Community Futures Entre-Corp Business Development

04/23/2026

🚨 Defence & Manufacturing Webinar

Are you a manufacturer in Southeast Alberta? Interested in breaking into the defence sector?

Curious about opportunities in innovation, cybersecurity, and AI?

Join Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) for a virtual session:
📅 May 12
⏰ 10:00 AM (MDT)
💻 Defence Discussion for Manufacturers

This session will:

➡️ Introduce EMC’s new Defence Initiative in Alberta
➡️ Highlight how manufacturers can position themselves for defence opportunities
➡️ Share insights on emerging areas like cyber and AI

With a growing defence ecosystem in Southeast Alberta, this is a great opportunity for local businesses, and anyone interested in the sector, to learn how to get involved.

👉 Register here: https://emccanada.org/events/defence-discussion-for-manufacturers

Helping Alberta manufacturers explore innovation opportunities, local supports, and pathways to develop products for Canadian DN...

04/20/2026

🚀 Export Curious? Ready to Grow Beyond Canada?

Join an upcoming webinar hosted by Medicine Hat Economic Development and the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) to explore how Alberta businesses can scale globally.

📅 Thursday, June 4
🕛 12:00 p.m.

What you’ll learn:
• What the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) is and how it works
• Who it’s designed for and what makes a strong applicant
• What you gain: expert coaching, workshops, and a customized export plan
• What to expect from the upcoming Medicine Hat September cohort

Who should attend:
• Alberta small & medium-sized businesses
• Growth-stage companies exploring new markets
• Businesses with a product/service and early traction
• Companies considering the local TAP cohort this fall

🌎 With 660+ companies supported, TAP has helped secure 200+ trade deals across 50+ international markets.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com/export/trade-accelerator-program/

04/17/2026

🚁 Drone Growth: Bigger Than We First Imagined

When we released our provincial drone report in 2023, we knew growth was coming. A new NAV CANADA study confirms that vision—and shows even greater opportunity ahead for our region.

The data is clear:

📈 Rapid growth ahead
• RPAS and Advanced Air Mobility aircraft could grow from ~24,000 today to 500,000+ by 2045
• Annual flights could exceed 21 million

💼 Economic impact
• $2.4–$3.6B contributed to Canada’s GDP in 2024
• Projected to grow 20x by 2045, exceeding $69B annually
• 290,000+ new jobs expected as demand increases

🌍 Real‑world applications
• 🚑 Healthcare deliveries (blood, organs, medicines)
• 🚓 Public safety and emergency response
• 🚁 Passenger transport and tourism
• 📦 Food, parcel, and e‑commerce delivery

💡 What this means locally:
Meeting this growth will require a skilled, educated workforce—creating new opportunities for training, research, and business development, and positioning our region to lead in Canada’s advanced aviation economy.

👉 Read the full NAV CANADA report:
https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/nav-canada-study-projects-drones-will-reshape-canada-s-low-level-airspace-economy-and-daily-life-859262970.html

/CNW/ - A new market study commissioned by NAV CANADA projects that remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) – commonly known as drones – and advanced air...

04/14/2026

🌱 Spring is in the air… and so is opportunity! 🌷

Thinking about starting a business or ready to grow the one you’ve got?Now’s the perfect time to take that next step.

At Community Futures, we’re here to help you:

• Turn your ideas into reality
• Explore funding options
• Build a strong plan for growth
• Connect with the right resources

☀️ Fresh season. Fresh goals. Let’s grow together!

📞 Give us a call today and let’s get started.

04/03/2026

We’re hopping offline for a quick Easter break 🐣

The APEX team will be out of office starting April 3 and back in action on April 7, recharged, caffeinated, and ready to go.

Until then, enjoy the long weekend, eat the chocolate, and try not to check your emails (we won’t be 😉).

03/30/2026

Is your teen curious about business or entrepreneurship?

