Resources
Helpful Links & Documents
The following is a list of valuable resources that can help you start, build and grow your business.
AG Tech / Food Science
AgPal Program and Service Finder
A web-based discovery tool to help producers and others in the agriculture and agri-business sector.
Agriculture and Food Sustainability Assurance Initiatives Program
The Agriculture and Food Sustainability Assurance Initiatives Program supports the demonstration to the public of the quality, safety and sustainability of products produced by producers and food companies.
Alternative Market Channels Webinar
Many Alberta food entrepreneurs are familiar with the traditional market options available for them to sell their products – from farmers’ markets to food service to retail. But there are...
Canadian Agricultural Partnership
The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion federal-provincial-territorial initiative aimed at generating economic growth in the agricultural sector and delivering the greatest benefits for farmers, food processors and...
Dentons Agribusiness Podcast Series
A podcast series looking at a key pillar to the Canada’s economic system, the agriculture and agri-food sector. From farming to distribution, advancements in ag-tech, food producers and manufacturers, this...
Food Tourism 101 & the Lethbridge Foodscape
An industry exploration of the food tourism industry, where food and drink meet travel and hospitality. Find out how your business can get involved in the food tourism chain.
Founder & Funder Event: Food & Agtech
Bringing together Food & AgTech focused Funders & Canadian Female Founders to causally meet one another, form connections, and develop long-term relationships.
Deadline: June 16, 2022
Getting into Retail Webinar
An overview of the retail food market including: key market drivers, market trends and the benefits and challenges of selling in this market channel. In this first virtual workshop you...
How to Work with Us
The first step for working with Integrated Agriculture Technology Centre is to complete a client profile form that includes details on your company, the problem or issue that needs to...
Introduction to Working with a Co-Packer Webinar
This webinar will focus on the practical steps and tips from industry experiences in co-packing. You will hear from a panel of company speakers who have worked with a co-packer...
Marketing & Merchandizing Strategies for Local Business Start-Ups Webinar
This webinar explores marketing strategies including image, display, curb appeal, merchandising techniques and other tools to attract customers to your business and secure sales. VIEW HERE: Marketing & Merchandizing Strategies...
Metabolomics & Agri Food Webinar
Find out how metabolomics is being used in many areas of agriculture, from analyzing crops, to assessing soils, to quantifying beef cattle performance traits, to detecting disease. Learn how it...
Pricing 101 Webinar Series
This webinar will explore the importance of knowing your actual cost of production and provide insight on how to determine your breakeven point. Join Marissa Brewer, new venture specialist with...
Pricing Your Food Product Infographic
The pricing infographic provides you a visual for setting an accurate price for selling your products and a brief overview of selling into retail and margins. On the second page...
Selling Local Food in Alberta Webinar
Learn about the opportunity of selling your food product locally, the different market channels available to you and the pros and cons of each. VIEW HERE: Selling Local Food in...
Thrive Academy
The THRIVE Academy is 12-week agri-food tech pre-accelerator program for idea stage entrepreneurs, early-stage startups and researchers looking to commercialize their innovations.
Deadline: June 27, 2022
Youth Agriculture Education Program
The Youth Agriculture Education Program provides support for programming to help students engage in meaningful and informed conversations about issues that affect public trust in agriculture.
Awards / Scholarships
The 2022 CANIE Awards
Are you an innovator and/or entrepreneur from an under-represented group in Canada? Or do you know one?
Deadline: May 31, 2022
Business Start Up Guides
Alberta Social Entrepreneurial Support System
Alberta Social Entrepreneurship Support System (A.S.E.S.S.) helps Social Enterprises move their ideas forward with these online workbooks and 9 modules/video series.
BDC SWOT Analysis Template
This free SWOT analysis template will help you identify your company’s strengths and weaknesses as well as the opportunities and threats you are facing.
Business Financing Checklist
The following checklist is meant to be used as a starting point for determining how much money you need to start your business and where it will be coming from....
