Downtown Construction: Info Session March 26 | The Downtown Improvement Project is transforming the heart of Okotoks into a more welcoming, accessible and vibrant place for residents, businesses and visitors alike. Construction begins later this spring; this year, the work will occur on North Railway Street between Alberta Avenue and McRae Street. Join us at the drop-in info session to learn more about the work being done and to ask the project team any questions you may have. You’re invited! 📅 Thursday, March 26 📌 Kingfisher Lodge (113, 7 Riverside Dr) 🕑 6-8:00 p.m. Learn more | | Join the Okotoks Living Systems Summit April 13-15 | Local businesses are the backbone of our community, creating jobs and shaping a resilient economy. The Okotoks Living Systems Summit, presented by Urban Systems, offers business owners fresh perspectives, practical tools, and valuable connections. The Town of Okotoks is offering nine business-only tickets for just $30 with the code BUSINESS, a rare chance to attend a world-class event at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re starting out or planning your next growth phase, the Summit will leave you with actionable ideas and meaningful connections. Join Us! 📅 April 13-15 📌Viking Rentals Centre (#4, 204 Community Way) Learn more & register by Mar 31 | | Okotech: Building the Future of Tech in Okotoks | Grow Your Tech Startup with Okotech Have a tech idea or working on an innovative project? Okotech, a local tech incubator, offers mentorship, tailored programming, community connections and affordable workspace to help early-stage founders grow - right here in Okotoks! Delivered in partnership with the Town and Community Futures Highwood at the Arts & Learning Campus, Okotech supports entrepreneurs in building and scaling their ventures locally. Whether you want to apply, explore the space, or contribute as a mentor or partner, get involved and help strengthen Okotoks’ innovation community! Learn more & apply 📧 Email: okotech@cfhighwood.net 📲 LinkedIn: Okotech Okotoks | | Welcome to Okotoks Fazoli’s! Congratulations to Brijesh Kabariya and the ownership team on bringing this growing international brand to our community. Founded in Kentucky in 1988, Fazoli’s operates approximately 200 locations across the United States and is expanding into Canada, with Okotoks now home to its second Canadian location ( (201 Southridge Dr)! Want the Town to help celebrate your business milestone? Click the button below to learn more & get in touch! We’re always excited to help spotlight the incredible local businesses that make Okotoks shine! Learn more | | 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! Home-based: Marvel Massage Revive Advanced Clinical Aesthetician Calgary STR Management CF Advanced Networking Corp | | Property Taxes 101: the snowballing burden on property taxes | Property Taxes 101: What Businesses Should Know Property taxes fund the essential services that support local businesses like roads, infrastructure, emergency services and community amenities. In Okotoks, property tax is the primary municipal contribution from businesses, as there is no separate business tax. Recent increases are influenced by several factors. A portion of property taxes is collected on behalf of the Province for education, and those requisitions have risen substantially. At the same time, municipalities are managing inflation, reduced funding over time and additional responsibilities being shifted from other levels of government. Understanding how property taxes are structured can help businesses plan ahead. Learn more and explore the full breakdown on the Town’s Taxes 101 page and check out the video below! Learn more | | How to Partner with the Town | Here are a few ways your business can connect and collaborate with the Town: Participate in Town-supported events by offering themed promotions, extended hours or welcoming experiences for attendees. You can also take part in tourism campaigns and economic development initiatives that help showcase local businesses and attract new customers. If your business is celebrating a milestone, expansion or new product launch, the Economic Development team can help share your news through our channels. We're also available to provide connections, resources and opportunities to support your business growth. Contact Us | | Local Program Spotlight: Inclusion Foothills Employee Training | Do you work alongside someone with a disability? Has your organization recently welcomed a new team member with a disability? Or are you looking to build a more inclusive and supportive workplace? HIRE, a program of Inclusion Foothills, partners with local businesses to strengthen inclusive employment practices. Whether you’re a colleague or a manager, their team can provide guidance, tools and support to help everyone feel confident and included at work. Contact HIRE at Inclusion Foothills: 📞 403-603-3232 ✉️ businesscoach@inclusionfoothills.org | | Local Program Spotlight: TalentED | Your Link to Future‑Ready Talent TalentED is a Calgary Economic Development initiative that connects employers with future‑ready youth talent aged 18–24 with a high school diploma. Our free services include: - Hands‑on AI training for businesses, non‑profits and youth
- 1:1 employer consultations
- Access to an AI‑enabled matching platform that connects employers with youth who are aligned with hiring criteria
TalentED’s services are free to organizations across the greater Calgary region. Learn more | | Eco-Tips: Why ESG Matters for your Business | Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) tracking is becoming increasingly important for Alberta businesses, helping demonstrate environmental responsibility, community impact and ethical operations. While most small and medium-sized businesses aren’t required to report on ESG, many larger customers, lenders and supply-chain partners now expect it. Businesses that can share even basic ESG information are better positioned to stay competitive and win contracts where sustainability matters. Top requests from major Canadian buyers include managing environmental risks (70%), having diverse leadership (69%) and reducing energy use (68%). Starting with a few simple metrics can help your business prepare for future requirements and unlock new opportunities. Learn more | | There’s always something happening in Okotoks! Click the link below for event info or to submit a community or business event! Learn more | | Business Support, Resources & Funding | Check out our Business Support & Resources webpage for info on planning, launching, or growing a business, financing, marketing, training, succession planning and more! You can also connect with local support agencies like Community Futures Highwood, the Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce, MCG Careers & Inclusion Foothills. Learn more Funding Support Biz connect is a small business resources site, you can find resources to help your business start, grow, and succeed. View or search all the federal government’s support programs and services using their Business Benefits Finder. | | 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! 💡 Do you have ideas to make this newsletter more exciting or business-related topics you'd like to see? Connect with us! | | | | | |