March 8, 2023

We Want to Hear from You!

Let's Keep in Touch!

We want to hear from you - in order to best support you and your business, we need your input! How is your business doing? How can we help? What can we improve? What are we doing well? These are all the types of questions we plan to ask in our forthcoming Business Survey, which we hope to launch this spring (and will be conducted annually). These are all questions, among others, that improve our ability to assist the local business community by understanding your business needs and the local economy.

Okotoks Economic Development is committed to consistent and reliable communication with our local business community. In turn, we also encourage all local business owners (including prospective ones!) to communicate with us as well. The great news is, there lots of ways to get in touch!

  1. Opt In Email - Check the “opt in” option when filling out your business license
  2. Economic Development Facebook Page - Events, programs, news, updates and more
  3. Contact Us - 403-938-8052 or ecdevokotoks@okotoks.ca
  4. Business Beat - Monthly e-newsletter with features articles, tips, support information & more
  5. Book a Meeting - Reach out and book a face-to-face meeting
  6. Business Events - We attend many “business related” events in/ around the community
New businesses in Town

New Business Listings

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

Storefront:
Geartrade.ca
JS Healing
Kindred Roots: Life Transitions Counselling

Homebased: 
BNKD
Fascia Therapy
Foothills Minor Baseball Association
The Hearthcraft


The online business directory is a list of all Okotoks businesses that have chosen to be included. The Business Directory is another helpful resource for sourcing companies, products, services and expertise located in the Town of Okotoks. Check it out!

Online business directory

Water Smart Business Grant - Apply Now!

Businesses are eligible to receive thousands through Water Smart Business Grant.

This is your chance to apply for up to $10,000 to upgrade indoor and outdoor systems that conserve water. Not only can a business get the majority of initial costs covered, but these changes will also save money on every utility bill for years to come.

The grant has a total of $40,000 to allocate, and the deadline to apply is March 31! Click the button below for more info and to apply!

Learn more

 Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce Trade Show

The Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2023 Trade & Lifestyle Show on Saturday, April 1 & Sunday, April 2.

The biggest tradeshow in the Foothills has once again partnered with Market Square to bring their Spring Fling Artisan Market to the Okotoks Recreation Centre during the same time as our Trade & Lifestyle Show, giving a bigger bang for your buck as both a vendor and as an attendee. For more info and to register as a vendor, click the button below!

Learn more

Grease Trap/Inceptor Maintenance

Grease interceptor requirements for food service establishments

Grease interceptors are an important pre-treatment system designed to be regularly maintained which will help in protecting your business.

The Town's Sanitary Sewer Service Bylaw requires each food service establishment to install a properly-sized grease interceptor in addition to maintaining documents of each cleaning or service.

Grease interceptors allow the separation and removal of fats, oils and grease as well as some solids from the wastewater before it is discharged into the Town's wastewater system.

Learn more

The Alberta Summer Games



The Alberta Summer Games are coming soon: July 20-23, 2023! If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or volunteer, here's the info you need!

The games are expected to bring over 6,000 people to Okotoks and Diamond Valley: participants, coaches, staff, families, fans and volunteers! This exciting event is a great opportunity for local businesses to get involved and showcase what they have to offer! Here are some tips to get prepared:

  • Check out sponsorship opportunities – sponsors are needed to help deliver an exceptional experience for everyone taking part and visiting Okotoks!
  • Plan early – get your supplies, staffing and marketing strategy established ahead of time
  • Get involved and be creative – help promote the event on your business website or put up event posters

With everything from becoming a “Friend of the Games” to investing in a “Partnership” level for premium recognition, there is a way for everyone to get involved!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor:

Learn More

Email games organizers:

Contact ASG

Sign up to volunteer:

Sign Up

Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp

Do you have youth ages 13-15 years in your life who are interested in learning about business and entrepreneurship? Then this camp is for them!

The main focus of this camp is to educate youth about marketing, advertising, preparing a cash-flow statement and writing a business plan. Campers set up their own businesses and use real money which they borrow from actual bankers. The last day is “Business Day” at the camp, where campers have the opportunity to open and operate their businesses. The youth also get to participate in many fun recreational activities throughout their week at camp.

For more info about the camp and the application process:

Learn more

Business Support Programs

Business Support Programs: There are numerous resources for small businesses to stimulate growth. Supports include loans, bursaries, financing, marketing, succession and other aids for small businesses.

Check out these business support links:

Learn more

If you have questions about the following programs, contact ecdevokotoks@okotoks.ca

Procurement Opportunities

Please visit the Town’s website to see what opportunites are currently available for bidding.

Bids & Tenders

Questions? Email Economic Development to find out more information.

Upcoming Business Webinars & Podcasts

Check out the following March webinars!

Learn more

Check out the following upcoming podcasts!

If you have any podcasts you’re listening to on business or entrepreneurism please let us know so we can share with the rest of the Okotoks businesses.

Help Us Help You!

Business Visitation Program

Your Business Matters!! We would love to hear your unique story. Why did you choose Okotoks? How can we help you grow?

Book a visit

Business Success Stories

This program is open to all businesses located in the Okotoks that hold a valid business licence. Connect with Economic Development to participate in the Success Stories program. Let's collaborate to promote your business!

Share your story today

Small Business Resources

Click to see all events by the Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce

Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce
 A not-for-profit organization, directed by a team of volunteers, dedicated to helping local businesses thrive in our community. 
Learn more

Inclusion Foothills
Available for employers to train new or existing employees.

Learn more

Click to see all events by Community Futures Highwood

Community Futures Highwood
Financing, programming and free support for entrepreneurs.




Learn more

Click to see all events by MCG Careers

MCG
Careers 

Innovative Career Development, Training, and Human Resource services which enable individuals and companies to achieve their full potential.

Learn more

Click to see all events by Business Link

Bow Valley
College

Bow Valley College is an innovative, world-class college with more than 600 faculty and staff who speak more than 50 languages. Campuses in Airdrie, Banff, Calgary, Cochrane Okotoks & Strathmore.

Learn more

More resource information is available by clicking the button below.

Learn more

Small Business Energy Saving Tip

There a many ways to help small businesses save energy; here is the sixth tip in a series of 12!

Use energy-efficient light bulbs. It's one of the easiest and simplest energy saving ideas in the workplace: switch out your regular incandescent bulbs with energy efficient bulbs such as CFL or LED. This will help you use a significantly less amount of electricity.

Encourage a Friend to Subscribe

Click to sign-up for the Business Beat
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Connect with Us/Submit an Event

Enjoy the Economic Development Newsletter? 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!

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

Submit your event

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Town Information

Council meetings
COVID-19 updates
Business Events
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