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...
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).
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...
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...
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
Women in STEM Scholarship
Women studying in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and working to advance gender equality in their field can apply.
Deadline: December 31, 2021
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...
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
Launchpad Live
An open speaker series to hone entrepreneurial thinking skills and create impact.
Deadline: March 15, 2022
Product Demonstration Program
This program is designed to de-risk the commercialization process by providing funds and coaching to high potential, high growth technology Alberta small to medium-sized enterprises.
Deadline: December 16, 2021
Government Subsidies
AgriInnovate Program
The AgriInnovate program provides repayable contributions for projects that aim to accelerate the commercialization, adoption and/or demonstration of innovative products, technologies, processes or services that increase agri-sector competitiveness and sustainability.
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.
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,...
Business Benefits Finder
Find the right programs and services, whether you’re starting out or scaling up.
Critical Worker Benefit
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 ...
Women in STEM Scholarship
Women studying in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and working to advance gender equality in their field can apply.
Deadline: December 31, 2021
Grants / Loans / Financial Literacy
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 Jobs Now Program
Businesses and non-profits can apply for funding to reduce the cost of hiring and training Albertans for new jobs.
Canada – Alberta Job Grant
The Canada-Alberta Job Grant is a training program where an employer applies on behalf of their present or future employees for eligible training costs. Employers decide who gets training and...
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.
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...
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...
REP Implementation Grant
Alberta’s government will soon offer a one-time payment of $2,000 to Alberta small- and medium-sized businesses that are eligible for and choose to implement the Restrictions Exemption Program, This program...
Stabilize Live Music Grant Program
Allocated $32 million to help cultural and sport organizations continue to operate and re-open when it is safe to do so. This investment is expected to save up to $141...
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.
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.
Women’s Economic Recovery Challenge Grant Program
The Women’s Economic Recovery Challenge Grant Program funds initiatives led by Alberta non-profit organizations that help enhance women’s economic opportunities by providing strategies and solutions to address barriers and engage...
Immigrant / Permanent Resident / Refugee Resources
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
Alberta Indian Investment Corporation
In addition to capital funding, AIIC also provides grants to help your business with equity assistance.
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 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...
Intergenerational Indigenous Women’s Sisterhood Program
This program seeks to support Indigenous Women Elders in transferring their invaluable traditional knowledge.
Deadline: December 13, 2021
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 ...
Pitch Contests
Research
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.
Women’s Economic Recovery Challenge Grant Program
The Women’s Economic Recovery Challenge Grant Program funds initiatives led by Alberta non-profit organizations that help enhance women’s economic opportunities by providing strategies and solutions to address barriers and engage...
Community Resources
In addition to the above, please check out these community resources that can support you on your entrepreneurial journey.
