Resources for Business
Business ventures in Airdrie are supported by a number of local, regional and provincial resources. Whether you're looking for advice on your business plan or want to network with like-minded colleagues, Airdrie has the support services businesses need to succeed.
Business Resources at a Glance
Whether you're looking for networking opportunities to expand your business or a supportive colleague with whom to discuss your next idea, Airdrie's business associations offer something for businesses large and small.
| Organization | Services Provided | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| AFSC | Provides loans to farmers, agribusinesses and other small businesses. | (403) 948-8543 |
| Airdrie Chamber of Commerce | Promote, represents and enhances the interests of Airdrie's business community. | (403) 948-4412 |
| Airdrie Economic Development | -Business referral services, including meeting with prospective businesses -Information on City of Airdrie business licensing, land use zoning -Airdrie information/statistics |
(403) 984-8844 |
| Airdrie Employment Services | Guidance, resources and information for job-seekers and employers, including job board, public computers and more. | (403) 948-9711 |
| Airdrie Public Library | -Business resources including books, reference and research material, business workshops, databases |
(403) 948-0600 |
| Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development | Services for businesses in the primary production and value-added areas of agriculture including feasibility studies, market analysis and financial analysis. | 310-3276 |
| Alberta Women Entrepreneurs | -Business advising Business skills development -Financing |
1-800-713-3558 or |
| BDC | Financing, capital and consulting services to help create and grow small-and medium-sized enterprises. | (403) 292-5000 or |
| Canadian Youth Business Foundation | Mentoring, financing and business resources for youth ages 18-34. | 1-800-464-2923 |
| Community Futures Centre West | -Business counseling and training -Business resource library |
1-877-603-2329 or (403) 932-5220 |
| The Business Link | -Information and advice from business experts -Resource library |
1-800-272-9675 or (403) 221-7800 |
Local Business Associations
Airdrie Chamber of Commerce
For more than 30 years, the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce has been committed to promoting, representing and enhancing the interests of Airdrie's business community. Membership is over 400 and continues to grow with Airdrie.
The Chamber is dedicated to providing a networking environment that allows its membership to meet and expand their business contacts. The Chamber offers business-to-business and business-to-consumer trade shows, group insurance packages, discounts for products and services, member to member discount program and much more.
For more information, call (403) 948-4412.
Business Advisory Services
See the Business Resource at a Glance chart for a full list of service providers.
Community Futures Centre West
Community Futures Centre West (CFCW) is a regional community economic and business development organization. CFCW offers business counseling services and resources to new and existing businesses. A business advisor is available to meet with Airdrie clients on Wednesday mornings at Airdrie City Hall. If you would like to discuss your business idea, ask questions about how to build a business plan, find financing or do market research, the business advisor will help find the resources you need. Appointments can be made by calling 1-877-603-2329.
CFCW also offers a Self Employment Program for unemployed individuals who have identified a viable business opportunity that matches with their skill and financial situation.
For more information, call 1-877-603-2329.
The Business Link
The Business Link is a government funded business resource organization offering a wide range of business services through its web site, resource library, office locations in Calgary and Edmonton, and toll-free business information line. The Business Link provides valuable information and learning opportunities for those starting or expanding a business including "How To" guides, an Interactive Business Planner, and Ask an Expert program.
For more information, call 1-800-272-9675.
Business Funding
Airdrie is serviced by a number of institutions and organizations to assist you with business financing. While there are very few government grants available to support business development, there are some government-funded alternative financing programs available.
The Business Link provides a good resource to learn more about financing options.
Airdrie Financial Institutions
| Name | Address | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
404 Main St S |
(403) 948-5989 |
|
| 750 Main St SE | (403)945-8692 | |
104 - 1 Ave N |
(403) 948-6737 |
|
| CIBC | 301-121 Main St S | (403)945-3851 |
100 Main St S |
(403) 948-1130 |
|
304 Main St S |
(403) 948-5995 |
|
505 Main St S |
(403) 948-5974 (403) 948-1667 |
Alternative Financing Programs
Several not-for-profit organizations provide financing programs for businesses. Visit these organizations for more information:
Business Services
Key business services are available in Airdrie, including a number of accounting, law, business advisory and real estate firms to support business development. Visit the Business Directory.
Learning Opportunities
Airdrie is home to an array of learning opportunities. A number of organizations offer regular courses, workshops and professional development sessions.
