From Idea to Incorporated: Starting Your Business in Calgary
Calgary is one of Canada's most dynamic cities for entrepreneurship — but starting a business here involves navigating provincial and...
Resources
Explore blog articles, a grant database, downloadable resources, and a comprehensive FAQ.
Our Blog
Blog & Articles
Project Compliance 101: Keeping Funders Happy and Your Reporting on Track
Receiving a grant is only the beginning. The real work — and the real risk — begins when you start...
Grant Writing That Works: What Funders in Alberta Really Want
Every year, thousands of grant applications are submitted to Alberta and Canadian funders — and the majority are declined. The...
What Is a CRA Charity Number and How Does Your Organization Qualify?
A CRA charitable registration number — sometimes called a charity number or BN charitable designation — is one of the...
How to Register a Non-Profit in Alberta: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Incorporating a non-profit society in Alberta under the Alberta Societies Act is a meaningful step — but the process involves...
Top 10 Alberta Grants Available to Businesses and Non-Profits in 2026
The Alberta and federal grant landscape in 2026 is rich with opportunity — but navigating it requires knowing where to...
FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What types of organizations does SMAJ serve?
SMAJ serves a broad range of clients including entrepreneurs and small businesses, non-profit organizations, charitable societies, social enterprises, community groups, and Indigenous organizations — both for-profit and non-profit — across all of Alberta. Our dual-sector expertise is our defining strength.
Q2: How long does it take to register a non-profit in Alberta?
The Alberta Societies Act incorporation process typically takes 2–6 weeks depending on the completeness and accuracy of your application. SMAJ guides you through every step to minimize delays and avoid common errors that slow the process.
Q3: Can for-profit businesses access grants in Canada?
Yes — many federal and Alberta provincial programs offer grants specifically to for-profit businesses, including innovation grants, digital adoption programs, workforce development funding, and sector-specific programs. SMAJ identifies and pursues these opportunities on your behalf.
Q4: How much does CRA charity registration cost?
There is no government fee to apply for CRA charitable status. However, the T2050 application is legally complex and documentation-intensive — errors or misaligned charitable purposes are the most common reasons for rejection. SMAJ’s professional preparation services significantly increase your likelihood of approval.
Q5: Does SMAJ write the entire grant application for us?
Yes. SMAJ provides complete, end-to-end grant writing services — from identifying appropriate funders to researching, writing, reviewing, and supporting submission of the full application. You provide the organizational information and program details; we handle the strategy and writing.
Q6: How do I know if my organization qualifies for CRA charitable status?
Eligibility depends on your organization’s purposes and activities meeting CRA’s legal definition of charitable purposes under one of four recognized categories. SMAJ conducts a thorough eligibility assessment before beginning any T2050 application to ensure you meet the criteria before investing time and resources.
Q7: Does SMAJ offer ongoing retainer or advisory services?
Yes. SMAJ offers long-term consulting partnerships and structured retainer arrangements for organizations that need ongoing grant management, compliance support, governance advisory, and strategic consulting services throughout the year.
Q8: How do I get started with SMAJ?
The easiest way to begin is to book a free 30-minute discovery call through our Contact page. Tell us about your organization, your goals, and your current challenges — we’ll identify the right service path and provide an initial recommendation at no charge.