Focus on: Small Business Supports Team

Did you know?

The Business Retention, Expansion and Workforce Development (BREWD) survey officially launched on January 23^rd and we need to hear from businesses in the City of Red Deer, Red Deer County, Penhold, Innisfail, Olds, Mountain View County and Kneehill County. If you have a business in any of these areas (non-profits included) please check out this website and complete the survey. The more participants we can get the richer the data. https://centralalbertafirst.ca/
Across Alberta, there are 18 Workforce Consultants (WFC) regionally-based to support employers with tools and resources to help recruit, retain and strengthen their workforce.
Central Alberta Business Retention & Expansion and Workforce Development (BREWD) Survey: Opened January 23, 2025. Businesses in the communities of Red Deer, Red Deer County, Penhold, Innisfail, Olds, Mountain View County and Kneehill County are encouraged to complete the BREWD Survey, providing important information on how to best support and grow businesses in Central Alberta.
BizPal is a tool that helps small businesses find permits and licenses required when starting or managing a business.
Alberta has the most businesses in Canada, and nearly 98% of them are small businesses with fewer than 100 employees (2023 Key Small Business Statistics).

Helping Small Businesses Thrive

The Small Business Supports Team with Jobs, Economy and Trade connects Alberta’s entrepreneurs and small businesses with essential resources and services for success. Whether you're starting out or scaling up, we’re your partner in business growth!

Our key focus areas:

Biz Connect: Your online tool for personalized referrals to funding opportunities, mentorship, and expert advice.
Relevant Business Supports: There are over 300 service providers, government agencies, and industry partners that create a responsive and informed support network, and we help you find relevant supports, quickly.
Partner Support: We fund organizations like Business Link and Futurpreneur to deliver front-line assistance for your business needs.

Biz Connect

On the Small business resources site, you can find resources to help your business start, grow, and succeed. Connect directly with a Biz Connect team member through the website for tailored resources for your business.

Here are some of the most common inquiries Biz Connect gets about small business, and examples of some of the resources we offer:

How to find funding

Biz Connect connects Alberta entrepreneurs and small business owners to available grant and loan programs, as well as expert advice. Explore resources like:

Business Link: Free advice, coaching, and guidance on financial supports.
Alberta Innovates: Grants and support for innovative start-ups.
Futurpreneur: Loans up to $75,000 for entrepreneurs aged 18–39.
Community Futures: Specialized rural business support and loans.
Women-Owned Business Programs: Loans and capacity-building through Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) and Women’s Enterprise Oganizations of Canada (WEOC).

How to register a business

Biz Connect makes learning how to register your business in Alberta simple. Explore resources like:

Choose Your Structure: Business Link offers free, one-on-one support for entrepreneurs.
Register Your Business: Learn how to register, choose a name, and get your Common Business Number.
Permits & Licenses: Use BizPaL to discover the permits and licenses you need.

How to start a daycare

Looking to grow or enhance your licensed child care program in Alberta? Biz Connect can help direct you to resources like:

Alberta Child Care Grant Funding Program: Supports include wage top-ups, professional development funding, and employer contribution funding.
Financial Institutions: Explore options like ATB Financial, BDC, or the Canada Small Business Financing Program.

Managing your business

Biz Connect can also help you find information to manage your small business, including resources like:

Workforce development resources, such as employment standards to understand the rules and regulations, and information to assist with hiring and managing employees.
Protecting your business and ensuring your business is in good standing.
Succession planning.

Growing and expanding your business

Biz Connect can help direct you to tools and resources for expanding and developing your business, including:

The Alberta Export Expansion Program to help export-ready companies and non-profit organizations access international markets and attract global buyers.
The Government of Canada’s Business Benefits Finder tool offers support for research and development.

Get in Touch with Biz Connect

For specific inquiries, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of the Small Business Resources page or email us at bizconnect@gov.ab.ca.

Together, we’re building a stronger Alberta - one small business at a time!

