The Voice: February 3rd, 2026
February is Black History Month, Stay Ahead with Alberta's New Labour Market Info Portal, Alberta's Corporate Income Tax Year in Review, and more all in this week's edition of The Voice.
Business News
February is Black History Month
Each February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and celebrations that honour the legacy and contributions of Black people in Canada and their communities.
The 2026 theme for Black History Month is: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.”
This theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada by highlighting the enduring contributions of Black Canadians across time. It acknowledges the foundational role of nation builders—those who fought for civil rights, advanced social justice, and shaped Canada’s cultural and political landscape.
At the same time, it looks forward to tomorrow’s visionaries, the emerging leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are redefining excellence in every field.
Resources for Black Entrepreneurs:
STAY AHEAD WITH ALBERTA’S NEW LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION PORTAL
Alberta employers now have a powerful new resource to make data-driven workforce decisions!
The Labour Market Information Portal provides real-time insights to help you recruit, retain, and plan for the future. What’s Inside the Portal?
Benchmarking and compensation planning:
- Launching February 2026: Wage and Salary Insights powered by the Alberta Wage and Salary Survey.
- Compare your pay rates for specific occupations against market data.
- Fine tune your market by region and industry.
- Wage data is available across three wage levels with multiple percentiles precalculated.
- Use trusted survey data to make informed decisions about recruitment and retention.
Workforce planning:
- Analyze employment trends, workforce demographics, skills shortages, industry growth, and composition.
- Build strategies for recruitment, retention, and training based on reliable data.
Market Research:
- Explore labour force trends in Alberta across different demographic groups.
- Get the latest wage trends in Alberta and see how they compare to other provinces.
- Identify in-demand jobs and skills to guide training programs.
- Understand key industries and regional employment patterns.
Access the portal online at https://labour-market.alberta.ca/
ALBERTA’S CORPORATE INCOME TAX: 24/25 YEAR IN REVIEW
Corporate income tax (CIT) cash receipts in Alberta grew at a solid pace in 2024-25 on the back of robust activity in the energy and construction sectors. The receipts reached $7.6 billion, about $500 million higher than in 2023-24. This Economic Spotlight looks at trends in Alberta’s CIT cash receipts across major economic sectors in 2024-25. The report shows notable increases in Oil & Gas, Construction, Insurance, Wood Product and Food Manufacturing industries while Alberta’s transportation equipment manufacturing faced a decline from the previous year.
Medicine Hat-Cypress News
BIENNIAL COMMUNITY SURVEY SET TO LAUNCH IN FEBRUARY
The City of Medicine Hat’s biennial Community Survey, conducted by IPSOS, will kick off on Monday, February 2. Targeting Medicine Hat residents aged 18 and older, the results will provide City Council and administration reliable data to better understand community sentiment around a variety of City topics, in turn supporting decision making. Learn more in the full news release here.
MONEY TALKS: FREE IN-PERSON FUNDING EVENTS IN OLDS & MEDICINE HAT
Join Business Link in Medicine Hat on February 12 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for free, in-person conversations about funding options, financing pathways, and supports available to small businesses at every stage. These informal sessions bring together entrepreneurs and local partners for practical insights, real experiences, and meaningful connections. Register for free here.
39th ANNUAL MAYOR’S LUNCHEON
The Chamber of Commerce spent the afternoon with our Mayor and local dignitaries as Mayor Clark shared her perspective on the state of our city. She spoke on their upcoming strategic planning sessions and a few of their goals as a new Council. The sentiment being excitement in having such a diverse group who share one main common goal; to serve the City of Medicine Hat to the best of their ability and keep a sense of humour throughout.
While recognizing that there are always areas for improvement and future opportunities, Mayor Clark left those in attendance feeling optimistic and encouraged about what we currently have in place. She spoke on housing affordability, our ranking as the lowest living wage among 21 Albertan communities, the advantages of owning our own utilities, an unmatched system of parks, short commutes and a thriving cultural environment.
Clark reminds us that all of these advantages provide the sense of a place that people remember and that they are more than lifestyle perks but also provide core economic advantages that matter to businesses, investors and visitors looking for a place to put down roots.
Aerospace and Defense continue to be top of mind with the vast, unlocked potential and Clark hopes to work together with our regional partners to advance technologies of which we are already a player, to build a stronger ecosystem and to attract (and retain) talent to our area. The goal is to utilize the advantage of our protected airspace and capacity of our local airport so they can act as magnets to those who want to test the future of aviation.
