Through this project, ECO Canada will improve the accessibility of financing and incentive programs for emission reductions for underserved small and medium-sized enterprises. SMEs often need more resources and subject knowledge to pursue climate action independently. ECO Canada will collaborate with minority-owned SMEs to understand small businesses' barriers to reducing their GHG emissions, access resources such as government funding and incentive programs, and information on new and updated regulations.

To help alleviate climate action barriers, ECO Canada will work with minority-owned SMEs and subject matter experts to create a GHG Reduction toolkit for SMEs and promote sustainable procurement practices. The toolkit will provide resources on reduction strategies for a range of common emission sources, funding, financing, incentive programs, and potential regulatory and process barriers.

Primary partners of this project will be minority-owned SMEs in Calgary, mainly Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPOC), and women. Through this project, ECO Canada aims to support the SMEs in Calgary in adopting practices that will not only help mitigate climate change but also benefit the long-term success of their business.

From this project, ECO Canada aims to accomplish three main benefits for communities:

-             Energy Affordability

-             Economic Development

-             Reconciliation and EDI