- Home
- DOING BUSINESS
- Business Support Services
Business Contacts & Services
- AG BUSINESS & PRODUCERS
- BUSINESS RESOURCES
- EDUCATION
- FOREIGN INVESTMENT
- GRANTS & FUNDING
- KNEEHILL COUNTY
- REGULATORY
- SUCCESSION PLANNING
- TOURISM
- YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS
- EMPLOYER RESOURCES
| Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) | For 45 years, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) has supported primary agricultural producers, commercial and agribusinesses in Alberta through its lending programs. Through partnerships with producers and businesses, AFSC helps maintain a profitable agriculture sector in the province and stimulates healthy rural communities. Loan capital can be sourced directly by AFSC or through partnerships with other financial institutions. P: 403-443-8515 |
| AGRI HR Toolkit | The AgriHR Toolkit is designed to address the unique needs of the agriculture industry. Based on years of research and field testing conducted in Canada and internationally, this toolkit offers everything you need to improve your people-management skills and develop key resources to help you find, retain, and support your employees, culture and agri-food industry, has never been more critical to the health and safety of Albertans and to our economy. |
| Farm Fresh Alberta | Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association (AFFPA) is dedicated to supporting the production of farm-direct market vegetable crops, berry and fruit crops, bedding plants, perennials, herbs, flowers, meats, poultry, eggs, wines, meads, and other speciality items in Alberta. P: 1-403-964-3276 E:info@albertafarmfresh.com |
| Alberta Farmers Market Association | The Alberta Farmers’ Market Association (AFMA) fosters partnerships to stimulate farmers’ market initiatives. P:1-780-265-2362 E: info@albertafarmersmarket.com |
| Alberta on the Plate | Throughout the year, Alberta on the Plate shares the Alberta food story with media and consumers through targeted outreach and its social channels. This includes celebrating and sharing the stories of our local restaurants, producers, farms, destinations and businesses to encourage visitation and investment in our local food economy. AOTP also helps chefs and restaurateurs to develop new relationships and/or strengthen existing relationships with local farms and producers. Join the Alberta on the Plate Ingredient Database today! E: rhe@foodtourismstrategies.com |
| Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) | The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion federal-provincial-territorial investment in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector that began in April 2018, and is the successor of the 2013-18 Growing Forward 2 partnership. |
| Farm Credit Canada (FCC) | FCC builds strong relationships and shares knowledge and expertise with thousands of customers across the country. When they succeed, we succeed. We’re here to support entrepreneurs and believe in the future of agriculture and food. We’re a partner, a catalyst and a champion of our industry. P: 403-556-8177 E: abolds@fcc-fac.ca |
| North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association (NAFDMA) | NAFDMA consists of entrepreneurial farm families who invite customers to visit their farms and experience the food and the fun they create to sustain their livelihood. P: 855-623-3621 E: info@farmersinspired.com |
| Open Farm Days | Alberta Open Farm Days are about farmers and ranchers inviting their urban and rural neighbours to stop in for a visit to share stories, see demonstrations, and learn more about the farmers who grow their food. P: 1-780-638-4302 E: brenda.hanson@gov.ab.ca |
| Alberta Innovates | By seeing beyond the possible, Alberta Innovates solves some of the biggest industry challenges. They support research, the growth of business, and they help the start-up community to build new technology and drive new ideas. P: 1-877-423-5727 | |
| Alberta Women’s Entrepreneurs | Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enabling women to build successful businesses. AWE provides unique programs and services to women at all stages of business through advising, financing, mentoring, and network development. P: 1-800-713-3558 E: info@awebusiness.com | |
| Business Link | Find the most relevant funding, get expert, confidential startup advice, training and market research, and access the knowledge and tools you need to plan and grow your business. P: 1-800-272-9675 | |
