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.
I‘m already an OCIF beneficiary, am I eligible to apply?
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.
What is the difference between OCIF Express and OCIF?
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.
What sectors are you focused on?
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.
Are there other OCIF Express opportunities in the future?
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.
How were funding allotments decided?
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.
When will I know my application is approved?
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.
How will OCIF Express funds be disbursed?
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.
This project is funded, in part, by the Government of Alberta.