Tourism, Manufacturing, Warehousing and Distribution were also mentioned as Clark reminded us of the contributions to well paid jobs and occupations that these industries provide and that these jobs are what allow residents buy homes and stay here. Mayor Clark noted the need to find and train workers and adopt new technologies while being candid about the labour market and the ongoing challenges. Aging, accelerated retirement in key areas, and our youth looking elsewhere for careers continue to be a concern. “If we want to grow, we have to treat workforce as infrastructure.” states Clark. The council aims to continue working with our local educators and employers to build pathways into these technical careers and trades and foster a community of choice for those families being priced out of the bigger cities. Welcoming intentionally and letting them know there is a future here.
Clark did not shy from the topic of the municipal environment and discussed the importance of trust between Council and community. Her comments were aimed to adjust unrealistic public expectations placed on a municipal government and remind us that there are many areas where they don’t actually hold a constitutional authority or the fiscal tools to help. That these expectations, the breakdown of local media and a rise of a ‘click-bait’ ideology have forced them to re-assess how they govern. Moving into their strategic planning sessions, this was said to be top of mind for Council and how they can provide ‘single front door services’, track data in real ways that provide feedback that matters and breakdown barriers for those hoping to invest in our city.
Mayor Clark was optimistic about providing a simplified, citizen focused level of service where we control the narrative and tell our own story. “To use our voices to tell a clear story about who we are. Resilient, welcoming, quietly ambitious at the corner of opportunity and action.” We were reminded that governance is a shared stewardship and she urged Hatters to participate. “City government cannot be all things to all people and they cannot meet all needs and wants alone.” She encouraged the community to attend town halls and workshops and to utilize the new digital engagement tools that are in place so that their voices are heard and can be answered.
In conclusion, Mayor Clark reminded us that we are a city with real advantages and real responsibilities. That we are not immune to polarization or economic shocks, but we are well placed to manage them. The City Council is placing a priority on creating a predictable government that provides a feeling of stability to their residents. “The goal is to become a city of stakeholders. Watching and doing.”
After the January 2025 State of the City event and following the election in October, along with the change in format for our Leadership Breakfast last fall, the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce decided to move in a different direction for the 2026 event. Our focus is on a new format that reflects a regional perspective, and will be scheduled following each municipality’s strategic planning sessions in Q1. We will be working on a State of the Region event to allow us the opportunity to share each council’s vision across the Medicine Hat–Cypress region and highlight the path forward for our region.
Brooks-Newell News
BROOKS CREDITS INCENTIVE PROGRAM FOR INFLUX OF HOMEBUILDERS FROM BIG CITIES
Brooks has a housing problem and says it has found a solution with a suite of incentives that caught the attention of out-of-town builders. More than 200 new housing units will open this year in the city of 17,000 that is about 160 kilometres southeast of Calgary. That’s a lot for a small market, but still only enough to absorb most of the residents considered to be living in overcrowded situations, long-stay hotels or with multiple roommates.
“It’s the biggest housing boom in 20 years,” said Lisa Tiffin, the manager of development in Brooks, which has a growing population, pent up demand and high rents.
Those factors should have triggered construction activity years ago but, as an example to stress the severity of the situation, only seven new residential units were added in 2022. Read More
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS: January 26, 2026
Rescind Policy L-001-006 Proclamations Policy
Council defeated the recommendation to rescind the Proclamations Policy, which had been created in early 2025 to streamline the proclamation process by identifying standing annual proclamations. Administration had recommended rescinding the policy because the City continues to receive new proclamation requests each year, many of which do not involve City-hosted events. Council opted to keep the policy in place.
Land Sale – 428 Meadowbrook Drive E
Council approved the sale of the City-owned lot at 428 Meadowbrook Drive East, which has been listed since 2010 and is zoned Residential Single Detached. The accepted offer followed a counter offer that was agreed to by the buyer. The sale creates immediate revenue, contributes offsite levy funds, and supports future property tax growth, with no additional infrastructure costs required since the lot is already serviced and surrounding infrastructure is complete.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The City of Brooks Council Chambers at City Hall | 5:00 PM | February 23, 2026 | Attend in person or view on Facebook and YouTube
This public hearing is being held to consider amendments to the Northeast Sector Area Structure Plan, Northwest Sector Area Structure Plan, Southeast Sector Area Structure Plan, and the Land Use Bylaw.