Certified B Corporation
Certifying as a B Corporation goes beyond product- or service-level certification. B Corp Certification is the only certification that measures a company’s entire social and environmental performance. The B Impact...
Checklist for Starting a Business – on Reserve
Getting Started: Choose your form of business Band Council Resolution Location/Zoning and the Land Designation Process Naming your business and registering your name Get your Business Number (BN) Taxation: Taxation...
Cooperative Startup Checklist
The following checklist is meant to be used as a starting point for your cooperative that is both a business and an association of people seeking to meet a common...
Incorporation Resource Guide
Incorporation, a form of business ownership that creates a distinct legal entity separate from its owners or shareholders, is often an important consideration for women entrepreneurs who may want to...
Independent Contractor Guide
An independent contractor is a person, business, or corporation that provides goods or services to a hiring company under the terms of a contract. Independent contractors supply a broad range...
Launchpad Live: Startup Law and Intellectual Property Webinar
Launchpad Live is a public speaker series presented by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary.
Black and Persons of Colour Resources
Black Business and Professional Association
Founded in 1983, the BBPA is a non-profit, charitable organization that addresses equity and opportunity for the Black community in business, employment, education and economic development.
Black Business Ventures Association
At Black Business Ventures Association (BBVA), we are supporting an ecosystem that stimulates tech entrepreneurship and fosters economic growth for Black business owners. We develop programs that equip Black entrepreneurs,...
Black Business Ventures Association
Building a stronger, more diverse tech industry.
This program aims to connect Black and Indigenous innovators with mentorship opportunities, business support, and a platform to help grow their business.
Black Entrepreneurship Program
The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) is a partnership between the Government of Canada, Black-led business organizations, and financial institutions. With an investment of up to $350.8 million over four years,...
Black Mentorship Inc.
Black Mentorship Inc. (BMI) strengthens leadership opportunities for ALL people by connecting Black youths, professionals and entrepreneurs at different stages of personal and professional growth with experienced mentors through a...
Diversity and Inclusion Tools
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
Here you’ll find inclusion guides and education guides covering some of the most topical conversations and initiatives happening around diversity and inclusion in the Canadian workplace. An inclusion guide is...
Government of Canada
Take the Gender-based Analysis Plus Course This course is designed as a basic introduction to GBA+. You will learn to define the key concepts of GBA+ and recognize how various...
Indigenous Canada
Indigenous Canada is a 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. Topics for the 12 lessons...
Entrepreneurial Education
ATB x Accelerator Program
Looking for expert advice to grow your business? Want to connect with other business founders and achieve your goals? We help you grow – With ATB X experts, coaching and...
Conversation with a Consultant
In this episode, our host Ron Bettin, Co-Founder of ReSourceYYC, CMC & Entrepreneur, talked with Pauline Patenaude, Sr Business Advisor/International Award-winning Certified Management Consultant. Their discussion includes CMC, experiences as...
Fast Track Program
A program to help established businesses in IoT to scale up, gain access to resources, and increase collaboration between tech sector businesses.
Deadline: September 20, 2022
Launchpad Live: Startup Law and Intellectual Property Webinar
Launchpad Live is a public speaker series presented by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary.
Thrive Academy
The THRIVE Academy is 12-week agri-food tech pre-accelerator program for idea stage entrepreneurs, early-stage startups and researchers looking to commercialize their innovations.
Deadline: June 27, 2022
Financial Literacy
Cash Flow
Cash is the lifeblood of any business. Managing it well is vital if your company is going to survive and thrive. This course will help you understand how and when...
Financial Fundamentals I
Many entrepreneurs sabotage their company’s success because they are unaware of how to properly manage their finances. This game will equip you with the basic financial knowledge and skills you...
Financial Literacy Program
The Financial Literacy Program is designed to teach women entrepreneurs how to build the story of their businesses through numbers while also inspiring women to challenge their financial beliefs and...