| Central Alberta Access Prosperity | Access Prosperity is a comprehensive network and information resource. They work with industry leaders, business experts and government bodies to facilitate growth, expansion and diversification of our region. They are your link to investment opportunities, key contacts and regional information. Access Prosperity will help you learn about the area, meet the right people and make important business decisions. P: 1-403-356-4935 E: info@accessprosperity.ca | |
| For over 30 years, CF Wildrose has been helping people just like you turn business ideas into reality in rural Alberta. Their small business specialists connect you with the skills, financing and resources you need to succeed. P: 1-403-934-8888 | |
| Industry Workforce Partnership Specialists work with provincial employer associations and large provincial employers to connect employers with tools and resources to help with recruiting, retaining and adapting their workforce. P: 310-0000 (inside Alberta) P: 1-780-427-2711 (outside of Alberta) E: abworkforce@gov.ab.ca | |
| Invest Alberta | Whether you’ve got that entrepreneurial spirit or you’re an established business looking to expand, we’re here to support you with a variety of business support programs. | |
| Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) | NGen is the industry-led community behind Canada’s most transformative advanced manufacturing projects. Programs included: E: info@ngen.ca | |
| Starting & Running a Business (GOA) | Business and industry funding and supports, labour relations, and corporate tax and incentives. | |
| Three Hills & District Chamber of Commerce | The members of the Three Hills Chamber are businesspeople and other community leaders who take an active interest in advancing local economic growth and business development. P: 403-443-5345 E: info@threehillschamber.ca | |
| As Central Alberta’s only licensed immigration consulting and recruitment agency east of Red Deer, Woodland Immigration Consulting Services Ltd. of Three Hills is uniquely positioned to help with your immigration concerns. P: 1-403-924-2044 E: info@woodlandimmigration.ca | |
| Alberta Business Family Institute (ABIF) | The Alberta Business Family Institute recognizes the vital impact of family enterprise on our economy, as well as the specialized needs of this unique entity. ABFI is committed to improving the statistics through the provision of essential tools, guidance and knowledge in such areas as:
E: abfi@ualberta.ca | |
| Business Works Central Alberta - Self Employment Program | By creating employment, producing goods, or providing a service, self-employed people contribute to Alberta’s overall economic growth and well-being. Alberta Labour is supporting the small business sector by providing potential entrepreneurs with assistance, information and training in the start-up and operation of their new businesses. The Self-Employment (SE) program is a 26 week program that addresses all aspects of business operation including:
| |
| Kneehill Adult Learning Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to lifelong learning. P: 403-443-5556 E: admin@kals3hills.ca | |
| Prairie College | Prairie is a leading, Canadian, Christian post-secondary institution that integrates applied education, biblical literacy & spiritual formation in order to equip students to help address some of the world’s greatest needs. P: 1-800-661-2425 E: info@prairie.edu | |
| The CIM helps companies define and develop new products and processes, solves existing manufacturing problems or operation bottlenecks, as well as gives guidance with business management, sales and marketing issues and facilitates partnering of client companies with others in Canada that can provide additional technical assistance or become distribution or joint venture partners, thus augmenting the value chain. P: 1-403-356-4940 E: Alicia.Cafferata@rdc.ab.ca | |
| The Strathmore Entrepreneur Centre was created in 2018 as a place for regional entrepreneurs to connect, launch and thrive. Members have benefitted from access to resources, connections to organizations and lenders, one-on-one ‘Ask the Expert’ appointments, as well as discounts on space and training. P: 1-587-393-3139 E: sec@bowvalleycollege.ca | |
| Women Entrepreneurs in STEM | The Women Entrepreneurs-in-STEM (WESTEM) program is here to empower, support and train all women entrepreneurs in Southern Alberta. We specialise in working with professional women in STEM fields, and helping all female entrepreneurs incorporate emerging technologies into their businesses. P: 403-332-6056 E: westem@chooselethbridge.ca |
| Invest Alberta | Invest Alberta is your one-stop government connection to doing business in Alberta. |
