Rural development opportunities
Entrepreneurial opportunities exist in areas as diverse as:
- contributing to our local food supply;
- managing our environment and resources;
- offering all forms of the arts in the County's rural setting;
- offering one-of-a-kind products and services often in partnership with other entrepreneurs; and
- facilitating experiences to enjoy the County's natural beauty.
Innovative entrepreneurs can also check out partnership potentials and business start-up support offered at the Agrivalue Processing Business Incubator (APBI) in Leduc. This facility offers the support to enhance the creation and growth of new companies, particularly new food businesses in Alberta.
The APBI helps with the transition from new product development through commercialization, market launch and growth in sales.
Rural programs and initiatives
Over the past five years, Parkland County has introduced a variety of successful economic development programs and initiatives. Highlights include:
SMART Parkland Intelligent Community
Parkland County's SMART Parkland Intelligent Communities program shares six key indicators with other intelligent communities:
- broadband connectivity
- environment
- knowledge workforce
- innovation
- social inclusion
- marketing and advocacy
High-speed broadband to operate successful businesses and households is the foundation of an intelligent community. The County used provincial and federal grants to construct a 16-tower, wireless communications network for Internet, mobility and public safety (fire, police, ambulance) services.
Specific intelligent communities initiatives include:
- operating entrepreneur exchanges;
- organizingTech Fest Carvel, a two-day event at Carvel Community Hall where businesses, community groups and residents learned about using information communications technology;
- connecting residents with distance learning opportunities; and
- establishing community-based mobile computer labs.
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