Regional Events, Opportunities & Training

Future of Work Career Fair (RDP) – February 27^th – More information HERE
Red Deer Career Fair – March 11 – More information HERE
Central Alberta Job Fair – April 16 – More information HERE
The Workforce Consultant team is hosting a free webinar from the Small Business Supports team from Jobs, Economy and Trade. The Small Business Supports Team connects Alberta’s entrepreneurs with essential resources and services for success. Key focus areas will be Biz Connect, Outreach, and Partner Support.
- Thursday, January 30, 2025, 10:00 - 11:30am
- To register, click here.
Join the Workforce Consultant Team as we host a free webinar about the Alberta is Calling: Moving Bonus Program, a one-time refundable tax credit of $5,000 for eligible individuals who move to Alberta and work in key trade and construction related occupations.
- Have you hired an employee who has moved or is moving to Alberta between May 1st to December 31st, 2024, that is working in an eligible occupation? If you missed the previous presentations, register now for the next chance to hear about the Moving Bonus Program and ask questions. Get information on eligibility, when and how applicants can apply, required documentation, and more. For more information on this program, please visit: Alberta is Calling: moving Bonus.
- Wednesday February 19, 2025, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
- To register click here.
Employment Standards offers webinars on a variety of topics related to employer and employee rights and responsibilities. For further information, please visit: Employment Standards webinars.
Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) training:
Certificate Program in Leadership Essentials, Emerging Leaders Program
- Feb 05 8:00am - Mar 26 10:00am
- Member $2499 + GST | Non-Member $2699 + GST
CPHR Alberta HR Law Conference – Virtual
- Feb 11 9:00am - 3:30pm
- Member $425 + GST | Non-Member $475 + GST
The Power Of Perception; Impact of Employer Branding to attract and retain talent
- Feb 13 12:00pm - 1:00pm
- Complimentary for Members & Non-Members
Partner Webinar - HR Trends 2025: Embracing Disruption
- Feb 19 12:00pm - 1:00pm
- Complementary
Workplace Investigations Training Certificate | Multi-day Feb
- Feb 25 8:30am - Feb 27 4:30pm
- 3 Days: Member $1250 +GST | Non-Member $1500+GST
- 1 Day: Member $450+GST | Non-Member $525+GST
Certificate of Recognition (COR) Program: A Pathway to Excellence and Industry Credibility
- Mar 13 12:00pm - 1:00pm
- Complimentary for Members
Workplace Investigations Training Certificate | Multi-day April 8 to 10
- Apr 08 8:30am - Apr 10 4:30pm
- 3 Days: Member $1250+GST | Non-Member $1500+GST
- 1 Day: Member $450+GST | Non-Member $525+GST
Workplace Investigations Training Certificate | Multi-day April 22 to 24
- Apr 22 8:30am - Apr 24 4:30pm
- 3 Days: Member $1250+GST | Non-Member: $1500+GST
- 1 Day: Member $450+GST | Non-Member $525+GST
Are you looking for employees in the supply chain sector? Seven trainees have recently graduated from Manpower’s Career Moves Program and are looking for employment in the Red Deer area.
- Key skills learned include ethics, inventory management, logistics and transportation, procurement, emerging technologies, data analytics, business operations, and safety training.
- To learn more about the program, visit Manpower Career Moves Program.
- For information on connecting with trainees, contact Manpower at 1-877-577-5327 or email careermoves.RD@manpower.com.
Are you looking for employees in the finance sector? Six trainees have recently graduated from Career Assistance Network’s Finance Fast Track Program and are looking for employment in the Red Deer area.
- Key skills learned include building credit; understanding credit, interest, and investment basics; finance calculations; estate planning; and understanding the stock market. Each trainee also completes a credential of Canadian Investment Funds, Registered Retirement Analyst, Insurance Level 1, Life Insurance Qualification Program, or Sales.
- To learn more about the program, visit Career Assistance Network – Finance Fast Track Program.
- For information on connecting with trainees, contact Career Assistance Network at 403-341-7811 or online at Connect with Us.

Skilled Trainee Hiring Opportunities

Grants

This fund helps young Canadians access employment opportunities and gain valuable work experience in the agricultural sector, while contributing to the growth of the agricultural community in Canada. Eligible applicants include producers, agri-businesses, industry associations, Indigenous organizations and research facilities.