- Business Workshop Series with short seminars on timely business topics - Airdrie Economic Development
- Lunch 'n Learn sessions - Airdrie Chamber of Commerce
- Noon hour Brown Bag Sessions and Small Business Seminars offered by video conference at the Airdrie Public Library - Community Futures Centre West
- Post-secondary, continuing education and business training – Bow Valley College Airdrie Campus
- Career and business training including accounting, information technology and customer service – Academy of Learning
- Part-time, non credit courses including computers and starting a home-based business - Rocky View Adult Education
See the events calendar to find your next opportunity to learn.
Starting a Business
Interested in starting a business? You're not alone. A number of resources are available to help you.
- The Business Link is an excellent place to begin researching your business. The Guide for New Alberta Businesses is a must-read for those starting out.
- BizPal is a helpful tool in determining the types of permits and licensing your business will need. This online tool asks you a number of questions about your new or expanding business and provides a list permits, licences and agencies to contact.
- Community Futures Centre West offers business counseling services at no charge to Airdrie and area businesses. Call them today to discuss your business idea.
- Thinking of starting a business from your home? Visit the Home Based Business section to learn more.
Home Based Businesses
Visit the Home Based Business section for more information.
Business Directories
Business directories are great way to promote your business, or to find prospective suppliers, clients and business contacts. Here are just a few free directories available to businesses.
Purchasing Opportunities
The Alberta Purchasing Connection (APC) is a free tool that lets public and private sector users manage, advertise, distribute, and download public purchasing opportunities for goods, services, and construction in Alberta. With APC, purchasers advertise opportunities for tender and vendors find opportunities to sell their products or services.
Questions regarding purchasing opportunities with the City of Airdrie should be directed to Procurement Services.
Research and Development Community
Alberta has excellent science and research infrastructure (including people, knowledge, equipment and facilities) that form the basis for the development, adoption and commercialization of new technology, products and processes that are recognized and sold globally.
| Organization | Description | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Science and Research Authority |
To enhance the contribution of science, research and innovation to the sustainable prosperity and quality of life of all Albertans. |
(780) 427-1488 |
| Alberta Life Sciences Institute |
Focuses on life sciences opportunities at the convergence of the traditional sectors of health, agriculture, energy & forestry. |
(780) 427-1956 |
| Alberta Agricultural Research Institute |
To align the direction and priority for strategic research in bio-products, sustainable production and food for health. |
(780) 427-1956 |
| Alberta Forestry Research Institute |
Will encourage & support private and public investment in the economic, environmental, ecological & community sustainability of Alberta's forestry sector. |
|
| Alberta Energy Research Institute |
Invests in research and technology to enhance sustainable development of the province’s abundant energy resources. |
(403) 297-7089 |
| Alberta Information & Communications Technology Institute |
Provides leadership and guidance in expanding Alberta’s information and communications technology sector (ICT) | |
| Alberta Research Council |
Delivers innovative science and technology solutions to meet the priorities of industry and government in Alberta and beyond. | (403) 210-5222 |
| Informatics Circle of Research Excellence |
To attract and grow a critical mass of outstanding researchers in the fields of wireless communications, artificial intelligence, quantum and nanocomputing and other ICT related disciplines. |
(403) 210-5335 |
| Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research |
Supports biomedical and health research at Alberta universities, affiliated institutions, and other medical and technology-related institutions. | 1-877-423-5727 |
| Alberta Ingenuity Fund |
Supports science and engineering research of the highest calibre, to create a prosperous future for the province. | (780) 423-5735 |
| Telecommunications | Creates innovative technologies and trains students to enhance ICT expertise and improve Canada's global competitiveness. | (780) 441-3800 |
| The National Institute for Nanotechnology |
The main focus of nanotechnology research is the integration of nano-scale devices and materials into complex nanosystems that are connected to the outside world. | (780) 641-1600 |
| Alberta Ingenuity Centre for Machine Learning |
Supports and promotes curiosity-driven Machine Learning research, and leading edge scientific and commercial applications. | (780) 492-4828 |
| Cybera | Provides provincial leadership in integrating, leveraging and sustaining investments in cyberinfrastructure technologies in Alberta. | (403) 220-6778 |
| The Banff New Media Institute |
Exceptional artists and leaders from around the world create and perform new works of art, share skills and knowledge. | (403) 762-6100 |
| nanoAlberta | Works with industry, researchers and investors to help build Alberta's nanotechnology industry. |
(780) 415-6005 |
| WestGrid | Operates high performance computing (HPC), collaboration and visualization infrastructure across western Canada. | (780) 492-9400 |
Other Resources
Alberta Employment & Immigration
Alberta Finance & Entreprise - Statistics & Publications
Exporting Your Products - Alberta Finance & Entreprise
Productivity Alberta - Alberta Finance & Entreprise
Strategis (Industry Canada)