The proposed amendments include:
- Updating references from “Municipal Planning Commission” to “Development Authority” throughout all three Area Structure Plans and the Land Use Bylaw.
- Re‑assigning authority for discretionary use applications, time extensions, and similar use applications from the Municipal Planning Commission to the Development Authority.
- Granting variance authority for measurable standards from the Municipal Planning Commission to the Development Authority, allowing the Development Authority to approve variances up to 100%, except for parking, which will be limited to a maximum variance of 50% for new construction.
- Making notification of affected landowners mandatory for:
- all discretionary use applications,
- variance requests over 50% for new construction, and
- variance requests over 25% for parking.
- Expanding notification requirements from adjacent landowners to all landowners within 100 metres (328.1 ft), as well as affected persons.
The City of Brooks will also introduce a new Repealing Bylaw, Development Authority Bylaw, and Subdivision Authority Bylaw, which are required to support the proposed amendments to the Land Use Bylaw and Area Structure Plans; however, these bylaws are not part of the Public Hearing. More details
CONVERSATIONS WITH THE HONORABLE MLA DANIELLE SMITH
The Palliser Economic Partnership invites municipal leaders, businesses, agricultural producers, and regional partners to an evening of dialogue focused on the future of southeast Alberta.
📅 Date: February 9, 2026
📍 Location: Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre, Brooks
🕠 Doors Open: 5:30 p.m.
This fundraising dinner will bring together regional voices to discuss economic development, agriculture, workforce sustainability, and long-term community vitality, while raising funds in support of the Vet Med Scholarship Fund and Palliser Economic Partnership initiatives.
For questions, additional information or to donate an auction item contact Barbara Kulyk, Palliser Econimic Partnership Executive Director, at exdir@palliseralberta.com or 403-878-2347. Learn more and register here.
Advocacy in Action
Alberta Chamber Business Pulse: Share your Perspective
Trade uncertainty. Alberta autonomy. Shifts in the global economy. Your voice as a business leader has never mattered more. Now is the time for Alberta’s business community to speak - loudly and clearly - about the priorities that matter most for our province. Your input drives stronger, informed advocacy for Alberta businesses.
This quick hot button pulse activity is open until February 6, 2026. https://research.albertaperspectives.ca/jfe/form/SV_0GOnjhL52yHpCm2
Strengthening Regional Air Service
Reliable, accessible air service is not a luxury for Southeast Alberta. It is a core piece of economic infrastructure that supports business growth, workforce attraction, tourism, health care access, and regional competitiveness. That is why improving air service at the Medicine Hat Regional Airport (YXH) has been a long-standing advocacy priority for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce.
As a new round of public engagement opens for the City of Medicine Hat’s Airport Master Plan, this is an important moment for businesses to get involved and help the Chamber’s work by participating and encouraging businesses and residents to help shape the future of regional air service.
An online survey through Shape Your City from January 19 to February 8 at 11:59 p.m. Participants can share their perspectives on the future of YXH and will be entered into a draw for a $75 prepaid credit card.
ALBERTA BREAKS HOUSING RECORDS - WHY THIS MATTERS FOR BUSINESS AND OUR COMMUNITIES
Alberta has reached a significant housing milestone, and the implications for businesses and communities across Southeast Alberta are substantial.
In 2025, Alberta delivered more than 53,000 housing starts, setting a new provincial record and leading the country in per-capita housing construction. This growth is already increasing rental supply and helping to stabilize and reduce rental prices in several Alberta markets. For employers, workers, families, and local governments, this is more than a construction statistic. It is a competitiveness issue, a workforce issue, and a quality-of-life issue.
The Numbers Behind Alberta’s Housing Momentum
Compared with 2024, housing starts increased by 14 percent provincewide, with strong growth in both major cities and regional communities
- Alberta total: 53,184 starts in 2025, up from 46,632
- Calgary: 27,684 starts, up 14 percent
- Edmonton: 21,337 starts, up 16 percent
- Red Deer: 405 starts, up 14 percent
- Grande Prairie: 366 starts, up 89 percent
- Medicine Hat: 317 starts, up 64 percent
This level of expansion is helping relieve long-standing supply pressures that have driven up housing costs across Western Canada.
