Written by Evelyn Mytka, Contributing Writer
Canada Day is a chance to celebrate everything that makes this country special, and that includes the incredible small businesses right here in Alberta. In fact, small businesses make up about 95% of all businesses in the province, making them the backbone of our economy and the communities we call home. Whether you’re picking up treats for a backyard BBQ, finding the perfect locally made host gift, or simply choosing to shop close to home, supporting local businesses is a meaningful way to celebrate Canada Day.
Alberta-Made, Community-Powered
To mark Canada Day, we’re proud to spotlight a few of the many incredible entrepreneurs we’ve worked with at Business Link Alberta. These local small businesses have used our free programs and services to help start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. Together, they showcase the creativity, resilience, and diversity that make Alberta’s economy and communities so vibrant.
Kugurt (Calgary)
Kugurt creates natural, plant-based beverages inspired by traditional recipes and made for modern, healthy lifestyles. Their product line includes hibiscus juice, millet drink, and tiger nut milk, all crafted with high-quality ingredients to provide nutritious alternatives to sugary drinks. Committed to quality and wellness, Kugurt’s mission is to make healthy, refreshing beverages more accessible while supporting healthier communities across Western Canada.
Glory Gourmet (Calgary & Airdrie)
Glory Gourmet is a Calgary-based meal prep company that creates chef-made, ready-to-eat meals designed to make healthy eating both convenient and delicious. Their weekly rotating menu features balanced, macro-counted meals with globally inspired flavours, alongside high-protein options and family-sized trays, all delivered fresh across Calgary and Airdrie. With an emphasis on restaurant-quality taste, consistent portioning, and fresh ingredients, Glory Gourmet helps busy people enjoy nutritious meals without compromising on flavour.
Icy Mountain Water Co. Ltd. (Medicine Hat)
Icy Mountain Water Co. Ltd. is a locally owned, family-run business in Medicine Hat that has proudly served our community since 1992. We specialize in pure reverse osmosis water, premium locally made cubed and block ice, and quality products that help keep families, businesses, and summer celebrations running smoothly. From water and ice to propane, SodaStream refills, firewood, and local delivery, we are proud to be a one-stop shop for everyday essentials with small-town service. We are Canada proud, community proud, and this summer we are proud to be teaming up with the Special Olympics Medicine Hat Summer Games – Go Canada!
Pupslurp (Calgary)
PupSlurp is a Calgary-based company that creates wholesome, human-grade bone broth and treats for dogs using simple, high-quality ingredients. Founded by dog lover Ritesh Andley, the business focuses on supporting canine hydration, nutrition, and overall wellness with products that contain no artificial preservatives or fillers. PupSlurp’s mission is to help pet owners give their dogs healthy, natural treats they’ll love while making everyday nutrition simple and enjoyable.
Tupi Acai Bowls (Edmonton, Sherwood Park & Calgary)
Tupí Açaí Bowls is an Alberta-born business serving authentic Brazilian-style açaí bowls, superfruit bowls, smoothies, and wellness gelato. With locations in Calgary, Edmonton, and Sherwood Park, Tupí brings people together over fresh, nourishing food made with high-quality ingredients. Their signature açaí bowls are both dairy-free and gluten-free, with a wide variety of toppings, making them a delicious and refreshing option for a healthy treat.
Magpies Collection (Leduc)
Magpies Collection is a family-owned gift shop in Leduc that has been delighting shoppers since 2015. With more than 2,000 carefully selected items, including toys, puzzles, handmade gifts, housewares, greeting cards, and sweet treats, it’s become a destination for both locals and visitors. Known for its nostalgic atmosphere, creaky wood floors, and warm community spirit, Magpies Collection offers a one-stop gift shopping experience with complimentary gift wrapping.
El Chorizo Latino (Edmonton)
This family-run company offers authentic Argentinean, Colombian, Puerto Rican, and Mexican chorizos — perfect for grilling or including in a charcuterie spread. Products are available through Edmonton pick-up and local farmers’ markets.
CaroQuilla (Edmonton)
Sustainable underwear and reusable pads made with bamboo, supporting mental health—with 1% of sales donated to mental wellbeing causes. Eco-conscious and comfort-focused.
Last Shot Apparel (Edmonton)
This sustainable clothing brand turns Canadian deadstock fabric into hoodies, tees, and more, minimizing waste and promoting circular fashion.
FirstBase Skincare (Calgary)
Founded by April Ferguson in 2022, this ECOCERT® organic, vegan line features clinically backed Vitamin C serum and cruelty-free formulas, made right here in Calgary.
Daddy C’s Jerk Sauce (Calgary)
Launched in 2020 by Yvonne and Vindel Chang, Daddy C’s offers authentic Jamaican jerk sauces—mild, hot, and vegan—ideal for Canada Day BBQs. Available in Calgary retailers and grocery chains.
The Bare Company (Crowsnest Pass)
This family-run brand crafts small-batch, non-toxic cleaners in the Rocky Mountains using plant- and mineral-based ingredients that are gentle on your family and local waterways. From their all-purpose cleaner and bathroom bundles to dishwasher detergent and glass spray, everything is refillable and free from synthetic chemicals. Many products are available in local refill stations and eco-conscious retailers across Alberta.
Corral Rustic Furniture (Foothills, Alberta)
Crafted by master woodworker Francisco Munoz‑Corral whose passion for woodworking began over 50 years ago in Mexico, Corral Rustic Furniture creates heirloom-quality pieces by hand right here in Alberta. Their showroom features one-of-a-kind rustic treasures like bed frames, cutting boards, hall trees, framed art, mirrors, and tables, all designed to blend timeless tradition with modern comfort.
Stolen Harvest Meadery (Grovedale, Alberta)
Nestled on a ten-acre forest property near Grovedale, Stolen Harvest Meadery handcrafts small-batch meads using local honey and wild-foraged fruits. Founded by Kristeva Dowling, their award-winning flavours, like Wild Rose Petal and Saskatoon Berry, reflect Alberta’s landscape.
Family Coffee Trade (Calgary)
This roastery brings the rich coffee-growing legacy of Guatemala to Alberta—importing beans from family-run farms (dating back to the 1890s) and roasting them fresh locally. Founded in 2021, they focus on sustainability, direct trade, and preserving agricultural tradition, offering subscriptions and free shipping across Canada.
Infused Mediterranean Foods (Edmonton)
Founded by Chef Ruba Al‑Qishawi in 2017, this Edmonton-based producer offers small-batch, preservative-free hummus and heat-and-eat falafel. Drawing on Palestinian family recipes and made with local, gluten‑free, vegan ingredients, their flavorful line-up includes classic hummus and four chef-inspired varieties. Available at farmers’ markets and grocery shelves across Alberta, they deliver Middle Eastern taste rooted in Canadian-made quality.
The Cove Tea Company (Stony Plain)
The Cove Tea Company hand-blends luxury loose-leaf teas, artisan syrups, and tea bombs in small batches, using only natural ingredients. Recently reimagined to reflect a “cove of peace,” the brand focuses on bringing calm and elegance to every cup. Their ethically sourced teas and commitment to compostable packaging reflect a strong focus on sustainability. You can now visit their newly opened café in Stony Plain or find them online and at artisan markets across the Edmonton area.
This Canada Day, consider choosing one (or more!) of these Albertan treasures. Whether you’re firing up the grill, hosting a gathering, or simply pampering yourself or a loved one, there’s something local to enhance the moment.
Thinking of launching, growing, or scaling a local business of your own? Get free advice from a Business Link Strategist, whether you’re just getting started or planning your next big step.
