New tools and training are available for small businesses and entrepreneurs in rural Alberta.

Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Deron Bilous says communities are excited about the new community and regional economic support or cares program.

"There haven't been dollars specifically designed to help communities, not just to identify potential projects but to do the business plans, the initial case studies and that's what these dollars can be used for," Bilous says. "I think this is what makes the CARES program so unique is it's not the Government of Alberta telling communities 'this is what you need to do to diversify your communities' it's the communities saying 'these are the initiatives we would like to undertake'"

To help entrepreneurs turn their ideas for new products or services into a business, Community Futures Network of Alberta will receive $109,887 to support their What If program.

The program evaluated 88 application during the first intake.

The next intake starts April 1 and ends May 31, 2017.