Southeast Alberta and Affordability Leadership
Equally important is where Alberta communities rank nationally on affordability. In 2025, six of the top ten most affordable small- and mid-sized rental markets in Canada were located in Alberta, including:
- Lloydminster - 1st
- Fort McMurray - 2nd
- Medicine Hat - 3rd
- Grande Prairie - 4th
- Red Deer - 6th
- Lethbridge - 9th
For Southeast Alberta, this positions our region as an increasingly attractive destination for talent, investment, and business expansion.
Why Housing Matters to Business
Affordable and available housing is now a core business infrastructure issue. Employers across sectors continue to face labour shortages and recruitment challenges. When workers cannot find housing they can afford, jobs go unfilled, turnover increases, and business growth slows. Strong housing supply supports business by:
• Making it easier to attract and retain employees
• Reducing wage pressure driven solely by cost-of-living increases
• Supporting workforce mobility and newcomer settlement
• Creating stability for families and local consumer spending
Simply put, businesses thrive when workers can live where they work.
Chamber Advocacy Making a Difference
The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce has been actively advocating for housing solutions that reflect local realities, alongside the Alberta Chambers of Commerce. Our advocacy includes two active policy approaches:
- SEACC: A Tailored and Local P3 Approach to Affordable Housing
This policy focuses on flexible public-private partnership models that reflect the scale, market conditions, and needs of Southeast Alberta communities. - ACC: A Pathway to Fixing the Affordable Housing Crisis in Alberta
This provincewide policy calls for coordinated action across government, industry, and municipalities to increase supply, reduce regulatory barriers, and accelerate housing delivery.
The results seen in 2025 demonstrate that when policy, investment, and collaboration align, meaningful progress is possible.
What Comes Next
While the record-setting numbers are encouraging, the work is not done. Sustained investment, streamlined approvals, infrastructure readiness, and local flexibility remain essential to ensure housing supply keeps pace with population growth and economic development. For Southeast Alberta, continued advocacy ensures that regional communities are not left behind and that housing solutions meet the needs of employers, workers, seniors, and families alike.
Why This Matters for Our Community
Housing affordability is about more than shelter. It affects business resilience, community growth, workforce participation, and social stability. Alberta’s 2025 housing performance shows what can be achieved with the right policy environment and strong advocacy.
As a Chamber, we will continue to elevate local voices, champion practical solutions, and push for policies that support both economic growth and livable communities. Because when housing works, business works. And when business works, communities thrive.
FEDERAL CONSULTATION OPPORTUNITIES
The Government of Canada is seeking input on the following topics. Your participation in these consultations will help guide decision-making and ensure that the needs and priorities of Canadians are reflected.
CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAKES STATEMENT ON CANADA’S ONGOING TRADE DISCUSSIONS
Trumps recent threat of 100% tariffs being placed on Canada has been top of mind for Canadian business owners. The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce has been working with our local business owners to find creative solutions and work toward improving this turbulent situation through our policies and ongoing discussions.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is also making a plea to both governments to work together for the benefit of everyone.
“The idea behind USMCA is as relevant today as decades ago: build together, benefit from lower prices and more jobs together. This is why U.S. business groups, manufacturers, retailers and industry leaders have overwhelmingly called for its continuity. The idea of 100% tariffs undermines the whole agreement, one which this U.S. Administration celebrated 2018-2020.
A recent study by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy found that U.S. consumers and businesses bore about 96% of the cost of tariff increases. These taxes hit America first.
Canada’s government has transparently outlined that the agreement with China is fundamentally about domestic consumers and businesses in Canada and China, not schemes aimed at other markets. At the same time, the U.S. has said it is also pursuing its own new trade engagement with China.
No business can survive forever with one customer. And our global economy is changing. A structured and stable relationship with China or any other country, like our new engagements with Indonesia or the UAE, are not to replace our deeply rooted relationship with the United States that continues to be overwhelmingly good for workers, consumers and North American competitiveness.
We hope the two governments can come to a better understanding quickly that can alleviate further concerns for businesses who face the immediate consequences of torqued up uncertainty.”
- Matthew Holmes, Executive Vice President and Chief of Public Policy, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
The Alberta Chamber of Commerce has also been working tirelessly on this issue. See what ACC President and CEO, Shauna Feth has to say on the topic.
A current survey has been released by Alberta Perspectives for business leaders to provide their perspectives regarding the recent trade uncertainty, Alberta autonomy and Shifts in the global economy.
