OCIF Express Injects $3.5M Into Calgary SMEs to Spur Jobs, Tech Innovation

The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), with support from the Government of Alberta, has launched a new funding stream—OCIF Express—to rapidly deploy up to $3.5 million into 23 Calgary-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), fuelling job creation, skills training, and innovation across key sectors.

With a focus on projects under 24 months in duration, OCIF Express simplifies the path to capital for local companies working in emerging and high-growth areas such as AI, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace. The initiative is expected to create more than 150 jobs and provide skills training for nearly 90 Calgarians.

“Alberta’s government is helping to strengthen Calgary’s workforce and business community by investing in the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund,” said Matt Jones, Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade. “The businesses supported by OCIF Express will have the tools they need to train their employees while creating new jobs for Albertans.”

Mayor Jyoti Gondek emphasized the importance of supporting SMEs as economic pressures mount. “Now, more than ever, we need to support small businesses as they face challenges and uncertainty from tariffs,” she said. “OCIF Express is supporting job creation and talent development across key sectors that will lead the next chapter of growth.”

Among the recipients:

• ZayZoon will receive up to $250,000 to expand its earned wage access platform and hire 10 new staff. “This funding will help accelerate even further hiring required for us to deliver flexible access to pay,” said Co-Founder Tate Hackert.
• Carbon Upcycling is set to receive $33,750 to train key staff in leadership roles. “This investment enables us to equip key team members with the skills needed to accelerate our mission of reducing 4 million tonnes of CO2 by 2030,” said Arlette Watwood, Director of HR.
• CoolIT Systems will receive up to $385,000 to hire nearly 20 new employees to support global demand for its liquid cooling tech in AI and high-performance computing. “It’s a meaningful boost to our ongoing growth,” said CEO Jason Waxman.
• MRO Electronics is awarded up to $300,000 to support 18 new jobs and expand in aerospace and defense. “It strengthens Calgary’s Aerospace ecosystem by supporting local talent development,” said Managing Director Phil Stiles.

The Government of Alberta has contributed $1.2 million toward the OCIF Express fund.

Brad Parry, CEO of OCIF and Calgary Economic Development, said the program is tailored to Calgary’s entrepreneurial spirit. “Each of these projects is supporting our local economy, fostering innovation, and helping build a strong, more competitive workforce.”

Other beneficiaries include SeeO2 Energy, Youthfully, Virtuo, BigGeo, OneVest, and ZeroSound, among others. The full list is available on OCIF’s portfolio page.