Here are some resources that will be of interest or helpful to you as you do business in the Town of Westlock.
Local and Regional Resources
Community Futures Tawatinaw Business
Community Futures Tawatinaw Region is more than just a business lender. They have been helping businesses in rural Alberta grow for over 30 years. They offer FREE business planning and coaching services to help turn your business ideas into reality.
https://tawatinaw.albertacf.com/
Westlock & District Chamber of Commerce
Our community is fortunate to have a nonprofit organization run by passionate volunteers committed to supporting and promoting local businesses. The Chamber is dedicated to serving its members by providing networking opportunities, problem-solving, and planning for the future growth and direction of the business community. Their mission is to actively promote, facilitate, and strengthen the business climate by offering members leadership, representation, education, and valuable services. Businesses can benefit from new business contacts, support, and opportunities to thrive in our community by being a part of the Chamber. The Chamber is dedicated to helping and promoting local businesses. Chamber members have opportunities to engage in valuable activities, such as networking and new business contacts, problem-solving, as well as lending support and planning for future growth and direction of the business community. The mission includes active promotion, facilitating and strengthening the business climate by providing leadership, representation, networking opportunities, services and education to members.
Rural Renewal Stream
Town of Westlock is proud to have been included as a designated community under the Rural Renewal stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). This program aims to support our local businesses that struggle with attracting and retaining employees.
AAIP is a provincial economic immigration program that nominates individuals for permanent residency in Alberta. The Rural Renewal program will support economic development by attracting qualified newcomers to fill full-time, permanent positions in the Town of Westlock. Participants in the program can receive nominations for permanent residency, which will allow them to stay working, living, and contributing to our community.
Interested candidates can learn more about the process as well as view current job opportunities on our Candidate Eligibility page.
Employers interested in participating in the program can learn more about the eligibility requirements and how to apply on our Employer Eligibility page.
https://www.westlock.ca/p/rural-renewal-stream
Provincial Resources
Agriculture and Rural Development
Assists agriculture and food processors with business and marketing information and funding opportunities and provides information on farmer markets.
https://www.alberta.ca/agriculture-and-irrigation
Alberta Biz Connect
Biz Connect provides support to help Alberta entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow and succeed.
https://www.alberta.ca/small-business-resources
Alberta Innovates
Alberta Innovates solves some of the biggest industry challenges in our province and supports the growth of the business while stimulating the start-up community to build new technology and drive new ideas. We want to build a bright future for all Albertans. Funding is available for innovative, technology-based products.
Alberta Small Business Resources
Alberta Small Business Resources is a directory of business resources for new and established entrepreneurs.
https://www.alberta.ca/small-business-resources
Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a not-for-profit, non-government organization that provides consumers with confidence in their choices and businesses pride in their status. Businesses that become BBB Accredited are not only associating their business with trust but are also helping BBB to continue its public service activities.
Employment and Immigration
Information on Employment, Immigration and Industry in Alberta.
https://www.alberta.ca/jobs-economy-and-trade
Travel Alberta – Industry
As Canada's leading provincial destination management organization, Travel Alberta drives the growth of the province's visitor economy, creating and promoting must-visit destinations throughout the province. We do this by helping businesses develop memorable products and experiences, marketing those products and experiences to the world, and ensuring visitors have access to them.
https://industry.travelalberta.com/
Federal Resources
Business Benefits Finder
Find the right programs and services, whether you're just starting out or scaling up.
https://innovation.ised-isde.canada.ca/s/?language=en_CA
Business and Industry
The topics covered by the sentence are business taxes, permits and regulations, intellectual property, business support, and how to sell to the government.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business.html
Business Link
This is a nonprofit organization that helps people navigate the steps toward starting their own businesses. They provide one-on-one support and guidance, market research, access to experts, training, networking opportunities, and specialized support for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Destination Canada
The mission of Destination Canada is to influence supply and build demand for the benefit of locals, communities and visitors through leading research, building alignment with public and private sectors, and marketing Canada nationally and abroad. In collaboration with our partners, we promote Canada as a premier four-season leisure and business tourism destination around the country and the world.
https://www.destinationcanada.com/en
Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada ( ISED ) works with Canadians in all areas of the economy and in all parts of the country to improve conditions for investment, enhance Canada's innovation performance, increase Canada's share of global trade and build a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace.
https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en
Scientific Research and Experimental Development Program
The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Program uses tax incentives to encourage Canadian businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to conduct research and development (R&D) in Canada. These tax incentives come in three forms: an income tax deduction, an investment tax credit (ITC), and, in certain circumstances, a refund.
Prairies Economic Development Canada
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) is the department 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.
https://www.canada.ca/en/prairies-economic-development.html
Tourism
Tourism is defined as the activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure or business. It may also include visiting friends and relatives, religious purposes, or medical treatment. Tourism exports are receipts earned from expenditures by international visitors to Canada on Canadian merchandise and services. Tourism export accounts for 20% of total tourism activities in Canada.
Ready to do business internationally? Our trade commissioners around the world can support Canadian companies with market intelligence, identify new business opportunities, and find qualified contacts that will help them succeed in foreign markets.
https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/sectors-secteurs/tourism-tourisme.aspx?lang=eng
Mental/Physical Health Support
Westlock & District F.C.S.S.
Westlock & District F.C.S.S. provides a wide range of services designed to promote individual, family and community wellness. F.C.S.S. is a partnership between the Town of Westlock, Westlock County and the Village of Clyde.
https://www.westlock.ca/p/fcss
Westlock Healthcare Centre
This facility provides a range of healthcare services, including a 24/7 emergency department.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/facility.aspx?id=1044401
Alberta Health Services Resources
Addressing Addiction & Mental Health in the Workplace
These AHS Addiction & Mental Health resources cover topics and issues specific to the workplace. Whether you're a manager, an employee, a safety supervisor, an allied health professional or a small business owner, you'll find useful resources to help you make your workplace safe, healthy and productive.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/amh/Page2673.aspx
Business Development Bank of Canada Resources
Entrepreneurs' well-being and mental health are a priority. BDC has created a library of resources to offer a range of services and information on mental health and well-being.
https://www.bdc.ca/en/about/entrepreneurs-well-being/resources
 | Call us: 780-349-4444 |
 | Email us: planning@westlock.ca |
 | In-Person: 10003-106 Street, Westlock, AB |