Next Level Events
Art Room on 2nd Gallery Grand Opening
WHEN: Thursday, February 13th at 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
WHERE: Art Room on 2nd | 621 2nd St. SE, Medicine Hat, AB
More artists! Handcrafted gifts! Unique artistry! Celebrate the LOVE of art at the Grand Re-Opening of the Art Room on 2nd Gallery. Join us for an evening of chocolate, refreshments, art and community. From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and the ribbon cutting will be at 6:00 PM. Learn more here.
APEX ALBERTA: PRODUCER’S PICK
Producer’s Pick brings industry innovators and local producers together to share research ideas, pitch upcoming projects, and spark potential partnerships in a relaxed, social setting. When new collaborations emerging, Centre for Innovation (C4I) is ready to support the work ahead. C4I projects create meaningful impact across Southeast Alberta—improving on‑farm efficiency, reducing input costs, and supporting value‑added opportunities. Whether you’re a producer, part of industry, or simply curious about what’s happening at C4I, we welcome you to join them and see the innovation unfolding in our region.
February 5th | 5–8pm | Location: Medicine Hat College | REGISTER HERE
Is Your Business Ready to Succeed in Canada? Insights for Newcomer Entrepreneurs
Join Business Link on February 5 at 12 p.m. for a free webinar with Marcelo Andrade, designed to help newcomer entrepreneurs navigate the Canadian business landscape with confidence. Learn practical strategies for building credibility, managing financial uncertainty, and positioning your business for sustainable growth in Canada.
Canada Alberta Productivity Grant webinar
Join the Workforce Consultant team with the Government of Alberta as they host a FREE 1.5-hour webinar on the Canada Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG). Expert speakers will guide you through the program, including who is eligible, how to apply, as well as answer questions. The CAPG program is Alberta’s new program which helps employers invest in productivity training initiatives. This session is perfect for anyone interested in learning how CAPG can support employers investing in skill development for both current and future employees.
February 10, 2026 | 1:30pm – 3:00pm | Register Here
Fundraising Essentials for New Organizations: How to Build a Realistic Fundraising Strategy
In this practical, beginner-friendly session, CharityVillage will walk through the essential steps every new organization should consider when building a fundraising strategy. Whether you are stepping into leadership for the first time, guiding a grassroots initiative, or trying to turn early enthusiasm into long-term support, they will offer guidance to help you take confident action right away.
February 12th | 11:00 AM | Register for free here
Strategies for boosting sales when cash is tight
Economic uncertainty and sluggish demand are making it tough for Canadian businesses to generate revenue. How can you uncover fresh opportunities and boost sales—without breaking the bank?
Join Pierre Cléroux, BDC’s Chief Economist, and our experts, for actionable advice on how to succeed in a slow market. Hear what’s ahead for the economy, discover high-impact and low-risk tactics for increasing sales, and learn how other entrepreneurs have made these strategies work in their business.
February 18th | 12:00 PM (ET) | Register for free here
2026 Home & Leisure Tradeshow: Are You Booked?
The Home & Leisure Tradeshow is March 6th - 8th and we are EXCITED! We are proud to host not only the longest-running but also the largest trade show in Medicine Hat.
For businesses, the personal connections you can make with thousands of consumers and clients is unmatched. Trade Shows are a GREAT marketing investment! The positive impact of exhibiting at a trade show isn’t confined just to the event, as 87 percent of attendees will pass along some of the information they obtain, and 64 percent will tell at least six other people about it!
Book your booth now by emailing Brad at events@southeastalbertachamber.ca, calling him at (403) 527-5214 ext.224 or by visiting our site mhtradeshow.ca
Enriching Your Business
There's a reason Chambers Plan is Canada's #1 plan.
JoAnne Letkeman, Exclusive Chamber Group Advisor
Medicine Hat & District | (403) 504-2166 ext 1.
Scott Walls, Exclusive Chamber Group Advisor
Brooks-Newell Region | (403) 892-9675
Fuelling the Business Community
New Chamber Members
We would like to welcome Mary Brown's Chicken, Cabin Creations by the Pond, and Solutions RV Repairs to the Chamber Family!
We continually look forward to helping our members during their business journey and wish each the best in all future endeavors. We are extremely happy to have such amazing members, and are very glad that we can serve a part in that journey! Keep your eye out for more new member posts moving forward!
Doane Grant Thornton's Western Canada Business Insights
Western Canada’s business landscape is evolving—and understanding what’s ahead is critical for success.
