January 15, 2024

In this Issue:

 

New Year Business Tips

Each January, businesses should consider focusing on the following three key activities to set a strong foundation for the rest of the year:

  1. Yearly Review and Planning:
    • Conduct a comprehensive review of the previous year's performance, analyzing financial statements, key metrics, and overall business goals.
    • Set clear and measurable objectives for the upcoming year, outlining strategies to achieve them.
    • Adjust business plans, budgets, and operational procedures based on the insights gained from the review.
  2. Financial Health Check:
    • Perform a thorough financial health check by assessing cash flow, identifying any outstanding debts or liabilities, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
    • Review and update the budget for the new year, taking into account any changes in market conditions, business goals, or economic factors.
    • Consider consulting with financial advisors or accountants to optimize tax strategies and ensure financial stability.
  3. Marketing and Promotion Strategy:
    • Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy for the year ahead, outlining key campaigns, promotions, and initiatives.
    • Leverage the start of the year to launch promotions or sales events to attract customers and boost sales.
    • Evaluate and update the business's online presence, including the website and social media profiles, ensuring they reflect current offerings and align with marketing objectives.

By focusing on these three essential activities, businesses can position themselves for success, adapt to changing conditions, and lay the groundwork for growth and profitability throughout the year.

Mayor's Town Update: Thursday, January 18

Mayor Thorn will be hosting her annual Town Update on Thursday, January 18, 7-8 pm at the Okotoks Art Gallery (53 North Railway Street).

Join Mayor and Council as they reflect on the past year's accomplishments and share the direction the Town is moving towards for the future. There will also be time for a Q & A period, along with an information session on water and development.

Submit your questions

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Business License Renewals

Business License Renewals Business license invoices have been mailed; you will receive your 2024 business license certificates by email after payment is completed. A friendly reminder to renew by January 31, 2024 to ensure you aren't charged a $50 late fee. For info about payment options and more, visit www.okotoks.ca/business-licensing or call 403-938-8052.

Thank you for doing business in Okotoks!

New Business Listings

The Town of Okotoks is thrilled to welcome the following businesses to Town:

Storefront:
New Mr Spud Cafe (new owner)
Soulidarity - Giordani Invest Co.
Integrity Chemical Soutions Inc.
As I Am Reflexology
Re/Max Complete Realty
Firehouse Subs
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
The Duchess

Homebased:
Bel Viso Facial Freedom
Stacey Bond Photography
Pawprint Trails
Clay Studio
Marketing Local
Smart Space Solutions
Raven

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Business Grand Opening: Next Gen Educare Daycare

The Town is happy to welcome Next Gen EduCare Daycare to Okotoks and to be part of the Grand Opening celebration taking place on January 29 at 4pm!

About Next Gen Daycare
Next Gen Daycare is focused on STEAM (Science,  Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), environmental  stewardship and multi-language experiences in both  structured and unstructured ways. We offer child care for  children 19 months to 6+ years old.



For older children, we offer Clubs, Workshops and Private Lessons – all challenge-based and fun learning experiences on topics such as block coding, robotics, virtual reality, 3D design, entrepreneurship, marketing and leadership for learners of all ages.

About the CEO, Nikolas Cavalheiro Zetouni
Nik holds a MSc in Medical Sciences and a BSc in Biology. He has over 20 years of education (in Brazil and Canada). He considers himself a tech wiz and is responsible for all STEAM curricula from Next Gen. He also holds an ECE Level 1 diploma and helps with operations when possible (or when he wants a break from his computer).

Next Gen Daycare Contact Info
📧contact@ngeducare.ca
📱(825) 257-5715
📍261-200 Southridge Drive, Okotoks

Find Next Gen Daycare on Social!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextgeneducare/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088399332962

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-gen-educare/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextGenEduCare

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/nextgeneducare

If your business would like to participate in the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Program, please click the button below for details!

Learn more

Business & Community Profile Publication

Advertising Opportunity
This publication encompasses valuable community information. Hosted by the Town of Okotoks, the collected fees contribute to the publication's development. The project's objective is to promote the community to potential business investors and visitors, while also offering useful insights for newcomers and residents interested in starting a business.

For your opportunity to be featured in the 2024 Okotoks Business and Community Profile, connect with TNC publishing today to secure your spot and take your business to new heights!

Contact:
Dale at 587-329-0582
dale@tncpublishing.com

Learn more


Testimonials Needed
🌟 As part of this publication, we are seeking testimonials from Okotoks businesses that highlight your positivie experiences of doing businss in this community. Please email Economic Development at ecdevokotoks@okotoks.ca. Thank you for sharing!

Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP)

What CEIP means for local businesses

The Clean Energy Improvement Program, or CEIP, will be launching on the January 23 and will offer local contractors and businesses the opportunity for more local business. The program allows eligible residential homeowners to apply for financing from the Town of Okotoks to have energy efficient upgrades installed in their homes. At the present, the program will run for 4 years, with approximately 20 energy efficiency projects being completed each year. Alberta Municipalities is administering the program while the Town is overseeing the financing for property owners.

How is this good for local business? Only a CEIP Qualified Contractor is allowed to install the energy efficiency upgrades and any contractor and/or sub-contractor can apply to become qualified! Go to https://ceip.abmunis.ca/ to find out if you are in the business of installing any of the eligible energy efficiency upgrades and how you can become a qualified contractor for the program in Okotoks. It’s easier than you think!

Help Prevent False Alarms

From Okotoks Fire & Rescue

What is a False Alarm?
If Okotoks Fire & Rescue responds to a fire alarm that turns out to be the result of a non-emergency situation or faulty system, it is classified as a false alarm.

Each false alarm reduces available resources for other emergencies and places the public and fire personnel in needless danger.

False alarm fees are charged to the property owner, business owner, or individual responsible. 

Preventing False Alarms
Most false alarms can be prevented by proper use, installation and maintenance of the alarm system. If your alarm system is being serviced, have your technician conact the non-emergency dispatch number at 403-933-4535 to advise of possible false alarms prior to any maintenance.

Learn more

Invest in/Xperience Alberta Magazine

🌠Check out this great Economic Developers Alberta publication that includes articles about Okotoks!

Invest in Alberta (pg. 16)

Xperience Alberta (pg. 20)

Photo Contest - Coming Soon!

We encourage you to participate in our upcoming photo contest to showcase the economic vibrancy of Okotoks!

We will be looking for images that highlight local businesses, innovation, job opportunities, or community development projects.

Watch for more details on this exciting opportunity coming soon!

The Corner Coworking Okotoks: Monthly Networking Event

Fuel Your Startup Success: Networking, Insights, and Growth Opportunities Await at Startup Okotoks Monthly Info Night!

Join The Corner Coworking Okotoks to learn how to elevate your startup journey at the Startup Okotoks Monthly Networking Info Night! Dive into a thriving ecosystem, network with fellow entrepreneurs, and uncover valuable insights to fuel your startup success.

Secure your spot for an evening of strategic connections and growth-oriented discussions.

Learn more

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Events & More Information

There are lots of great events happening in and around Okotoks this fall, Learn more!

Community Events

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

Business Support Resources

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

There are numerous resources for small businesses to stimulate growth. Supports include loans, bursaries, financing, marketing, succession and other aids for small businesses - check it out below!

Learn more

 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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