Here to Help

  1. Economic Development
  2. Business Licenses
  3. Resources

Economic Development

Strathmore's Economic Development team works on programs, policies, and activities that seek to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for the community. Our team is responsible for things like business retention and expansion, talent and investment attraction, government and association partnerships, and tourism. Whether you’re an existing business already located here in Strathmore, a business just starting up, or a business considering expanding or relocating to Strathmore, we can serve as your single point of contact throughout your business development project.

Connect with us:

Angela Groeneveld
Senior Manager, Economic Stability & Investment
Phone: 403-499-8516
Email: angela.groeneveld@strathmore.ca

Angela Groeneveld Photo


Business Licenses

A valid business license is required for every business operating within or partly within the Town. You may be required to obtain other permits prior to obtaining a business license. Business licenses are valid for the calendar year of the application date. After July 1, any new applications for Residential Business Licenses will be pro-rated to half (50%) of the yearly fee.  Invoices are mailed out within the first 2 weeks of December. Fees are due and payable by the last week in January of the current calendar year.

If you are no longer operating a business within the Town of Strathmore, it is your responsibility to either contact the Town, or to sign at the bottom of your invoice, verifying that you are no longer operating a business.  Closed businesses will not be invoiced.

The Town recently updated their Business License Bylaw and integrated some unique approaches to encourage local business. The age limit for youth business licenses was raised to 25; there’s now a 6-month fee waiver for new businesses; contractor fees are simplified; there is preferential pricing for residents of Strathmore, Siksika, and Wheatland County who operate a business within Strathmore; and businesses who have obtained a business license for at least 25 consecutive years are able to apply for a fee waiver.


Resources

Business Planning Resources
Business Supports
  • Alberta Export Expansion Program - Funding is available to assist export ready companies and not profit organizations enhance access to international markets and attract global buyers.
  • ATB Entrepreneur Center - Resources, networking, and events are just some of the offerings. Sign up for their newsletter.
  • BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) - Offers financing and advisory services to entrepreneurs.
  • Business Benefits Finder- Search programs and services available to business.
  • Business Link - offers a wealth of information on a wide variety of topics to assist small business. This includes the Canada Digital Adoption Program and the Digital Economy Program.
  • Community Futures Wildrose - resources such as business loans, mentorship, and supports for operating a small business. They also have office spaces for lease, as well as a meeting room and training space.
  • EDC – Export Development Canada - A resource if you wish to expand your business and help grow your international business.
  • Futurpreneur - This organization provides support to those of the ages between 18-39. This includes loan financing, mentorship and resources to start or buy a business.
  • Startup Canada - This organization is a connector to Canadian entrepreneurs and resources to start and build their businesses. A podcast is available on this site.
  • Trade Accelerator Program - Are you looking to expand to world markets?
Business Supports for Agriculture and Food Industries
  • District Ventures Capital - A venture capital fund investing in innovation in food and beverage and health and wellness companies.
  • Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Program - Programs and services for the agriculture and agri food industry in Alberta. Funding for a variety of projects is available on a shared basis.
  • THRIVE by SVG Ventures - Focused on supporting pre-seed stage startups in the agri - food tech sector. The THRIVE Academy is a 12 week pre accelerator program for idea stage entrepreneurs and early stage startups. 
Business Supports for Innovation
  • Alberta Catalyzer - A pre accelerator offering free programs, coaching and resources to early stage entrepreneurs.
  • Alberta Innovates - Alberta Innovates provides funding programs, coaching and support and applied research to help the start up community build new technology and drive new ideas.
  • National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) - provides advice, connections, and funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market.
  • Platform Calgary - Resources, support, programming and events to help founders launch and grow their startups in the innovation community.
Business Supports for Women
Indigenous Business Supports
Financial Resources
  • Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) - provides Alberta’s farmers and agribusinesses with loans, crop insurance and farm income stabilization.
  • Alberta Job Grant - Programs and Services include transition to Employment Services, Integrated training, Self employment, Workplace Training, and Immigrant Bridging.
  • Business Development Bank of Canada – is the only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs. They offer financing, venture capital, growth & transition capital and consulting services.
  • Business Link – connects entrepreneurs with the most relevant small business resources to help bring innovators’ ideas to life.
  • Canadian Business Network – provides a comprehensive list of government and private sector sources of financing. 
  • Community Futures Wild Rose – provides financing, training and advisory services for small businesses.  Loans are provided to those where traditional bank financing has been declined.
  • Connectica – a free service that helps users connect with Alberta’s ever-expanding research and innovation network. It is a great place to find funding that meets your needs.
  • Export Development Canada - provides financial solutions and trade expertise to help you expand into new markets.
  • Futurepreneur Canada (formerly CYBF) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to growing our economy one entrepreneur at a time.
  • Momentum – is a dedicated to teaching business development, financial literacy and skill training as it relates to training individuals to start their own business.
Trades
Workforce
  • Prospect Human Services - Supports job seekers in areas such as Skill building, hiring events, and job search.
  • Mitacs - Access to a qualified intern, either a graduate student or post doc, to assist you with your innovation goals.

Contact Us