August 9, 2024

Chili & BBQ Cook-Off - Registration Closes Today!

The Town's Summer Round Up festival takes place in downtown Okotoks on Saturday, August 24 from 11:00am - 4:00pm! This family-friendly event includes the chili and BBQ cook-off, Cobzilla corn-on-the-cob relay eating contest, lots of children's activities & an outdoor artisan market!

If you want to register for the cook-off as a participant, today is your last chance to register! For more event details and to register, click the button below.

Learn more & register today

Please note that this event will require road closures on Elizabeth Street from Northridge Drive to Veterans Way from 8am - 5pm on event day.

Get Involved in Downtown Events

Looking for a way to boost your visibility & engage with the community?

Consider registering to participate within the downtown core event zone and get your brand in front of thousands of festival attendees

Learn more & register

Adapting to Economic Shifts: Strategies for Resilient Businesses

In today's fast-paced economic landscape, small business owners face an array of challenges that demand agility, foresight and innovative thinking. Adapting quickly to economic fluctuations is crucial for ensuring resilience and sustained growth. Key strategies for navigating these uncertain times include:

  • staying informed about economic trends
  • diversifying revenue streams
  • embracing digital transformation
  • strengthening financial management

By understanding local and global economic indicators, expanding product offerings, leveraging digital tools and maintaining sound financial practices, businesses can make informed decisions and create competitive advantages.

Innovation, agility and strong relationships are also vital for business resilience. Encouraging a culture of creativity, being willing to pivot and building robust connections with customers, suppliers and the community can provide stability and support. Additionally, accessing local resources is essential.

In Okotoks, the Economic Development team offers various support services including business planning, funding information, networking events and market research. For more information on how we can help your business thrive, reach out at 403-938-8052 or ecdevokotoks@okotoks.ca.

Canada Small Business Financing Program

This program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders.The maximum loan amount for a borrower is $1.15 million. Financial institutions deliver the program and are solely responsible for approving the loan.

  • Up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for term loans for any one borrower, of which no more than $500,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property and purchasing or improving new or used equipment and of that amount, a maximum of $150,000 could be used for intangible assets and working capital costs.
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  • Up to a maximum of $150,000 for lines of credit.

Program Info​​​​​​​

Brochure

Find a Lender Near You

Summer Tourism Boost

There is still some summer left! Take advantage of the crowds that large events draw in by using the opportunity to promote your business, increase sales and engage with customers. Some suggestions to consider:

  • offer special promotions including unique summer-themed produces or services
  • offer extended hours
  • enhance online presence
  • provide local attraction info
  • collaborate with other local businesses to create package deals
  • host small events or offer special discounts during peak tourist times

Find out about all upcoming Town events to help you leverage summer tourism and boost your revenues!

Learn more

New Businesses 

The Town of Okotoks thanks all businesses for choosing to do business in our community! We are unable to provide a list of new businesses this month but wish to congratulate and welcome you to Okotoks!  

Business Success Story Program

Highlight Your Business!

Are you a business in Okotoks that would like to highlight your success? Reach out to us today and we will share your inspiring story on our website, in our newsletter and on social media!

Email us at: ecdevokotoks@okotoks.ca

"Eco-nomic" Tips for Your Business!

Check out our new "eco-nomic" section for tips on how to integrate eco-friendly practices into your business to save money and benefit the environment! This month, let's tackle ways to lower your water bill!

Reduce your water bill

  • Schedule regular inspections of all water-related equipment, appliances, pipes, and fixtures to identify and fix leaks promptly.
  • Consider installing water-saving appliances and fixtures, such as low-flow toilets and faucets, to further reduce water usage and enhance overall efficiency.
  • Visit okotoks.ca/water for more water saving tips, tricks and info!

Keep an eye out for the Conservation Educators in the coming weeks, as they will be visiting local businesses to offer advice on water conservation. To arrange a specific time for a consultation, please call: 403-995-2798 or email: consed@okotoks.ca.


Access a growing market for renovations with the return of Okotoks' Clean Energy Improvement Program

The Town's Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) has reopened for a second round of applications, and is currently looking for local contractors who are interested in getting involved! The program allows property owners access to financing for energy efficiency & renewable energy upgrades. Only qualified contractors, as approved by Alberta Municipalities, are approved to work on CEIP projects. Become a CEIP qualified contractor and access a growing market for renovations!

If you are a qualified contractor who specializes in the installation of heating, ventilation & air conditioning; windows, doors, insulation & air sealing; water heating; lighting; renewable energy, solar PV & thermal check, click the button below for more info.

Learn more

Business Support Resources

We have compiled some resources that could be of interest or helpful to you as you do business in Okotoks.

NEW METIS & INDIGENOUS RESOURCES

The Town recognizes the vital contributions of Métis and Indigenous businesses to our local economy and community and are committed to providing the support and resources necessary to help these businesses thrive.

You will find information and resources tailored to the unique needs of Indigenous entrepreneurs, including access to funding opportunities, business development programs and networking events. 

Our goal is to create an inclusive and supportive environment where Indigenous businesses can grow and succeed. Together, we can build a vibrant and diverse business community that benefits everyone.

Click the button below to learn more about what resources are availabe to all Okotoks entrepreneurs and to reach out to us!

Learn more

More Info

Business webinars can help businesses thrive. They often focus on specific skills or topics relevant to your industry. Check out what's coming up!

Business Webinars


Interested in learning more about, or bidding on, procurement opportunities? Find out more below!

Procurement Opportunities

 Please Share!

📅 Have a business event you would like to include? Click the button below to submit it!

Submit your event

💡 Do you have ideas to make this newsletter more exciting or business-related topics you want to see? The Town would love to hear from you! Connect with us!

📲 Enjoy the Economic Development Newsletter? Encourage a friend to sign up today!

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