Financial Statements
Understanding your financial statements and how they relate to one another gives you a full picture of your business’s health. This course will help you monitor your business’s financial progress....
The Finance Cafe Podcast
Welcome to The Finance Cafe Podcast, the business podcast for women entrepreneurs that breaks through the money taboo and explores what’s behind the numbers.
Government Supports & Subsidies
AgriInnovate Program
The AgriInnovate program aims to accelerate the commercialization, adoption and/or demonstration of innovative products, technologies, processes or services that increase sector competitiveness and sustainability.
Deadline: March 31, 2023
Alberta Biz Connect
Alberta Biz Connect provided tailored up-to-date information to help small businesses comply with public health requirements, access supports, and find answers to questions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alberta Jobs Now Program
An investment of up to $370 million to encourage employers to hire and train employees into jobs in the private and non-profit sectors.
Alberta Petrochemicals Incentive Program
The Alberta Petrochemicals Incentive Program provides financial incentives in the form of grants to encourage private sector investment in new or expanded Alberta-based petrochemical manufacturing facilities, including those producing value-added,...
Black Entrepreneurship Program
The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) is a partnership between the Government of Canada, Black-led business organizations, and financial institutions. With an investment of up to $350.8 million over four years,...
Boost Your Business Technology
The Boost Your Business Technology grant offers support to Canadian-owned small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to adopt new digital technologies. Eligible businesses will have access to a...
Business Benefits Finder
Find the right programs and services, whether you’re starting out or scaling up.
CanExport – For Innovators
Innovators from Canadian organizations may access up to $75,000 in funding to assist with research and development (R&D) for a single technology. We cover up to 75% of costs to...
CanExport – SMEs
Small and medium sized companies may access up to $50,000 in funding to assist with international market development activities. We cover up to 50% of costs for export marketing of...
Film and Television Tax Credit (FTTC)
A total budget of $50 million has been committed to this program in 2021-22, and the $10 million per project cap on the existing FTTC program has been removed, to...
Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentive Program
The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Program uses tax incentives to encourage Canadian businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and development (R&D) in Canada....
Tourism Relief Fund
The Tourism Relief Fund, administered by Canada’s regional development agencies and Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), supports tourism businesses and organizations adapt their operations to meet public health...
Grants / Loans
Alberta Export Expansion Program
Funding to help export-ready companies and non-profit organizations enhance access to international markets and attract global buyers.
Alberta Innovates Vouchers
Vouchers help Alberta’s high potential, high growth, technology and knowledge-based small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with technologies in the mid-to-late developmental stages but may include some early developmental stages. Eligible...
Alberta Petrochemicals Incentive Program
The Alberta Petrochemicals Incentive Program provides financial incentives in the form of grants to encourage private sector investment in new or expanded Alberta-based petrochemical manufacturing facilities, including those producing value-added,...
Boost Your Business Technology
The Boost Your Business Technology grant offers support to Canadian-owned small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to adopt new digital technologies. Eligible businesses will have access to a...
Canada-Alberta Job Grant
Eligible employers can get government funding to help employees and unemployed Albertans access training opportunities. Eligible employers are required to contribute a minimum of one-third of the total training costs...
Canada’s Only Just-For-Moms Business Pitch
As a mom, your situation is different from other entrepreneurs- and that’s exactly why you need to be part of the Total Mom Pitch.
Commercialization Associate Program
Alberta’s high potential, high growth, technology and knowledge-based small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may be eligible for funding to enable them to employ a highly trained resource with the goal...
ECO Canada
We provide 50% of a wage to eligible employers who hire the brightest minds in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) and Business. Students gain valuable on-the-job experience and employers...
Energy Savings for Business
Energy Savings for Business will help eligible Alberta businesses reduce emissions, decrease operating costs, grow their operations and become more competitive, while creating skilled jobs and boosting economic recovery. Deadline:...
Honouring the Children Grant
On June 2, 2021, Calgary Arts Development made a statement announcing that we have designated up to $75,000 of our ArtShare Program funds to support artistic projects in memory of...
