Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF)

Insider Tip

OCIF is a negotiated deal, not a grant application with a scoring rubric. The fund is most interested in companies that will create high-quality jobs in Calgary's priority sectors — particularly anything that diversifies the economy beyond oil and gas. Companies relocating regional HQs, R&D centres, or significant tech operations to Calgary have historically been the strongest candidates. Engage Calgary Economic Development proactively before the CFA opens — relationship-building often happens outside formal intake windows, and OCIF has been known to structure investments ahead of formal CFAs for particularly strategic projects. If you are an international company entering Canada, Calgary's gateway positioning for US companies is a strong pitch.

Success Profile

A growth-stage or established company in technology, energy transition, life sciences, aerospace, agri-tech, or logistics seeking to establish or significantly expand operations in Calgary, with a credible plan to create 50+ high-quality jobs and $5M+ in capital investment within 3–5 years. The strongest OCIF candidates have existing proof of concept, identifiable customers or markets, and a strategic rationale for why Calgary (not Vancouver or Toronto) is the right location.

Evaluation Criteria

OCIF evaluates investment proposals based on: (1) Quality and quantity of Calgary-based job creation — wage levels, skills mix, and timeline; (2) Capital investment commitment in Calgary facilities, infrastructure, or equipment; (3) Sector alignment with Calgary's economic diversification priorities; (4) Strategic economic impact — supply chain linkages, cluster development, GDP contribution; (5) Company quality and financial viability; (6) Additionality — would the Calgary investment happen without OCIF? Strong proposals demonstrate that OCIF funding is the difference-maker in the location decision.

Application Steps

Required Documents 7

Eligible Expenses 7

• Job creation costs — salaries for newly hired Calgary employees within a defined ramp-up period
• Capital investment in Calgary facilities, equipment, and infrastructure
• Leasehold improvements and fit-out costs for Calgary offices or operations
• Technology infrastructure specific to the Calgary operation
• Training and onboarding costs for new Calgary hires
• Relocation costs for key personnel moving to Calgary
• Eligible expenses are defined in the individual OCIF investment agreement

Ineligible Expenses 5

• Operations or activities outside Calgary
• Costs incurred before the OCIF agreement is signed
• General corporate overhead not attributable to the Calgary operation
• Lobbying or government relations activities
• Costs already funded by other government programs on the same milestones

Intake Periods

Periodic Calls for Applications — not on a fixed annual schedule. Previous CFAs in 2021, 2023, and 2025. Next CFA expected 2026 — timing not confirmed as of April 2026.

Deadline Notes

OCIF does not operate on a fixed annual cycle. Formal Calls for Applications (CFAs) are released periodically when the fund has available capital. The most recent CFA has closed as of April 2026. The next CFA is anticipated in 2026 but a specific date has not been announced. Companies are encouraged to submit interest through the OCIF website to be notified of the next CFA. OCIF also conducts direct outreach to companies in its priority sectors, so proactive engagement with Calgary Economic Development is recommended.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Non-profit organizations
• Government agencies
• Companies with no intent to establish Calgary-based operations

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

High Risk

Performance-based conditional grants are subject to partial or full recapture if agreed job creation, capital investment, or other economic milestones are not met within the agreement timeline. Companies should model their Calgary growth trajectory conservatively when committing to OCIF milestones — overpromising and underdelivering triggers clawback and reputational risk with Calgary Economic Development.