| Central Alberta Access Prosperity | Access Prosperity is a comprehensive network and information resource. They work with industry leaders, business experts and government bodies to facilitate growth, expansion and diversification of the region. P: 1-403-356-4935 E: info@accessprosperity.ca |
| Alberta Innovates | With many programs available and annual investments of $286 million, Ab Innovates delivers a broad spectrum of funding and grant opportunities for those looking to make a difference in our province. P: 1-877-423-5727 | |
| Alberta Jobs Now Program | Employers can apply for funding to offset the cost of hiring and training unemployed or underemployed Albertans in new or vacant positions. Intake 1: May 20 - Aug 31, 2021Intake 2: Sept 15 - Dec 31, 2021 Intake 3: TBA E: jnp@gov.ab.ca P: 1-833-838-9500 | |
| Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) | BDC supports small and medium-sized businesses in all industries and at every stage of growth with money and advice. P: 1-877-232-2269 | |
| Canada Alberta Job Grant | The Canada-Alberta Job Grant is a training program where an employer applies on behalf of their employee(s) for eligible training costs. Employers decide who gets training and what type of training may be needed for their employees. *Update 23 Feb 2021, Business Owner's and Family Members may now be eligible for this program. P: 1-855-638-9424 E: jobgrant@gov.ab.ca | |
| Community Futures Wild Rose | Community Futures provides a variety of customized, affordable loan options for small business owners and entrepreneurs in rural Alberta, ranging from $500 to $150,000. They are known for saying “yes” when other lenders say “no”, and for having flexible qualification criteria. Ask them about the CBIP Grant program available to Kneehill County Businesses. P: 403-934-8888 | |
| COVID-19 Support for Business - Provincial | Funding supports and programs offered through the Government of Alberta and associated organizations P: 310-4455 | |
| COVID-19 Support for Business - Federal | Funding supports and programs offered through the Government of Canada and associated organizations | |
| Energy Savings for Business | Funding for projects that create skilled jobs, boost investment and cut greenhouse gas emissions in small- and medium-sized industrial and commercial facilities. P: 780-489-2068 E: info@eralberta.ca | |
| Alberta Export Expansion Program | Funding to help export-ready companies and non-profit organizations enhance access to international markets and attract global buyers. E: edtt.aeep@gov.ab.ca | |
| 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. P: 780-427-3044 E: TRA.Revenue@gov.ab.ca | |
| Training for Work funding is available to service providers employment and training supports for Albertans who are unemployed or marginally employed and those on Employment Insurance (EI) and other income supports. This also includes programs targeted to under-represented groups including newcomers, women, indigenous people and more. P: 1-877-644-9992 | |
| Youth Internship Incentive Program (YIIP) | Please find attached the new Youth Internship Incentive Program (YIIP). The Youth Internship Incentive Program is designed to increase the number of employers supporting work-integrated learning internships in trades and technologies. By providing a financial incentive for employers, this program will expand an employer’s ability to achieve their goals as well as enhance opportunities for youth that align with Alberta’s skilled worker needs. P: 1-888-757-7121 E: yiip@nextgen.org |
| Economic Development | The Economic Development Officer is your one-stop contact for business-related inquires and supports. For assistance with site selection, area research, business guidance or assistance navigating the regulation, permitting and development process, contact below: Jacqueline Buchanan, EDO P: 403-443-5541 or 403-443-9347 |
| Agricultural Services & Parks | The Agriculture and Parks Departments work to promote, protect and enhance the agricultural lands and public spaces in the region. For agriculture and parks inquiries, contact the below: Shelby Sherwick, Manager ABS & Parks P: 403-443-5541 |
| Planning & Development | Planning & Development guides Kneehill County’s growth working with residents, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure development reflects the community’s priorities and meets legislative and safety requirements. Businesses that are seeking further information regarding permits, planning, and development, contact the below: Barb Halton, Manager of Planning & Development P: 403-443-5541 |