Innovation Canada
From funding to expert advice to driving new collaborations, our flagship programs and services are designed to help businesses innovate, create jobs and grow Canada’s economy.
Innovation Employment Grant
The Innovation Employment Grant encourages economic growth by supporting small and medium-sized businesses that invest in research and development (R&D) with a grant worth up to 20% of qualifying expenditures.
Micro Vouchers
The Micro Voucher Program is designed to de-risk novel technological solutions. This is done by providing qualified high potential, high growth, technology or knowledge-based Alberta small and medium enterprise (SME)...
National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)
NRC IRAP provides advice, connections, and funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market.
R&D Associates
Alberta’s high potential, high growth, technology and knowledge-based small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may be eligible for up to $67,500 per year for one year to enable them to employ...
Startup Global Pitch Competition
The TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good is a $100-million social-impact fund that invests in for-profit companies and founders committed to driving innovation and transformative solutions that help make the world...
Top-Up Eligibility
The Government of Alberta is providing $1,250 – $2,500 in top-up funding for eligible organizations that run successful campaigns on Crowdfunding Alberta.
Tourism Investment Program
Offers a tourism investment program to assist tourism businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits, and destination organizations through a series of grant programs.
Truth North Small Business Grant
Small business owners can apply by self-nominating their business for a grant. Customers, employees, vendors, and/or general supporters may nominate their favourite small business separately.
Deadline: May 31, 2022
Immigrant / Permanent Resident / Refugee Resources
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
Eligible individuals can apply to be nominated to work and live in Alberta permanently. Nominees must have skills to fill job shortages or be planning to buy or start a business...
BDC Newcomer Entrepreneur Loan
Experienced as a business owner or not, BDC helps immigrants handle the typical challenges of building a company in Canada.
Business Planning Workbook for Immigrant Entrepreneurs
This Business Planning Workbook is designed for immigrant entrepreneurs to learn about planning to start a business in Alberta. By following the steps outlined, you will complete a business and marketing...
Connections: An Immigrant’s Guide to starting a Business in Alberta
This guidebook will walk you through the process of getting started with your own business and provide you with resources to learn more. It will help you understand Alberta business...
Futurpreneur Newcomer Loan
If you’re new to Canada and don’t have a credit history, Futurpreneur Canada wants to help you launch your business. We provide tailored support and eligibility criteria to reflect your...
Marketing Effectively in Alberta for Immigrant Entrepreneurs
This is one of a series of Guidebooks created by Business Link to assist immigrant entrepreneurs with understanding what works for starting a successful business in Alberta. In this Guidebook,...
Indigenous Resources
2022 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards
Celebrating the excellence and outstanding achievement of Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Deadline: June 21, 2022
Alberta Indian Investment Corporation
In addition to capital funding, AIIC also provides grants to help your business with equity assistance.
Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc. & Pinnacle Business Services Ltd.
Loan size can range up to $325,000 or as small as $5,000. We know that no two businesses are the same and so the risk and term of the loan...
Checklist for Starting a Business – on Reserve
Getting Started: Choose your form of business Band Council Resolution Location/Zoning and the Land Designation Process Naming your business and registering your name Get your Business Number (BN) Taxation: Taxation...
Community Futures Treaty 7
In the area of Entrepreneurship, CFT7 respects Treaty Seven cultural diversity autonomy while building the Treaty Seven Economy through community economic development and entrepreneur capacity building in order to assist...
Honouring the Children Grant
On June 2, 2021, Calgary Arts Development made a statement announcing that we have designated up to $75,000 of our ArtShare Program funds to support artistic projects in memory of...
Indigenous Business Directory
The Indigenous Business Directory is designed to assist and support Indigenous businesses in the pursuit of business opportunities, including federal procurement. This directory is a resource available to all levels...
