October 13, 2023

Celebrate Small Business Week/Month!

Small Business Week: October 15-21, 2023

Thank you local small businesses!

Every year we are proud to support and celebrate Small Business Week and there's a fantastic reason why! Small businesses are the heart and soul of our community. You create jobs, drive innovation and fuel economic growth. Behind each small business, there's a dreamer, an innovator and a hardworking team making a difference.

During this week (and always!), we recognize the incredible impact small businesses have on our lives. You are the corner coffee shop where we start our day, the boutique with unique finds, the local restaurant that feels like home and so much more!

Together, we can make a big difference in the success of small businesses in Okotoks! Happy Small Business Week!

This week, municipalities across Canada come together to celebrate small businesses in their communities. By definition, small businesses are those with 99 employees or less, which in Okotoks, equates to over 97% of our business community. This number is significant - it highlights just how integrated and important small businesses are to our community. In Okotoks, keep this in mind if you are:

  • Out for a bite to eat - 1/10 business are food service industries
  • Grabbing a new pair of skates for practice - 1/3 of businesses are retail
  • Having your furnace serviced - 1/7 business are professional, scientific and technical service                                                      industries

The likelihood that small businesses are utilized every day is very high. In fact, there really isn’t an industry or niche that small business doesn’t exist in.

Just as important though, are the opportunities that small businesses create for local employment. Business Development Canada (BDC) estimates that 9 in 10 Canadians in the private sector work in an SME (small & mid-sized enterprise); a figure that aligns with the overall makeup of SMEs in Okotoks. So, when we refer to “small business” as the backbone of our local economy, there really is truth to that statement. To learn more, review these BDC stats.

The Town of Okotoks is proud to partner with the Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce for Small Business Week and we're celebrating it the entire month of October! Check out several great in-person events topical to your business, including a not-to-be-missed event from local business owner David Proctor on “Adapting to Excel.” You can find more information on these events on the Chamber website by clicking the button below!

Small Busines Week events

New Business Listings

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

Storefront:
Caitlin Diggins Massage Therapy
Starbucks Coffee
Ballco Group Corp.
New Roots Hair Studio
Family Pizza
Broadleywood Performance Arts & Wellness
Global Pet Foods

Homebased:
I'm Your Guy Projects
Driver Plus
Crystal Back Massage
Alpha Dog Grooming
Barron Rentals
Local Loaf

​​​​​​​

Business Directory

Are you looking for a business in Okotoks? Click the button below to help you find what you need! 

Business Directory

The local business directory is your one-stop destination to discover all the hidden gems right in your neighborhood and more! By choosing local businesses, you're not just getting great products and services, you're also helping your community thrive.

If you are a local new or existing busines & want to get added to the Okotoks business directory, please reach out to the Economic Development team at: ecdevokotoks@okotoks.ca or 403.938.8052 for assistance.

Business Success Stories

Are you curious about the incredible businesses right in your own backyard? It's time to uncover the hidden gems, inspiring tales & remarkable journeys of local entrepreneurs who are making a significant impact on our community.

Support local, get inspired & help celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship in your area! Check out our success stories page!

Success Stories

Want to get your business featured on the Town of Okotoks Success Stories Page? Contact us today at ecdevokotoks@okotoks.ca!

Poll

Before reading the Business Beat, were you aware of the events happening throughout the month of October?

Let us know at: ecdevokotoks@okotoks.ca

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


Some government financial support programs to have a look at:

 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!

​​​​​​​