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
AgGal 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...
AWESOME Virtual Accelerator
The proportion of women-led and women-owned businesses in Canada, quite literally from farm to table, continues to increase. While this progress is modestly positive, women remain underrepresented in the food...
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...
On-Farm Value-added Program
The On-Farm Value-added Program supports economic recovery through investment in projects, company sales growth, market expansion and the creation of jobs in Alberta. This program is designed exclusively for primary...
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
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.
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...
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...
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
iLaunchHERproduct
iLaunchHERproduct is a new growth opportunity for Black Women, Women of colour, and Immigrant Women entrepreneurs that are at the stage of retail-readiness to connect with buyers from different industries,...
Imaginal Ventures
Scale-Up Program Imaginal Ventures have created a new and innovative digital program, combined with a bespoke online Eco-Space, that will support the scaling of businesses, using evidenced based techniques that...
League of Innovators Labs Accelerator Program
Labs Accelerator Program is the League of Innovators’ premier 12-week acceleration program supporting youth-led startups across Canada. Throughout the program, the participants get access to workshops, ask me anything sessions with...
Government Subsidies
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.
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....
Grants / Loans
Alberta Government
Alberta Jobs Now Program
Businesses and non-profits can apply for funding to reduce the cost of hiring and training Albertans for new jobs.
BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program
10 Women-Owned Businesses will each receive a $10,000 grant, and an additional 8 will receive a $2,500 grant for their business. To be eligible, you must be able to convey...
Business Benefits Finder
Find the right programs and services, whether you’re starting out or scaling up.
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.
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.
The True North Small Business Grant Contest
The True North Small Business Grant Contest is our way of giving back to small business. But it also gives every Canadian another way to express their support and gratitude....
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,...
Understanding Financing in Alberta for Immigrant Entrepreneurs
Understanding Financing in Alberta is designed for immigrant entrepreneurs who are preparing to request financial support for their new or growing business. Whether you have not quite started your business,...
Indigenous Resources
Alberta Indian Investment Corporation
In addition to capital funding, AIIC also provides grants to help your business with equity assistance.
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...
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
Supporting and Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs Register for a free account to pitch to win $25,000, apply for the Indigenous Entrepreneur Awards, access on-demand and live learning sessions, and get free...
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...
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.
Community Resources
In addition to the above, please check out these community resources that can support you on your entrepreneurial journey.
