Strengthening Alberta Small Business
When Entrepreneurs Thrive, Alberta Thrives.
Business Link Alberta has been helping small business owners start and grow businesses across the province for over 30 years. Since opening our doors in the mid-1990s, we have supported Alberta business owners through changing industries, economic shifts, and major changes in how business is done, from fax machines and in-person resource libraries to webinars, digital tools, and online learning. Through it all, our focus has remained the same: making business support practical, accessible, and easier to navigate for entrepreneurs across Alberta.
Today, we continue to help small businesses succeed through free one-on-one guidance, practical education, online resources, and meaningful connections that empower small busines owners to move forward with confidence.
Our Work in Alberta
From April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, Business Link Alberta supported small business owners in communities across the province through practical guidance, education, and connections.
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.
563
Indigenous Entrepreneurs Supported
Supporting Indigenous business owners and aspiring small business owners throughout Alberta.
1,244
Newcomer Small Businesses Supported
Helping newcomers navigate entrepreneurship and business ownership.
1,092
In-Depth Guidance Services
Extended support including market research, planning, and business guidance.
83
Net Promoter Score
Reflecting strong client satisfaction and willingness to recommend Business Link Alberta.
WHY IT MATTERS
Supporting small business owners strengthens Alberta communities
Small businesses are a major part of Alberta’s economy and communities. In Alberta, a small business is typically defined as a business with fewer than 50 employees, with many operating with fewer than 10 staff or as solo entrepreneurs.
From tradespeople and restaurants to consultants, retailers, tourism operators, farms, wellness providers, and tech startups, small businesses create jobs, provide local services, and help communities grow across the province.
- 169,337 small businesses were operating in Alberta in 2024.
- 95.4% of all Alberta businesses in the province are small businesses.
- Small businesses support 34.9% of Alberta’s private-sector employment, representing more than half a million jobs.
- Alberta is home to 34.3 small businesses per 1,000 residents, exceeding the national average of 31.2.
Source: Government of Alberta, Alberta Small Business Profile 2025
For many entrepreneurs, starting a business means navigating uncertainty, learning new skills, and making important decisions without a large team or dedicated resources behind them. Access to practical support, education, and trusted connections can make a meaningful difference.
That’s where Business Link Alberta comes in. For more than 30 years, we have helped small business owners across Alberta move from idea to action through accessible guidance, practical tools, and support at every stage of the business journey.
HOW WE CREATE IMPACT
Support for every stage of the business journey
Alberta small business owners access Business Link Alberta support in many different ways, from one-on-one support and practical learning opportunities to specialized programs and community connections.
Personalized support
Free one-on-one guidance from experienced strategists helping entrepreneurs navigate planning, marketing, operations, financing, and growth.
Practical Education
Webinars, market research, business tools, and online resources designed to build knowledge and confidence.
Connections & Opportunities
Access to specialized programs, ecosystem partners, funding opportunities, and resources across Alberta.
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Real entrepreneurs. Real impact.
Behind every statistic is an small business owner working to turn an idea into a successful business. Here’s one example of how Business Link Alberta supports entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
La Casita Coffee Cochrane
Martha and Luis, founders of Colombian Harvest Coffee and Food and La Casita in Cochrane, started with a vision to share Colombian coffee, culture, and community. After pivoting from plans for a permanent café to launching a mobile coffee trailer, they connected with Business Link Alberta for support through webinars and the Digital Marketing Program to help grow their business and strengthen their online presence.
Their story is one example of how Business Link Alberta supports entrepreneurs through practical guidance, education, and connections at every stage of the business journey.
“Business Link really paid attention to what we needed and helped us improve step-by-step.”
SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ACROSS ALBERTA
Accessible support, wherever business happens.
From major cities to rural and remote communities, Business Link Alberta helps entrepreneurs access the guidance, education, and resources they need to succeed. Services are designed to be accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of Alberta’s diverse business community.
171 Communities Reached
563 Indigenous Entrepreneurs Supported
1,244 Newcomer Small Business Owners Supported
ENTREPRENEUR SUCCESS STORIES
Small Business Stories from Across Alberta
From retailers and tradespeople to food businesses and professional services, Alberta business owners are building successful businesses in communities across the province with help from Business Link Alberta.
PROGRAMS IN ACTION
Supporting entrepreneurs through guidance, education, and specialized programs
Business Link Alberta continually evolves its services to meet the changing needs of small business owners, offering practical support, targeted programming, and opportunities to build business skills and confidence.
Digital Marketing Program
Helping Alberta businesses strengthen their digital presence
Through the Digital Marketing Program, Alberta entrepreneurs receive personalized digital marketing guidance and educational support designed to improve visibility, build confidence, and strengthen long-term business growth. The program has already supported hundreds of businesses across the province.
- 400 businesses supported
- 1,538 webinar participants
- 80.3 NPS
Business Launch Program
Helping small businesses move from idea to launch
Starting a business can feel overwhelming. Business Link provides one-on-one support, market research, planning support, and practical guidance that helps entrepreneurs take confident next steps.
Webinars & Learning
Practical education for every stage of business
From marketing and finance to operations and growth, Business Link webinars and educational programming help small business owners build knowledge, solve challenges, and make informed business decisions.
More than 3,400 participants attended webinars and events during 2025–26.
LOOKING AHEAD
Continuing to support small businesses across Alberta
Business Link Alberta continues to evolve its programs and services to meet the changing needs of entrepreneurs. Through personalized guidance, practical education, digital innovation, and strong community partnerships, we remain focused on helping Alberta small businesses start, grow, and succeed.
Our services are funded by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), a federal agency within the Innovation, Science and Economic Development department and provincially by the Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade.