Doane Grant Thornton's Western Canada Business Insights Report brings together perspectives from more than 130 business leaders across BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. These conversations reveal the realities of operating in today’s economy: rising costs, talent shortages, and the push for digital transformation.
But they also highlight opportunities—collaboration, innovation, and strategies to future-proof operations. This report isn’t just about trends; it’s about actionable insights that can help businesses navigate uncertainty and seize growth.
Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a larger organization, these findings offer valuable guidance for planning and decision-making. Read the full report now
WHAT WE LEARNED: A CONSULTATION WITH SAAMIS IMMIGRATION ON VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH NEWCOMERS
We recently had the opportunity to meet with our members, Saamis Immigration Services Association. We gained valuable insight into their organization and how they are helping newcomers integrate and feel empowered within the community. Creating a new home in a country that is well established has its own culture and sociological perspectives can be incredibly daunting and comes with a large amount of fear and reservation.
Not to mention the added challenge of learning a new language; which is often the case. We learned how Saamis Immigration is working to break down those barriers and turn these challenges into opportunities for their participants.
A large portion of learning and preparation for the workforce occurs through volunteer placements. Not only do these placements allow newcomers to practice the English skills learned through Saamis, but to make connections, be a larger part of their community and to gain insight into the local workforce. Many considerations are made before placing new citizens to a volunteer placement like existing skills, interests and abilities. Finding the right fit is crucial to success.
If your business has volunteer opportunities and needs a few extra hands, I urge you to reach out to this incredible organization and see how you can partner with them. Whether it be administrative assistance, event work or maybe it is additional labour, it is very likely that the perfect volunteer is waiting.
Volunteer Opportunities can be provided to Karina Rita at karina@saamisimmigration.ca
More ways to get involved:
- Saamis is always interested in connecting with those willing to share their knowledge in the classroom. They have classes and courses of all shapes and sizes. Everything from Driving Preparation, Budgeting to the more in-depth cross-cultural parenting and computer basics.
- Skills based workshops are a fun and educational aspect to their programming. Bet you didn’t think you’d ever find an engaged audience interested in learning about your passion for Orienteering! Lead a skills group on a topic like Cooking, Sewing or Home Maintenance.
MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE CUTS THE TAPE AND WELCOMES A NEW PHARMACY TECHNICIAN LAB SPACE
Medicine Hat College has officially opened a new pharmacy technician lab space on Jan 28, 2026, to replicate a real pharmacy environment for students.
The new space, located in the Co-op Mall on 13th Ave., includes sterile and non-sterile compounding rooms.
Students enrolled in the program will receive the training necessary to compound, prepare, and dispense prescriptions and pharmaceutical products under the direction of pharmacists. The Full Story Here
ALBERTA REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORK PRESENTS: PERFECTING YOUR PITCHES WITH BRANDY OLD AND CRAIG ELIAS
Are you an early-stage entrepreneur looking to perfect your pitch so you attract investors, customers, or mentors? Then you won’t want to miss this special three-part workshop series: How to Perfect Your Pitches.
Designed specifically for emerging founders, startups, and small business owners, this interactive series will reveal the secrets to crafting pitches that get results — whether you're trying to break into an accelerator, secure funding, or win over your first customers. Each session features brand-new content, hands-on practice, and real-time feedback from facilitators and peers.
This FREE, ONLINE series is hosted by Alberta’s eight Regional Innovation Networks, supported by Alberta Innovates.
February 7 | February 21 | February 28 - More information and to register
New Year. New Savings: Elavon Promotion
From invoicing and managing inventory to staff scheduling, and analytics we have solutions to help your business run efficiently and securely accept payments, from anywhere that your customers are located – at the counter, in the aisle, online, or curbside.
To get you started we will give you a $150 statement credit* when you open a new payment processing account for your business by February 28, 2026. Learn more and get started today!
* To qualify for the promotion, you must sign up for a new payment processing account with Elavon Canada between January 1 and February 28, 2026. Merchant accounts must be activated and actively processing payment transactions by March 15, 2026 for a minimum of one week and be in an open status at the time of the incentive credit. A one-time $150 credit will be applied to your Elavon statement within 90 days after the first deposit date. Limit one credit per customer. Cannot be combined with another offer. Elavon reserves the right in its sole discretion to modify, suspend or terminate the promotion at any time without additional notice. Restrictions may apply. Services provided by Elavon Canada Company.
