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Introduction:

Invest Olds is invested in retaining and expanding our local business community. Invest Olds provides business support services and collaborates with a host of service providers to ensure your needs are addressed. Support services include everything from entrepreneur support, business planning services, financing, training, and more.

Entrepreneur Support

One-On-One Advice

Business Link offers a team of in-house small business experts who can help you navigate the process of starting and running a business with free one-on-one advice. Whether you’re just starting out and have no idea what to do next, or you’re an established business owner, our business strategists will help you find the answers to all your questions. If we don’t know the answers, we’ll connect you with someone who does. 

BDC Young Entrepreneur

Business Development Bank of Canada’s entrepreneurship opportunities for youth.

Futurpreneur Canada

Assisting young entrepreneurs to get their ideas off the ground, Youth Business offers programs and services that allow them to achieve economic independence, develop self-confidence, and fulfill their goals of self-employment. 

Central Alberta Community Futures

Community Futures staff offer a wide variety of business coaching and training services, as well as flexible small business loans. We’re always here for you – no matter what stage your business may be at.

Indigenous Support

Business link can provide Indigenous entrepreneurs with the help and resources needed to get your business off the ground.  No matter what stage of starting a business you’re in, we’re here for you! 

Indigenous Resources

We have the resources and tools available to help your small business grow and thrive. Our Indigenous Business Strategists are ready to provide free one-on-one advice and share resources and tools to make your business a success. 

Immigrant Support

While all entrepreneurs face challenges, Business Link acknowledges that immigrants face additional barriers to starting and running a business. That’s why we offer specialized support and resources for aspiring and established immigrant entrepreneurs across Alberta. 

Immigrant Entrepreneur Guidebooks
Small Business Guides

Business Link has translated some of our Small Business Guides to Spanish and Mandarin to help you with your small business. Looking for more guides? You can find all of our Small Business Guides in English and French. 

Business Planning

Central Alberta Community Futures

Community Futures staff offer a wide variety of business coaching and training services, as well as flexible small business loans. We’re always here for you – no matter what stage your business may be at. 

Business Plan Reviews

You’re serious about your business idea. You’ve written a business plan and you want to use it to launch or pivot your business. Or maybe you’ll take the plan to a bank or potential business partner. You know your idea is great. But does your business plan communicate that effectively?  Work with Business Link expert business strategists to get the advice you need to make your business dreams a reality. Business Link’s business plan review service is designed to make sure your business plan is complete and compelling. 

Market Research

Entrepreneurs create ideas for new products and services all the time. Let’s ensure yours is going places by exploring whether a market exists for your idea and what that market looks like. 

Business Grants/ Incentives

Business Financing

Central Alberta Community Futures

Community Futures staff offer a wide variety of business coaching and training services, as well as flexible small business loans. We’re always here for you – no matter what stage your business may be at. 

Alberta Indian Investment Corporation 

Offers financial and general business assistance for First Nation entrepreneurs on/off reserve

The Indian Business Corporation (IBC) 

IBC provides direct and indirect financing for Alberta Treaty (First Nation) individuals and groups. 

Settlement Investment Corporation

Access commercial debt financing and development of management skills through the Must be a resident of a Metis Settlement or corporation that a Métis settler owns at least 51% of the business. 

Unlock Growth: Your Gateway to Business Training, Grants, and More!

An individual from the educated labour force diligently working on a laptop.

Unlock Growth: Your Gateway to Business Training, Grants, and More Schedule!

Business Taxes, Regulations, Intellectual Property, Procurement, Etc.

Canada Revenue Agency Small Business Video Gallery

Find small business tax answers with the business video gallery.  Businesses have unique needs, and understanding your tax obligations and how to meet them can be challenging. Access Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) videos and webinars, and their transcripts, to learn more about how to manage your business’s tax affairs at

Government of Canada Services

Business loans, grants, taxes, permits and regulations, intellectual property, business support and how to sell to government. 

Business Benefits Finder

Find the right programs and services, whether you’re starting out or scaling up. 

Canadian Industry Statistics

Canadian Industry Statistics (CIS) analyses industry data on many economic indicators using the most recent data from Statistics Canada. CIS looks at industry trends and financial information, such as GDP, Labour Productivity, Manufacturing and Trade data. 

Indigenous Services Canada

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) works collaboratively with partners to improve access to high quality services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Our vision is to support and empower Indigenous peoples to independently deliver services and address the socio-economic conditions in their communities. 

FAQ:

Do I need a business plan to start a business?

Writing a business plan allows you to think more clearly about what you’re doing and where you are going and prove your investment is viable. It allows you to understand the market you will be competing in, who your competitors, customers, and suppliers are, and where you fit. A plan helps you stay organized and remain on track. Businesses without a plan can easily get off-target, and revenues will suffer as a result. Creating a plan with expense projections, revenue forecasts, and more can help your business remain committed to its long-term goals. 

 

I want to start a business but where do I begin?

Start first with writing a business plan to prove it will be viable. Then you need to: register a business name; determine how you want to structure your business, a sole proprietorship or corporation and then; complete the permits, regulatory and licensing required. Check out the many free services to assist in this process at Business & Entrepreneur Resources  

What do I need to do to sell my business?

Selling a business takes time. Proper planning and due diligence is key. Determine what you are hoping to achieve by selling and then get the advice of a professional accountant, lawyer, or financial advisor to assist you in putting a value on your business. It will be important to have all your financial statements updated and current, so you understand everything your business owns such as equipment, inventory and event intellectual property.  Any debt or liabilities will be subtracted to get you to a good starting point of understanding what the business is worth. And with enough time and planning, increasing the value of your business can also be a consideration. 

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