| Protective Services | Fire & Rescue, Community Peace Officers, Public Safety and Emergency Management are administered in Kneehill County through the Protective Services Department. For further information on safety, security and emergency response, contact the below: Debra Grosfiled, Manager of Protective Services P: 403-443-5541 |
| Infrastructure | Environmental services such as water and wastewater, landfills, transportation services and road construction/maintenance are provided through the Department of Infrastructure. Mike Ziehr, Director of Infrastructure P: 403-553-5541 |
| Alberta Environment & Water | Water forms, codes of practice, guidelines and legislation. Kneehill County is located in the Red Deer / North Saskatchewan Region. P: 780-427-7617 E: AEP.AB-Waters@gov.ab.ca |
| Alberta Environmental Public Health | Alberta Health Services requires permits for a variety of businesses including but not limited to Food Facilities, Personal Services, Social Cares etc. Kneehill County is located in the "Central Zone" for Environmental Public Health Services. P: 1-403-823-3341 P: 1-877-360-6366 E:centralzone.environmentalhealth@ahs.ca |
| Alberta Transportation | Alberta Transportation regulates the development of lands within 800 meters of any provincial highway. P: 403-854-5550 E: transdevelopmenthanna@gov.ab.ca |
| Alberta Provincial Licensing Requirements | The Government of Alberta licenses or registers businesses under the Fair-Trading Act, Charitable Fund-raising Act, Cemeteries Act and the Cooperatives Act. P: 780-427-4088 E: sa.businesslicensing@gov.ab.ca |
| Candian Intellectual Property Office | The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) is a special operating agency of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. We deliver intellectual property (IP) services in Canada and educate Canadians on how to use IP more effectively. P: 1-800-997-1936 E: IC.contact-contact.IC@canada.ca |
| Kneehill County Planning & Development | Planning & Development guides Kneehill County’s growth working with residents, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure development reflects the community’s priorities and meets legislative and safety requirements. Businesses that are seeking further information regarding permits, planning, and development, contact the below: Barb Halton, Manager of Planning & Development P: 403-443-5541 |
| Alberta Business Family Institute (ABFI) | While succession planning is integral to any organization with long-term leadership, it is critical to the sustainability of a family enterprise. Factors specific to family business emotions, tax implications, the overlap of ownership and management all serve to compound the devastation of unexpectedly losing a key executive. Business or management succession planning, with the assistance of ABFI, will provide effective strategies, tools and a defined process to ensure that your family is taken care of and your business continues to thrive. P: 780-492-0234E: wabfi@ualberta.ca |
| Community Futures Wild Rose | Community Futures Wild Rose and its partners are pleased to provide a Succession Planning and Matching Program between April 2021 and February 2022 to ensure business owners receive access to the resources and services required in transferring or selling a business. Businesses that are prepared and ready to list their business for sale have the opportunity to work directly with a matching expert to list their business with potential buyers for a minimal cost and is complimentary to a limited number of participants in the CF Wild Rose Region. P: 403-934-8888 E: wendyg@albertacf.com |
| Destination Canada | Destination Canada provides intelligence, tools and resources that help the Canadian tourism industry reach international markets. | |
| Explore Kneehill | Explore Kneehill is a collaborative effort between Acme, Carbon, Linden, Three Hills, Trochu and Kneehill County to promote tourism and tourism operators in the region. Contact us today to learn more about the support available to your tourism business. P: 403-443-5541 Jacqueline.Buchanan@kneehillcounty.com | |
| Tourism Calgary | Calgary’s tourism industry is a vital economic driver that supports jobs in multiple sectors. Guided by Calgary’s Destination Strategy, Tourism Calgary works with its partners and stakeholders to develop the destination for the benefit of visitors and Calgarians. | |
| Tourism Industry Market Information | Tourism industry stakeholders can access research, data and statistics, or sign up for monthly industry statistics. P: 310-000 (inside Alberta) P: 1-780-641-9326 (outside of Alberta) E: tourism.research@gov.ab.ca | |