Copyright © 2026 Elavon Canada Company. All rights reserved. Elavon is a trademark in the United States and/or other countries. All rights reserved. All features and specifications are subject to change without notice. This document is prepared by Elavon as a service for its customers. The information discussed is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation.
Fill Up On Funding
INDIGENOUS EARLY LEARNING AND CHILD CARE (IELCC) - QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS (QIP) - FUNDING PROGRAM
This funding opportunity aims to develop and promote best practices or innovative models in Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) programs. It will fund projects that explore ways to improve IELCC. More Information and to apply
First Nations, Inuit and Métis children have the right to access high-quality and culturally appropriate early learning and child care programs that reflect their languages, traditions and values. That is why the Government of Canada is investing in early learning and child care that is designed and led by Indigenous governments and communities to build the foundation for children to succeed.
Application period: January 14, 2026 to March 25, 2026, at 3:00 pm, (EDT)
Funding amount: Up to $2 million for a project that is up to 36 months in duration
Who can apply: Indigenous communities, Indigenous governments, and Indigenous organizations
Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant | Deadline: October 31, 2026
Funded by the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Manufacturing Productivity Grant (AMPG) helps small- and medium-sized manufacturers with between 5 and 750 employees improve their operations, invest in technology to automate production and increase competitiveness in markets across Canada and abroad. The program guidelines are available here: https://cme-mec.ca/guidelines-ampg/
Apply now to access an assessment of the viability of your chosen technology, and up to $30,000 in matching funding for technology adoption
ALBERTA REAL ESTATE FOUNDATION INVESTMENT GRANTS
Supporting and advancing education, research, law reform, and other activities related to real estate across three funding priorities with up to $250,000 in funding.
Application Deadline: March 24, 2026 | More information and to apply
BLUE CROSS: BUILT TOGETHER FUND
The Built Together program helps Albertans build spaces for active living in their community whether it be a skate park, playground, outdoor gym, or sports court etc.
Program Re-opens on May 12, 2026 | More Information and to Apply
Barrier-Free Finances Scholarship
The Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation (IEF) is proud to announce the launch of the Barrier-Free Founders Scholarship Cohort, a new scholarship initiative designed to expand access to financial literacy and investment-readiness education for entrepreneurs with disabilities across Canada.
CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES PROGRAM
The program will:
- help the agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based products sector ('agricultural sector') take advantage of a situation or circumstance to develop a new idea, product, niche, or market opportunity
- respond to new and emerging issues (address sector issues that were unknown or not a concern before)
- find and test solutions to new and ongoing issues to adapt and remain competitive
Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until the end of the program on March 31, 2029, or until funding has been fully committed or otherwise announced
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the January 27th crossword puzzle.
Remember that subscribing to our weekly email gets you access to the crossword puzzle. Anyone who sends us their answers will get their name put into our quarterly draw.
The prize? Receive 5 promotional credits with us (for members) or credit towards a membership (for non-members)! Oh and bragging rights that you're a crossword master.
Other Events
Events — APEX | Regional Innovation Network of SE AB
February 7, 21, & 28 | Perfecting Your Pitches | Virtual
February 18 | Boosting Sales when Cash is Tight-BDC | Virtual
Useful Links
Follow us on social media for up-to-the-minute updates
The Voice: February 3rd, 2026
February is Black History Month, Stay Ahead with Alberta’s New Labour Market Info Portal, Alberta’s Corporate Income Tax Year in Review, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News February is Black History Month Each February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and celebrations that honour the legacy…
Read More The Voice: January 27th, 2026
Competition Bureau Report Public Feedback on Algorithmic Pricing, Canada Diverges from US on Chinese EV Tariff Policy, Alberta Business Awards of Distinction Nominations Now Open, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News COMPETITION BUREAU REPORT PUBLIC FEEDBACK ON ALGORITHMIC PRICING AND COMPETITION Algorithmic pricing is on the rise worldwide. In…
Read More The Voice: January 20th, 2026
January is Mentoring Month, Competition Bureau Launches Study, Nominations Open for Alberta’s Highest Honour, Automobile Tax Deduction Limits for 2026, and more all in this week’s edition of The Voice. Business News JANUARY IS MENTORING MONTH Mentoring takes many forms – spontaneous, planned, formal, informal, online, in-person. Mentorship plays a vital role at every stage…
Read More