general resources
- Alberta Innovates - Catalysts for research and innovation in Alberta; offering businesses coaching, access to workshops and events; and support with funding and grants.
- Business Link - Helping Alberta small businesses to start and thrive, providing free access to experts.
- Community Futures Alberta – Rural small business support, including business plans, guidance, and funding.
- Prairies Economic Development – Supports economic growth and diversification across the prairies.
- Public Services and Procurement Canada - Opportunities to win government contracts and bid on RFPs.
- Strathcona County Economic Development and Tourism – Works on the growth of the community through business and development attraction, retention, and support.
Resources specific to entrepreneurs
- Alberta Women Entrepreneurs – Tools and resources for women, including access to capital.
- Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program – Helping people with barriers or health conditions start and grow businesses.
- Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program – Access to dedicated support officers, workshops, and micro-loans.
- The Forum – Canadian charity that energizes, educates, mentors, and connects self-identified women entrepreneurs.
- Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub – National network and digital platform for sharing research, resources, and strategy.
- Women’s Enterprises Organizations of Canada – An association of organizations that provide programs to business owners.
resources for indigenous women
- Alberta MétisWorks - Alberta MétisWorks is an online business directory of Métis owned and verified businesses.
- Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business - CCAB builds bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, businesses, and communities.
- Esquao – Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women - Experts in the field of advocacy, policy, program delivery and support, and continually work to advance the capacity of Indigenous women, their families, and communities.
- Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship Program - Indigenous women have access to dedicated Business Support Officers, routine workshops and training, and micro-loans to help kick start and grow their businesses.
- Indigenous Youth Entrepreneurship Program - Committed to breaking down barriers by offering distinctions bases funding for women and youth.
- Native Women’s Association of Canada - Enhancing, promoting, and fostering the social, economic, cultural and political well-being of Indigenous women within their respective communities and Canada societies.