Small Business Week is a time to celebrate Alberta’s entrepreneurs and small business owners, make new connections, and learn something new.
From October 15–25, 2026, organizations and communities across Alberta are hosting workshops, networking opportunities, learning sessions, celebrations, and other events for the small business community.
We’ve rounded up events happening across the province to help you find what’s happening near you. We’ll continue updating this list as new events are announced, so check back for more.
Small Business Week Events in Alberta
Thursday, October 15
Business After Hours: Small Business Week Kickoff
Calgary | In person | 5:00–7:30 p.m.
Kick off Small Business Week with the Calgary Chamber at ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen for an evening featuring a private cooking lesson, food, and opportunities to connect with Calgary’s business community.
2026 Small Business Week Mixer at Trackside Distillery
Wetaskiwin | In person | 2:00–5:00 p.m.
Connect with local businesses during a casual Small Business Week mixer hosted by the Leduc, Nisku & Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber. Drop in to make new connections, share ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Saturday, October 17
Canada’s Succession Summit
Calgary | In person | 8:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Connect with business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, advisors, and policymakers for a day focused on business succession and Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) in Canada. Explore ownership transitions, access to capital, seller readiness, and opportunities to strengthen Canada’s business succession ecosystem.
Monday, October 19
Mental Health Monday: The Hidden Weight of Entrepreneurship
Calgary | In person | 1:00–2:30 p.m.
A conversation about the mental and emotional realities of entrepreneurship, including financial pressure, uncertainty, decision fatigue, burnout, and balancing the demands of running a business with life outside of work.
Small Business Launchpad
Edmonton | Multiple sessions
The Edmonton Chamber kicks off Small Business Week with a day focused on foundational skills for small business owners and professionals. Programming includes a kickoff breakfast and keynote, a session on communicating with confidence, a headshot clinic, and AI for small business.
Tuesday, October 20
Business Link Alberta Small Business Week Event
Edmonton | In person | October 20 | Time TBD
Join Business Link Alberta in Edmonton for a Small Business Week event. More details and registration information are coming soon.
Member Coffee Meet-Up: Small Business Week
Calgary | In person | 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Connect with Calgary’s business community over coffee during a casual morning of networking, idea sharing, and conversation.
Understanding the Export Landscape as a Small Business
Calgary | In person | 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Explore opportunities and considerations for small businesses interested in entering international markets during this practical workshop with Export Development Canada.
HR Essentials
Edmonton | Multiple sessions
Tuesday’s Edmonton programming focuses on the people behind a business, with sessions covering HR, hiring, onboarding, compliance, employee relations, one-on-one HR consultations, and networking.
Women in Business Luncheon & Awards
Grande Prairie | In person | 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Celebrate leadership and achievement in Grande Prairie’s business community at the 2026 Women in Business Luncheon. The event features a presentation from Christine Ayling of the Virtues Project on leadership and workplace culture, along with awards recognizing local businesses for customer service, employment, and new business success.
Wednesday, October 21
Small Business Week: A Women’s Entrepreneurial Summit 2026
Calgary | In person | 12:30–5:00 p.m.
Connect with women entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and community partners for an afternoon of learning, networking, and practical support. The summit includes an entrepreneur ecosystem tradeshow, a women entrepreneur panel, interactive breakout sessions, and a coaching corner.
Building Brilliance: A Conversation with Rachel Mielke, Founder and CEO, Hillberg & Berk
Calgary | In person | 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Hear from entrepreneur Rachel Mielke about her experience growing Hillberg & Berk from a small startup into a nationally recognized jewellery brand.
Finance for Your Small Business
Calgary | Hybrid | 1:00–2:15 p.m.
Learn practical financial strategies for growing a small business, managing risk, and making informed financial decisions.
Government & Defence Procurement
Edmonton | Multiple sessions
Explore how small businesses can access government and defence procurement opportunities, with sessions covering the Buy Canadian Policy, doing business with the federal government, municipal government connections, and defence procurement.
2026 Business of the Year Awards
Red Deer | In person | 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Celebrate businesses, organizations, and local leaders from across Central Alberta at the Red Deer District Chamber’s annual Business of the Year Awards. The evening recognizes achievements across seven categories, including Small Business of the Year, New Business of the Year, Innovation Award, and Emerging Business Person of the Year.
Thursday, October 22
Business Link Alberta Small Business Week Event
Calgary | In person | October 22 | Time TBD
Join Business Link Alberta in Calgary for a Small Business Week event. More details and registration information are coming soon.
Fostering a Vibrant Edmonton
Edmonton | Multiple sessions
Thursday’s Edmonton programming focuses on the businesses, partnerships, and people contributing to the local economy and community, including a Small Business Spotlight and networking opportunities.
2026 Lethbridge Business Awards
Lethbridge | In person | 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Celebrate businesses and entrepreneurs from across the Lethbridge region at the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Awards, featuring a reception, dinner, and awards presentation recognizing achievements in the local business community.
Business Excellence Awards of Distinction 2026
St. Albert | In person | 5:30–9:00 p.m.
Celebrate the achievements of local businesses at the St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Excellence Awards of Distinction, featuring a cocktail reception, dinner, and awards ceremony.
A Taste of the Arts Celebration & Awards
Grande Prairie | In person | 5:30–9:00 p.m.
Celebrate Grande Prairie’s business and arts communities with an evening of local food, live performances, and business recognition. The event will also recognize local businesses with the Legacy Business Award and Small Business of the Year Awards.
Friday, October 23
Build and Grow: Take Your Business to the Next Level
Spruce Grove | In person
Connect with fellow business owners, hear from a panel of local entrepreneurs, and discover resources and organizations that can support your business as it grows.
Calgary Small Business Awards Gala
Calgary | In person | 5:30–11:30 p.m.
Celebrate Calgary’s small business community and 30 finalists across 10 award categories at the Calgary Chamber’s annual Small Business Awards Gala.
#ShopLocalYEG
Edmonton | Multiple activities
Edmonton wraps up Small Business Week with a day celebrating local businesses, products, storefronts, and experiences, including a special Coffee with the Chamber: Trade Show Edition.
2026 Leduc October Luncheon: Celebrating Small Business Week
Nisku | In person | 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Celebrate Small Business Week with the Leduc, Nisku & Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber and hear from local small business owners about collaboration, building connections, and finding opportunities for mutual growth.
More Small Business Week Events Coming Soon
Small Business Week events are happening in communities across Alberta, and we’ll continue adding to this list as more are announced.
Check back for updates and more opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate Alberta’s small business community.
Keep Building Your Business
Small Business Week may only happen once a year, but support for your business is available year-round.
Business Link Alberta offers free one-on-one support, market research, webinars, tools, and resources to help Alberta entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate starting, running, and growing a business.
Explore Business Link Alberta’s free business support
