Happy Holidays from the Economic Development Team | As the year comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Okotoks’ incredible business community. Your resilience, creativity and commitment continue to shape the strength and character of our local economy. We are grateful for the opportunity to support you and look forward to working alongside you in the year ahead. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Warm holiday wishes,
Lorie & Josh
Town of Okotoks Economic Development | CPKC Holiday Train Coming Soon! | Okotoks businesses - get ready! The CPKC Holiday Train, featuring Barenaked Ladies, rolls into town on Saturday, December 13 from 12-12:55pm and will bring many visitors to the downtown area.
With partial road closures on Riverside Drive, limited parking at the ALC and lots of pedestrian traffic, it’s a great chance to welcome new customers!
How to make the most of it:
• Open early if you can
• Promote warm drinks, quick bites & holiday
specials
• Refresh your festive storefront to catch the crowd Let’s show everyone the best of Okotoks! Learn more | | 2025 Business Licences Expire December 31 | Business licences in Okotoks are valid for the calendar year, January 1 to December 31. Renewal invoices for 2026 will be emailed in mid-December from license@okotoks.ca - please check your junk folder just in case! To remain compliant and avoid a $50 late fee, please pay your invoice by January 31, 2026.
Visit www.okotoks.ca/business-licensing to find easy payment options and details. If you plan to cancel your licence for 2026, please email license@okotoks.ca. Thank you for being an important part of our vibrant business community! | | We would like to welcome the following business to town - thank you for doing business in Okotoks and becoming part of our wonderful business community! Shannon's Handcrafted Haven
Wrapped in Joy Ltd.
That Car Guy Inc.
5 Solas Biblical Counselling Services | | Holiday Mental Health Reminder | Holiday Mental Health Reminder The holiday season can be joyful, but it can also bring stress, pressure, or feelings of overwhelm. You’re not alone; support is always available. If you need urgent help or support, it’s available 24/7 in Alberta. Need help now?
Call 2-1-1 to reach a helpline staffed by trained specialists who can connect you to mental health, social and community supports. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1. | | Tips for Selling at Christmas Markets | Feeling a bit rusty or nervous about your first holiday market? A few simple steps can help set you up for success. Start by choosing markets that align with your products and audience; finding the right fit makes all the difference. Once booked, prep a mix of your best-selling items along with a few holiday-themed options, but avoid going overboard so you’re not left with seasonal stock after December. Set a clear budget for both product materials and booth décor; it’s easy to overspend when trying to create a festive display. Reusable decorations can help keep costs down year after year. Finally, ensure your vendor insurance is in place, as most markets require proof of coverage during the application process. With the right planning, you’ll head into the Christmas market season confident and ready to shine! Learn more | | Inclusion in the Workplace | Inclusive Hiring Spotlight: Understanding Workplace Accommodations
Workplace accommodations can feel intimidating, but they don’t have to be. In reality, most accommodations are simple, low-cost adjustments that help employees thrive. Many employers already provide them without realizing it; things like flexible scheduling, a stool or stand-up desk, checklists, clear instructions, or fatigue mats. These small changes can make a meaningful difference in an employee’s success and comfort. If you’d like support in understanding or implementing accommodations, Inclusion Foothills’ H.I.R.E. Program is available to help local employers. They offer guidance, resources, and personalized support for creating inclusive, welcoming workplaces. Contact them at: 403-603-3232. A Local Perspective
“Having a neurodivergent employee has taught me that we should get rid of the word normal because I have more in common with this person than not. This employee treats everyone with kindness and consistency, which is incredibly valuable in a public-facing role. I’ve also learned that people often have hidden talents; for instance, I discovered this employee is excellent with tools. Assembling equipment used to be on my plate, but now I know it’s done well and with pride.” Jay Sawatzky, Claresholm Library This is a great reminder that inclusive hiring strengthens workplaces, uncovers new strengths and builds a more welcoming community for everyone. | Tourism Spotlight: Becoming Export Ready | If you run a tourism or experience-based business, Travel Alberta encourages you to consider becoming “export-ready”. This means you’re set up to welcome and book international travellers, with proper licensing, online presence and a booking/payment system. Why it matters: international visitors often stay longer and spend more, which can bring higher-value bookings to your business.
Read more below or reach out to us for help getting export-ready.
Learn more | | Eco-Tips: How to Prep for Winter to Save | The holiday season is an ideal opportunity for businesses to demonstrate leadership in waste reduction and sustainable purchasing. Beyond energy-efficient upgrades, consider greener gifting, low-waste events, and improved sorting practices. Choosing local or Fair-Trade gifts, reusable or recyclable wrapping, and offering staff e-gift cards or experiences helps cut packaging waste while supporting the local economy. Adding clear signage at workplace “holiday stations” for organics, recycling, and garbage also keeps extra seasonal waste out of landfills and makes proper sorting easier for staff. Adopting these approaches can lower disposal costs, strengthen relationships with Canadian suppliers, and enhance a company’s reputation for sustainability. They can also better position businesses to access federal and provincial funding for waste-reduction initiatives, circular-economy projects, and sustainable procurement. Learn more | | Business Tool & Resources | Business Learning Toolkit
This toolkit is your go-to resource for planning, launching, or growing a business.
Starting a Business?
Check out the Doing Business in Okotoks Guide. Whether you're starting a home-based or brick and mortar business, this guide has all the info you need! If you need extra support, reach out to our team, we’re here to help! Funding Resource: Canada Business App
Looking for grants, funding and support for your business? Download this Government of Canada app to access tailored funding resources and get notified about new opportunities and deadlines. Innovation Canada: View or search the federal government’s support programs and services using their Business Benefits Finder. ECO Canada - Digital Skills For Youth
This program offers eligible employers 80% wage coverage up to $18,000 of a candidate’s salary for a placement in a new full-time or part-time 3 to 12 month position.https://eco.ca/digital-skills-for-youth/ Check out our Business Support & Resources webpage for info on financing, marketing, training, succession planning along with how to connect with local support agencies like Community Futures Highwood, the Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce, MCG Careers & Inclusion Foothills. Learn more | | 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 & More
Interested in learning more about, or bidding on, procurement opportunities? Find out more below! Procurement Opportunities | | 📱Stay connected & informed! Check out/ sign up for all Town newsletters! 📅 Have a business event you would like to include? Submit your event 💡 Do you have ideas to make this newsletter more exciting or business-related topics you'd like to see? Connect with us! | | | | | |
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