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
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.
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
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
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
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 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
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
Community Futures West Yellowhead
For over 30 years, CF West Yellowhead 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: 1-780-865-1224
Employer Resources & Workforce Contacts (GOA)
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
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
Woodland Immigration Consulting
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:
- succession and estate planning
- corporate governance
- leadership development
- conflict resolution
- and more
P: 780-492-0234
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:
- Formal instruction in starting and operating a business, including assessment of your personal suitability and your business idea, and business plan development.
- One-to-one business coaching and guidance during business implementation.
- Ongoing support, guidance and service management during and after the program.
*Contact Business Works Central Alberta through the link provided.
Edson and District Community Learning Society (EDCLS)
Since 1984, The Edson and District Community Learning Society has worked to identify and fulfill the learning needs of adults in our community with a number of diverse programs, courses, and services. EDCLS is a registered non-profit organisation that is governed by a Board of Directors. They are an active member of Alberta’s Community Learning Network (CLN) which provides them with professional development, and access to a forum of adult learning practitioners and centres across Alberta. The EDCLS also serves as a Settlement Service provider for newcomers to Edson, which includes new immigrants to Canada or the area. They help with forms, finding services and any other information that newcomers would need for settling into the community. They as-well offer English speaking classes for those seeking to better integrate into an English speaking community.
P: 780-723-6247
E: adrienne@edsonlearning.ca
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 Women Entrepreneurs-in-STEM (WESTEM) program is here to empower, support and train all women entrepreneurs in Southern Alberta. We specialize 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 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
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
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, 2021
Intake 2: Sept 15 - Dec 31, 2021
Intake 3: June 30, 2022
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
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 West Yellowhead
Community Futures provides a variety of customized, affordable loan options for small business owners and entrepreneurs in rural Alberta, to a maximum of $25,000. They are known for saying “yes” when other lenders say “no”, and for having flexible qualification criteria. Ask them about the Small Business Loan program for Edson businesses.
P: 780-865-1224
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
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
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)
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
Water forms, codes of practice, guidelines and legislation.
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.
The Town of Edson 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 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
Canadian 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
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: 780-492-0234
E: wabfi@ualberta.ca
Destination Canada provides intelligence, tools and resources that help the Canadian tourism industry reach international markets.
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
The Cooperative Investment Program will support tourism businesses’ partnership marketing efforts as they restart their operations, and assist in the enhancement of existing visitor experiences. The funding priority is the diversification and/or sustainability of small tourism businesses and organizations impacted by COVID-19.
P: 403-648-1091
E: andi.dzilums@travelalberta.com
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
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 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
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 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.
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
Employer Resources & Workforce Contacts (GOA)
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