Business Advisory Network

Click on the headings below to access any of these websites

Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development
Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development supplies a wide range of technical, financial, planning and market development support for farms, agribusiness and food processors.

Alberta Finance & Enterprise
Alberta Finance & Enterprise provides services and programs that are designed to enhance regional business activity. Core services include export readiness and trade, value-added industry development, supplier development and access to capital and market intelligence. Other information available includes statistics, demographics and financial performance indicators for specific business opportunities as well as a wide range of business resources.

Alberta Employment & Immigration
Alberta Employment & Immigration's mission is to ensure that all Albertans have the skills they need to actively participate in the labour market. Services offered include:

Counselling and information on labour market and job trends Information for employers on human resource issues Publications specifically designed for employers Labour Standards information Workplace Health and Safety information Advice, counselling and training programs for Albertans who need to change their career or employment due to changes in their employer's or their personal circumstances Referral to other service or training providers in the community

AFSC Commercial
AFSC Commercial is an alternate source of business financing. They can provide assistance for the purchase of land, buildings, equipment and inventory to supplement working capital. Loans also may be obtained to purchase an existing business or refinance existing debt. Financing can be utilized for start-ups or the expansion of existing businesses.

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
BDC offers a full range of services, including specialized financing and business consulting, management training and mentoring to support small and medium-sized businesses. BDC is able to provide entrepreneurs with complete solutions to their business needs.

The Central Alberta Rural Manufacturers Association (CARMA) is the voice of manufacturing in central Alberta. It is a network of innovative manufacturers of all sizes, from a wide range of industry sectors, who work together exploring new ways of enhancing productivity and improving their bottom lines. CARMA members often compare notes on local issues and the challenges of competing in an ever-changing, global marketplace.

City of Red Deer's Land & Economic Development
The City of Red Deer's Land and Economic Development compiles demographic information and other statistical material on Red Deer. The department also acts as a facilitator to those persons requiring information on doing business in or with The City of Red Deer. In addition, the department is responsible for residential and industrial land sales and development of City owned properties.

Community Futures Central Alberta
Community Futures provides fundamental entrepreneurial tools such as information sources, contacts and networks. They also provide counseling for start-ups, follow-up management assistance to their financial clients and investment funds. They may be able to finance your project if conventional financing is not readily available and they may also participate in your venture financially with other investors and lenders.

Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) - National Research Council
The aim of IRAP is to help Canadian firms effectively adapt technology to stimulate productivity, profitability and international competitiveness. Small and medium-size companies are eligible for support from IRAP for feasibility studies, research, development and adaptation of new technology. Firms can access the family of services offered by IRAP through the Industrial Technology Advisor at Red Deer College.

Red Deer Chamber of Commerce
The Red Deer Chamber is funded by business for business. It acts as an advocacy group for business and efficiently presents the views to all levels of government. The Chamber also provides extensive information on Red Deer's marketplace and export market development.

Red Deer College Continuing Education
Department offers a variety of continuing education courses tailored to meet both professional and personal development goals. Examples of the training opportunities include management education, health and fitness, industrial and computer training. These open enrollment courses are delivered by professional facilitators on campus, at the work site and in international settings.

Red Deer County Economic Development
Whether you're thinking of locating your business to Red Deer County or you're already here and looking to expand, the Economic Development department is your one-stop shop for business venture information and resources. With access to high-level provincial and federal officials, they can also help make the connections and walk through the necessary requirements of moving into international markets. Guided by progressive development, traditional values, and a business ready approach, Red Deer County is a great place to do business.

Red Deer Downtown Business Association
The Downtown Business Association actively promotes and facilitates programs that establish downtown as a welcoming and attractive destination for both residents and tourists. It creates, coordinates and implements cost-effective cooperative advertising promotions and other marketing efforts to attract patrons to downtown businesses. The association also serves as an intermediary between business and all levels of government.

Service Canada
Service Canada is the federal government department responsible for providing all Canadians with the tools they need to thrive and prosper in the workplace and community. Service Canada administers numerous programs related to employment insurance, youth employment and homelessness issues.

Tourism Red Deer
Tourism Red Deer is a non-profit society responsible for tourism development and promotion of Red Deer and area. Businesses can take advantage of a variety of opportunities to promote their services to visitors. Tourism Red Deer promotes Red Deer to attract visitors, provides year-round visitor information services and develops and distributes tourist literature.

For more information please contact the Economic Development department at 403.357.2367 or tharke@rdcounty.ca