| Travel Alberta Cooperative Investment Program |
| |
| Travel Alberta Industry Site (ATIS) | ATIS showcases Alberta tourism experiences to potential travellers in Canada and internationally. Travel Alberta also provides marketing expertise and destination development support to Alberta-based tourism businesses, creating compelling reasons for travellers to explore Alberta. P: 403-648-1000 E: info@travelalberta.com | |
| Travel Drumheller | Travel Drumheller is a non-profit Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) dedicated to developing marketing campaigns designed to tell the stories of the Drumheller Valley to encourage year-round tourism. P: 403-823-1331 | |
| JA Southern Alberta | Junior Achievement (JA) started with a vision to help teach young people about business and free enterprise. That was back in 1919, before JA became a global leader in educating youth about financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Now in over 121 countries, JA brings volunteers together with over 10.2 million of our future leaders. We believe in the boundless potential of young people and share their passion for excellence, respect their talents and creativity, celebrate their honesty and integrity, and create opportunities for hands-on learning. P: 403-872-5608 E: jsantiago@jasouthalberta.org |
| Futurpreneur Canada | Futurpreneur Canada has been fueling the entrepreneurial passions of Canada’s young enterprise for two decades. We are the only national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. Our internationally recognized mentoring program hand matches young entrepreneurs with a business expert from a network of more than 3,000 volunteer mentors. P: 1-877-408-3234 E: info@futurpreneur.ca |
| Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp | RAYEC is a week-long camp that takes place every August for youth ages 13- 15 who are interested in learning about business and entrepreneurship. The main focus of this camp is to educate youth about marketing, advertising, preparing a cash-flow statement and writing a business plan. Campers set up their own businesses and use real money which they borrow from actual bankers. The last day is “Business Day” at the camp, where campers have the opportunity to open and operate their businesses. The youth also get to participate in many fun recreational activities throughout their week at camp. RAYEC accepts 60 youth age 13-15 each year based on their applications. This camp is FREE to attend for the campers that are selected, thanks to the generous support of our partners and sponsors. P: 403-981-1251 E: rotaryayec@gmail.com |
| The ManCap Foundation | Are you a high school graduate entering your first year at an Alberta post-secondary institution? Can you demonstrate an entrepreneurial ambition? The ManCap Foundation is a non-profit, federally registered charity founded in 1996 by the ManCap Group of companies. The foundation has raised over $1,000,000 to foster entrepreneurship and leadership in Alberta's youth. The Foundation has built an endowment at the Edmonton Community Foundation worth over $800,000 that today awards six scholarships worth $5,000 each to Alberta high school students entering their first year of post-secondary studies. High marks are not a requirement and financial need is a criterion. Application Deadline: July 31, apply online |
| Agriculture Job Connector | Agriculture employers and workers can use these tools and resources to find jobs, skilled workers, financial help and other supports. Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food industry has never been more critical to the health and safety of Albertans and to our economy. | |
| Career Assitance Network | Hiring, Recruiting and Job Fair services for employers. To get more information on these services or to get started on these recruitment assistance options, contact the Employer Liaison. P: 403-341-7811 E: ashton@rdcan.ca | |
| Industry Workforce Partnership Specialists work with provincial employer associations and large provincial employers to connect employers with tools and resources to help with recruiting, retaining and adapting their workforce. P: 310-0000 (inside Alberta) P: 1-780-427-2711 (outside of Alberta) E: abworkforce@gov.ab.ca | |
| Food Processing Skills Canada (FPSC) | FPSC is your labour, skills and workforce development non-profit organization. Our job is to provide leadership in professionalizing the food and beverage manufacturing industry so that the most important resource - people - are the best in the world. P: 613-237-7988 E: info@fpsc-ctac.com |