2025–2026 Report to the Community

Alberta Small Business: Our Impact, Our Community

Join Business Link Alberta on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 12:00–1:30 p.m. for a virtual presentation of our 2025–2026 Report to the Community.

For more than 30 years, Business Link Alberta has helped entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Join us as we reflect on the past year, celebrate the people behind the numbers, and look ahead.

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ABOUT THE EVENT

Small Businesses, Big Impact

Small businesses are an essential part of Alberta’s economy and communities. Across the province, entrepreneurs create jobs, introduce new ideas, provide essential products and services, strengthen local economies, and help make Alberta more diverse and resilient.
 
During this 90-minute virtual event, Business Link Alberta will share highlights from our 2025–2026 Report to the Community and the stories, results, and insights that shaped our year.
 
The presentation will provide a look at who Business Link Alberta served, what Alberta entrepreneurs told us they need, how we worked with partners across the province, and how our work is evolving to support Alberta’s small business community.
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WHAT WE'LL SHARE

Alberta Small Business Today

A snapshot of Alberta’s small business landscape and its role in our economy and communities.

Our Impact Across Alberta

Our 2025–2026 reach across entrepreneurs, communities, events, programs and one-to-one support.

The People Behind the Numbers

Stories from entrepreneurs and small business owners we’ve supported across Alberta.

What We're Hearing

Insights into the challenges and opportunities Alberta entrepreneurs are navigating.

Where We're Going Next

Our priorities for strengthening small business support and creating greater impact across Alberta.

2025–2026 IMPACT AT A GLANCE

4,822

Small Business Owners Supported

Individuals who accessed Business Link Alberta services and support.

171

Communities Reached

Entrepreneurs served across urban, rural, and remote Alberta communities.

3,412

Webinar & Event Attendees

Attendees at Business Link Alberta webinars and events throughout Alberta.

1,092

In-Depth Guidance Services

Extended support including market research, planning, and business guidance.

17,149

Client Interactions

Interactions with entrepreneurs across our one-to-one guidance, programs, research and services.

83

Net Promoter Score

Reflecting strong client satisfaction and willingness to recommend Business Link Alberta.

PRESENTERS

Paul Cataford nobg

Paul Cataford

Executive Director, Business Link Alberta

Paul Cataford is the Executive Director of Business Link Alberta, bringing decades of experience in finance, entrepreneurship, technology commercialization and corporate leadership. His career has included roles in banking and investment, leading the University of Calgary’s technology transfer office, co-founding a Calgary medical device company, and serving on the boards of more than 35 companies and organizations. Paul is passionate about public service, community and supporting entrepreneurship and small business across Alberta.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This event is for anyone interested in Alberta’s small business community, including:
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Join Us on September 16

Learn more about the entrepreneurs Business Link Alberta serves, the impact of free small business support across Alberta, and where we see opportunities to continue strengthening Alberta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
  • Wednesday, September 16, 2026
  • 12:00–1:30 p.m. MT
  • Virtual
  • Free

Please Note: This virtual event will be recorded. Following the event, the recording and Business Link Alberta’s fully designed 2025–2026 Report to the Community will be made available on this page.

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