Connecting people, ideas and opportunities to make Parkland County a great place to do business.  

We are committed to supporting our business community throughout the entire business lifecycle. Whether you are a large-scale business looking to expand or a home-based business looking at new opportunities, our team will listen to your needs and connect you with the right resources, programs and information.  

 

Export and Trade Programs
Film and Movie Production
Food Trucks
Realtor and Investor Resources
Tourism Support
Business Programs 

From helping you build and grow in Parkland County to recognizing your milestones and listening to your feedback, our business programs are designed to help our business community thrive. 

Grants and Funding 

With many different grant and funding opportunities available, be sure to look through the programs and find the financial support you need to turn your business vision into reality. 

Starting a small business 

If you're eager to kickstart your own entrepreneurial journey, it's time to take the first step! From honey producers to microbreweries, the possibilities are endless. We’re here to help you every step of the way. 

Support Partners 

Acheson Business Association                                Greater Parkland Regional Chamber Logo

Through the Acheson Business Association and Greater Parkland Regional Chamber, we support the delivery of in-demand business programming and resources including seminars, engagement events and customized local tools. 

Both organizations offer unique opportunities for networking, member connections, and advocacy. We encourage you to get involved! 

Additional support partners: 

There is a network of organizations across our region looking to help you succeed as you build and grow in Parkland County. 

Alberta Innovates 

By seeing beyond the possible, Alberta Innovates solves some of the biggest industry challenges. They support research, the growth of business, and help the start-up community to build new technology and drive new ideas. 

ATB Financial 

ATB Financial provides advice, tools, resources and connections so you can grow your business, your way. 

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs 

For the last 28 years, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs has established themselves as leaders in the entrepreneurial space by providing a variety of programs suited for women entrepreneurs of all scales. AWE provides capital, connections, and capacity. 

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) 

BDC is a financial institution devoted to Canadian entrepreneurs. They support small and medium-sized businesses in all industries and at every stage of growth with money and advice. 

Business Link 

Business Link is a government funded non-profit. Our core services are provided in partnership with Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). They provide support services including the following: 

  • Free one-on-one business advice 

  • Secondary market research services 

  • Small business resources and tools 

  • Events, webinars, workshops and presentations 

  • Specialized support for Indigenous and immigrant entrepreneurs 

Community Futures 

Community Futures has been helping rural Alberta entrepreneurs for over 30 years with guidance, business loans, training, and free resources. 

Get everything you need to succeed with flexible loans, business tools, and support. Their experienced team will give you expert guidance on how to improve your business plan or marketing strategy so that you’re ready for success. 
Learn more about Community Futures 

 

Canadian Trade Commissioner Service 

The Trade Commissioner Service helps Canadian businesses grow with confidence by connecting them with our funding and support programs, international opportunities, and our network of trade commissioners in over 160 cities worldwide.  

  • Get help exporting, apply for funding, learn how to export. 

  • Research your next market, learn about trade agreements. 

  • Get help from a trade commissioner 

Edmonton Global 

Edmonton Global’s work promotes the region globally and focuses on attracting and retaining investment and trade.  

Edmonton Global work closely with local companies to help expand their international reach through trade and export and by establishing an international presence. We collaborate with and connect the region’s economic development partners, industry, government, academia, and Indigenous communities—all of which have a role to play in collectively pursuing greater regional prosperity. 

Edmonton International Airport 

Edmonton International Airport (YEG), Canada’s fifth-busiest airport, is operated by the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority (or Edmonton Airports), a community-based, not-for-profit corporation established in 1990. 

YEG serves 8.2 million passengers per year and offers non-stop service to 50 destinations around the world. 

Export Development Canada 

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian companies of all sizes succeed on the world stage.  They equip them with the tools they need – the trade knowledge, financial solutions, equity, insurance, and connections – to grow their business with confidence. This in turn, creates jobs and increases prosperity at home. 

Futurpreneur 

Futurpreneur has been fueling the entrepreneurial passions of Canada’s young enterprise for two decades. They are the only national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. Their internationally recognized mentoring program hand matches young entrepreneurs with a business expert from a network of more than 2,400 volunteer mentors. 

Government of Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade  

The Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade supports economic development, promotes trade and investment, attracts skilled workers and promotes safe, fair and healthy workplaces. 

They lead efforts to grow Alberta’s economy by supporting Alberta’s entrepreneurs and employers, promoting trade and investment, helping recruit and retain workers, and promoting safe, fair and healthy workplaces by: 

  • Jobs: helping attract skilled workers and establishing and enforcing Alberta’s employment standards and laws governing the health and safety of Alberta’s workplaces 

  • Economy: supporting Alberta entrepreneurs, businesses and communities to drive growth and job creation 

  • Regional development: supporting the unique economic development needs of Alberta’s various regions 

  • Trade and investment: attracting investment, promoting trade and supporting Alberta businesses’ abilities to access new markets 

Invest Alberta 

Invest Alberta Corporation (IAC) expedites business operations, fosters collaboration, and goes the extra mile to ensure long-term success for businesses. Invest Alberta works directly with investors globally to start up or scale up in Alberta, Canada.   

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) 

Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is the department of the Government of Canada that diversifies the economy across the Canadian Prairies. PrairiesCan leads in building a strong, competitive Canadian economy by supporting business, innovation and community economic development unique to Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. 

 

Connect with us! 

Our goal is to make your experience working with and in Parkland County a positive one! 

Email: Economicdiversification@parklandcounty.com
Call: 780-968-8888