Indigenous Business Planning Workbook
This Business Planning Workbook is designed to help Indigenous entrepreneurs create a business plan. Business plans are very important tools for people starting a business. A business plan is like a road...
Indigenous Leadership Circle Free Mentorship Program
We are immensely proud of the award-winning WiL Mentorship Program with over 2,000 graduates, our 5 month program matches emerging women leaders with mentors to build confidence and develop leadership...
Indigenous Made
The Indigenous Made campaign will help Indigenous businesses showcase their products and services to the general public, with the goal of increasing awareness. We’re proud to support incredible Indigenous entrepreneurs...
Information on Tax Exemption – Indian Act
Throughout the following text, for purposes of the tax exemption under section 87 of the Indian Act, the CRA uses the term “Indian” because it has a legal meaning in...
Opening the Door to Opportunity
Opening the Door to Opportunity seeks to highlight the economic contributions of Indigenous Peoples stemming from the spending by Indigenous governments, Indigenous-owned businesses and Indigenous households. It seeks to counter...
Pathways to Procurement for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs
The federal government recently committed to a new target that would see at least five percent of federal contracts awarded to businesses managed and led by Indigenous Peoples—which translates to...
Piikani Nation Grant Equity Program
The Small Business development portion of Piikani Economic Development is responsible for promoting and supporting small businesses for Piikani Nation members.
Pow Wow Pitch Podcast
Welcome to the Pow Wow Pitch Podcast, a show empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs. On this Podcast, Host Sunshine Quem Tenasco, a Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg entrepreneur, author and creator of Pow Wow...
Tourism Relief Fund
The Tourism Relief Fund, administered by Canada’s regional development agencies and Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), supports tourism businesses and organizations adapt their operations to meet public health...
Women In Business Start Up Program
Are you an Indigenous woman beginning to explore owning a business and being your own boss? Would you like to manage your own time and work around your family’s schedule? Welcome...
Pitch Contests
2022 Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards
Celebrating the excellence and outstanding achievement of Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Deadline: June 21, 2022
Canada’s Only Just-For-Moms Business Pitch
As a mom, your situation is different from other entrepreneurs- and that’s exactly why you need to be part of the Total Mom Pitch.
Founder & Funder Event: Food & Agtech
Bringing together Food & AgTech focused Funders & Canadian Female Founders to causally meet one another, form connections, and develop long-term relationships.
Deadline: June 16, 2022
Startup Global Pitch Competition
The TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good is a $100-million social-impact fund that invests in for-profit companies and founders committed to driving innovation and transformative solutions that help make the world...
Research
CARIE Bridge Process
Do you have a challenge you’re looking to solve? We may be able to help at the Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE).
Innovation Employment Grant
The Innovation Employment Grant encourages economic growth by supporting small and medium-sized businesses that invest in research and development (R&D) with a grant worth up to 20% of qualifying expenditures.
Jump Ball Initiatives
Rapidly connecting innovators to business innovation assets. The Jump Ball Initiative (JBI) taps into the innovative capacity and capabilities of the network of Canada’s 30 Technology Access Centres, including over...
Opening the Door to Opportunity
Opening the Door to Opportunity seeks to highlight the economic contributions of Indigenous Peoples stemming from the spending by Indigenous governments, Indigenous-owned businesses and Indigenous households. It seeks to counter...
Research Facilities Navigator
The Research Facilities Navigator is a directory of publicly funded research facilities that are opening their doors to collaborations with industry, academia and government.
Scale-Up Supports
ATB x Accelerator Program
Looking for expert advice to grow your business? Want to connect with other business founders and achieve your goals? We help you grow – With ATB X experts, coaching and...
Chamber Market
Chamber Market is an initiative of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce in collaboration with local chambers of commerce province wide.
Fast Track Program
A program to help established businesses in IoT to scale up, gain access to resources, and increase collaboration between tech sector businesses.
Deadline: September 20, 2022
Community Resources
In addition to the above, please check out these community resources that can support you on your entrepreneurial journey.
