Small business resources

The Alberta Export Expansion Program provides funding support to Alberta small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), municipalities, industry associations, Indigenous communities and economic development organizations promoting Alberta exports through outbound international business travel or bringing international buyers to Alberta.

The Canada-Alberta Job Grant is an employer-driven training program where employers and government share the cost of training new and existing employees to increase their knowledge and skills and meet the needs of Alberta’s changing economy.

The Film and Television Tax Credit offers a refundable Alberta tax credit certificate on eligible Alberta production and labour costs to corporations that produce films, television series and other eligible screen-based productions in the province.

The Self-employment Program supports unemployed and marginally employed individuals who have a viable business idea and require additional training to become self-employed.

Regional Economic Development Services (REDS) specialists have local knowledge of the economic opportunities and challenges facing Alberta’s regions.

Each year we purchase goods and services to operate from businesses like yours. The Alberta Purchasing Connection (APC) is a convenient online tool for the tendering of public sector opportunities for goods, services and construction. Alberta public sector purchasers use the APC to advertise procurement opportunities, while vendors use it to seek opportunities to sell their products or services.

Apeetogosan provides a range of support including small business loans, grant, support service programs and business advisory services. Clients must be Métis, Inuit or Non-Status Indian.

Alberta Indian Investment Corporation has financial and general business assistance for First Nation entrepreneurs on/off reserve.

Business Link offers specialized support to Indigenous communities, business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs across Alberta.

The Indian Business Corporation (IBC) provides direct and indirect financing for Alberta Treaty (First Nation) individuals and groups.

Access commercial debt financing and development of management skills through the Settlement Investment Corporation. Must be a resident of a Metis Settlement or corporation that a Métis settler owns at least 51% of the business.

Treaty Seven Economic Development Corporation assists economic development of Treaty Seven members by providing loans to start-up a business located on/off reserve. This corporation is a Community Futures partner.

• Administered by Apeetogosan (Métis) Development Inc.
• Download: Métis Entrepreneurs’ Assistance Program application form

• Administered by Alberta Indian Investment Corporation

Alberta Innovates provides access to programs, funding, business supports and research facilities to accelerate entrepreneurship and technology-based innovation across the province.

ATB Financial provides coaching and advice at Entrepreneurial Centres. ATB also offers traditional loans as well as non-traditional lending options.

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) provides tools, workshops, resources and loans to women entrepreneurs. AWE also delivers PeerSpark, a business accelerator program, and NextStep, a business plan learning series for Indigenous women.

The Business Development Bank of Canada supports small and medium-sized businesses through access to financing, advisory services and capital.

• Buying a business
• Buying a franchise
• Succession planning – Selling a business

Business Link provides customized business advice and support for entrepreneurs navigating building, running and growing their own businesses. They provide one-on-one support and guidance, market research, access to experts, training, networking opportunities, and specialized support for Indigenous and immigrant entrepreneurs.

Community Futures has 27 locations across Alberta and provides small business support, including small business loans.

Conseil de développement économique de l'Alberta (CDEA) offers support to Francophone entrepreneurs throughout the business life cycle, from start-up to succession. It provides help in establishing a business in Alberta, business model development, marketing and sales techniques, financial planning, training, networking activities and more.

Futurpreneur offers mentorship and loans to entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39.

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian companies of all sizes succeed on the world stage. As international risk experts, EDC equips exporters with the tools you need to trade knowledge, financial solutions, equity, insurance, connections, and to grow your business with confidence.