November 13, 2025

Mastering a Commercial Lease - Free Session for Business Owners







 Whether you're new to leasing or a seasoned business owner, commercial  leases can be complex. That’s why Economic Development invites you to a  free session with Jeff Grandfield from The Lease Coach; an opportunity to  sharpen your lease-negotiation skills, boost your landlord-relationship savvy
 and set your business up for success.

This session is an ideal fit if you’re planning a lease renewal, negotiating new premises, or simply want to gain confidence in your leasing knowledge. 

📍 Viking Rentals Centre, Provincial Room, 3, 204 Community Way
📅 Tuesday, November 18, 2025 | 🕙 12-2 p.m.

Learn more & RSVP today! 

Light Up Okotoks Coming Soon! 

Downtown Okotoks will shine bright on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 5:30-9:00 p.m. as Light Up Okotoks kicks off the holiday season for its 33rd year! This beloved event draws thousands to the downtown core, offering a great opportunity for you to connect with customers and showcase what you have to offer. With festive lights, live entertainment, wagon rides and family-friendly activities, downtown transforms into a vibrant hub of community celebration, the perfect setting to welcome new and returning customers!

To accommodate the event, road closures will be in effect from 3:00-10:30 p.m. on Elizabeth, McRae & North Railway Sts (Northridge Dr to Lineham Ave), Riverside Dr and South Railway St (Riverside Gate to Lineham Ave). Businesses are encouraged to plan ahead for deliveries and staff parking and consider extending hours, decorating storefronts, or offering special “Light Up” promotions to make the most of the festive crowds.

Learn more

Boosting Local Traffic this Holiday Season

The holidays are the busiest, and most competitive, time of year for local businesses. The key is to show up, stay visible and remind  shoppers why local matters most. 

Be search-ready. Update your Google Business Profile with holiday hours, events and photos. Add keywords like Okotoks holiday gifts or Foothills experiences.

Create urgency. Limited-time offers, bundles, or countdowns work, make your promotions feel special and time-sensitive.

Partner locally. Team up with nearby shops, cafés, or service providers to cross-promote and share audiences.

Stay active online. Don’t go quiet - share stories, behind-the-scenes moments, or tips. Authentic, consistent posts drive traffic and loyalty.

Business Spotlight: Driver Plus

Driver Plus is proud to call Okotoks home, providing premium, professional transportation services across the Foothills, Calgary and beyond. Locally owned and operated, Driver Plus specializes in executive and private chauffeur experiences, from airport transfers and corporate travel to medical appointments and special occasions. With a focus on luxury, reliability and privacy, every ride is delivered with care and professionalism by experienced drivers and a high-end fleet featuring the Lincoln Navigator Reserve L and GMC Yukon XL Denali. More than just a ride, Driver Plus offers a travel experience built on trust, comfort and excellence.

📍 Okotoks, Alberta
📞 Call: 587-324-2929 | Text: 587-226-5115
📧 Email: driverplus@outlook.com
🌐 Website: driverplus.ca

Let's Celebrate Your Business Opening! 

We love welcoming new businesses to Okotoks! If you’ve recently opened, or are preparing to open your doors, we’d love to help spread the word and celebrate your success.

When you apply for a business licence, your opening details aren’t automatically shared for promotion so letting us know directly helps us showcase your business.

Email ecdev@okotoks.ca or call 403-938-8052 to connect with our Economic Development team so we can help let people knlow about your business!

Welcome New Business!

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!

Music with Chelsea

Upcoming Events

There’s always something happening in Okotoks! Check out the details for these upcoming community or business events:

November 14-16: Okotoks Christmas Market

November 18: Lease Coach Session 2

November 19: 2026 Budget Meeting

November 21: Light Up Okotoks

November 24: Plan for Success-Strategic Planning for Small Businesses

November 29: Christmas Decor Swap

Click the link below to find out about more community events! 

Learn more

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Eco-Tips: How to Prep for Winter to Save

Get your business winter-ready and cut costs:

  • service your furnace & replace filters
  • seal drafts around doors & windows
  • clear vents & gutters for efficiency
  • shut off & drain outdoor water lines.
  • use programmable thermostats to manage heat

Book the Town’s DIY Energy Audit Kit to spot heat loss.

Book DIY Kit

Check out the Green Living Workshop on Nov. 27.

Lean more

Inclusion in the Workplace

What does inclusion mean to employers? Inclusion is about how you, as an employer, ensure that every employee feels respected, valued and empowered to share their ideas and perspectives. It’s about creating a workplace culture where everyone belongs and where inclusion drives collaboration, innovation and success.

To learn how you can promote healthy conversations and strengthen inclusion in your workplace, contact the Inclusion Foothills H.I.R.E. Program at 403-603-3232, email info@inclusionfoothills.org, or visit inclusionfoothills.org

Inclusive communities where everyone is embraced and valued.

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Grant Information: Youth Hiring Incentive

Alberta’s government is providing $8 million for the new Alberta Youth Employment Incentive, which will provide grants to employers to offset costs associated with hiring, training and employing youth from age 15-24.

Learn more

Apply here

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Business Tool & Resources

We’ve refreshed Why Okotoks with new interactive data tools powered by Local Intel. Explore key insights about our community, workforce and business advantages in a clear, user-friendly format.

Business Learning Toolkit
This toolkit is your go-to resource for planning, launching, or growing a business.

Have a Business Question?
Check out the Doing Business in Okotoks Guide. 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.

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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 & More


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

Procurement Opportunities

 Stay Connected!

📱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!