Business Link Alberta

10/18/2026

Building inclusive communities starts with meaningful connections and collaboration.

Our client services manager, Abdalla Mohamed, recently attended the 5th Annual Building Inclusive Communities: Sustaining Impact and Scaling Inclusive Change forum.

The event brought together grassroots organizations and community leaders to share knowledge, celebrate achievements and explore opportunities to strengthen partnerships and create lasting community impact.

It was a great opportunity to connect with community leaders, including executive director Aftab Khan, and learn more about the work being done to build inclusive communities.

10/17/2026

Small Business Week is almost here. Are you ready to make the most of it?

From choosing the right events to starting conversations and following up afterward, a little preparation can help you get more out of the week.

Our latest blog shares practical tips to help you prepare, make meaningful connections, and turn what you learn into action.

Plus, find out how you can join Business Link Alberta for our Small Business Week events in Edmonton on October 20 and Calgary on October 22.

Read the blog: https://businesslink.ca/how-to-make-the-most-of-small-business-week/

10/16/2026

Last chance to apply for our November Peerpreneur Sessions!

Peerpreneur is a free, four-week virtual program that brings Alberta entrepreneurs together to talk through business challenges, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.

If your business has been operating for 1–5 years and you’re looking to build your network, gain new perspectives, and connect with other business owners, now’s the time to apply.

Applications are closing soon. Learn more and apply: businesslink.ca/services/peerpreneur-sessions/

10/15/2026

From students planning their next steps to job seekers exploring new opportunities, the Whitecourt Career and Education Expo brought together people from communities across the region for a full day of learning and connection.

Last week Carol spent the day at the Business Link Alberta booth connecting with attendees from Whitecourt, Fox Creek, Mayerthorpe, Swan Hills, Valleyview and Onoway. With more than 1,000 students taking part, the expo created plenty of opportunities to introduce entrepreneurship.

If you’re exploring a business idea or thinking about your next step, book a free meeting with our team at https://businesslink.ca/book-a-meeting/

10/14/2026

One week to go!

Small Business Week is almost here, and we’re bringing Alberta’s small business community together for two evenings of connection, conversation, and bold moves.

📍 Edmonton | October 20
📍 Calgary | October 22

Hear from local entrepreneurs during our Small Businesses, Bold Moves panel, connect with other business owners, and meet organizations that can support you along the way.

Space is limited, so register now and join us for Small Business Week!

🔗 businesslink.ca/small-business-week-2026/

10/13/2026

Every successful business starts with an idea, but building a strong financial foundation is what helps turn that idea into a sustainable business.

Join us at the Side Hustle Summit, where aspiring entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and small business owners can connect with valuable resources, gain practical insights, and discover opportunities to grow.

💼 We're excited to feature ATB Financial as one of our event partners!
Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your business to the next level, ATB Financial offers banking solutions, financial tools, and business support to help entrepreneurs build a foundation for long-term success.

📅 November 7, 2026
📍 Hinton Public Library
🕛 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Hosted by Community Futures West Yellowhead, the Side Hustle Summit brings together entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and community partners to inspire and support the next generation of business owners.

✨ Your next big opportunity could start here!

Learn more and register: https://westyellowhead.albertacf.com/news-events/2026-side-hustle-summit

10/13/2026

10/13/2026

A great day of learning and connection at the Immigrant Business Expo in Calgary!

Our team had the opportunity to connect with newcomer entrepreneurs, share resources, and lead a breakout session focused on starting and growing a business in Alberta. We were excited to see such a strong turnout for the session and so many thoughtful questions and conversations.

It was also great connecting with Hasmik Asmaryan, Director of Business, Employment and Training Services at Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, and other organizations working to support newcomer entrepreneurs in Calgary.

Thank you to the organizers and everyone who joined us!

10/12/2026

Finding your first customers can feel like one of the hardest parts of starting a business. Where do you find them? What do you say? And how do you know if people actually want what you’re offering?

Join Business Link’s Matt Hill for Get Your First Customers, a practical webinar exploring simple ways to identify potential customers, start conversations, and test your business idea.

November 5 | 12 p.m. | Online

You’ll learn how to define your ideal first customer, find them, and test your offer through approaches like pilots, pre-sales, and direct outreach.

Ready to find your first customers? Register today: https://businesslink.ca/event/get-your-first-customers-2/

10/11/2026

Last week, our Strategists Abdalla and David joined the Afro-Canadian Entrepreneurs Association to deliver a Business Launch Workshop as part of its Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) Program!

They connected with aspiring business owners to explore the steps involved in turning an idea into a business, from getting started to finding the right resources and support along the way.

Thanks to ACANEA for having us and for creating opportunities for future entrepreneurs to learn, connect, and build their skills!