RAYEC is a week-long summer camp held every August at Eagle’s Nest Ranch in Cypress Hills for youth ages 13–15 who want to learn what it’s like to run a business. Throughout the week, campers learn about marketing, advertising, cash flow, and how to build a business plan.

The highlight? Campers actually launch their own businesses using real money borrowed from local bankers. On the final day, they open their businesses for “Business Day,” putting everything they’ve learned into action.

It’s a unique opportunity for youth to build confidence, develop real-world skills, and have fun at camp in the beautiful Cypress Hills.

A great experience for future entrepreneurs. 💡

Registration Link: https://rotary5360.ca/page/rayec

03/16/2026

Support the future of youth leadership by contributing to RAYEC’s Youth Leader Program—an empowering initiative where 10 exceptional young adults, aged 16 to 18, return to camp as trained volunteer leaders.

Donations can be made to the Calgary West Rotary Club/RAYEC by e-transfer. Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $25 or more. Please include your name, mailing address, phone number, and email with your e-transfer. Receipts will be sent before year-end.

E: [email protected]

Join us in making a lasting impact.

03/12/2026

Do you know a young person who might be interested in running their own business someday?

RAYEC is a week-long camp held every August at Eagle’s Nest Ranch in Cypress Hills for youth ages 13–15 who want to learn about business and entrepreneurship in a fun, hands-on way. Throughout the week, campers learn about marketing and advertising, how to prepare a cash-flow statement, and how to write a business plan.

What makes this camp unique is that youth actually create and run their own businesses. Campers even borrow real money from actual bankers to bring their ideas to life. The week wraps up with “Business Day,” where they open and operate their businesses at camp.

Along with building valuable business skills, campers also get to enjoy recreational activities and the beautiful setting of Cypress Hills.

It’s a great opportunity for youth to build confidence, creativity, and real-world skills while having an unforgettable week at camp. 🌲💡

Register here: https://entre-corp.albertacf.com/programs/rotary-alberta-youth-entrepreneurship-cam

03/11/2026

🔧 Calling Local Employers in the Trades! 🔧

Are you looking to connect with the next generation of skilled trades professionals? CAREERS invites local employers to participate in an upcoming Industry Meet & Greet on April 2.

This event, facilitated by CAREERS in partnership with Prairie Rose School Division and Medicine Hat College, will bring together employers and students enrolled in the Dual Credit Trades Academy from Prairie Rose and Grasslands.

💼 Why participate?

➡️ Meet motivated students exploring careers in the skilled trades
➡️ Share your industry experience and insights
➡️ Help students build communication and employability skills
➡️ Connect with other employers in the trades community
➡️ Get a chance to meet potential future hires

The format is relaxed and interactive, allowing employers to engage with students in small group conversations, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback that can help shape their career paths.

🍽 Lunch will be provided for both employers and students as a thank-you for your time and participation.

Events like this help strengthen our regional workforce by connecting industry with emerging talent and your experience can make a real difference for students considering a future in the trades.

📅 Date: April 2
📍 Location: South Alberta Collegiate Medicine Hat

03/10/2026

Board Leadership Training Coming to Brooks

Strong boards help build strong communities. Board Leadership Southeast Alberta-Brooks brings together current and emerging board members for practical, locally focused training on effective governance and leadership.

Hosted by Board Leadership Southeast Alberta, this session explores the core responsibilities of board service, strategy, oversight, and accountability, and how these elements support successful charities and community initiatives.

Participants will gain practical insights into board roles while connecting with others who are committed to strengthening organizations across Southeast Alberta.

📍 Location: Brooks, Alberta
🔗https://www.boardleadershipsouth.ca/

03/02/2026

Today marks a significant milestone for our region.

Landing Zones Canada has received $1,161,500 in support from Prairies Economic Development Canada I Développement économique Canada pour les Prairies to deploy and commercialize new artificial intelligence technologies.

As a Medicine Hat–based organization, this investment strengthens our local innovation ecosystem while positioning Southeast Alberta as a competitive player in emerging technologies.

Community Futures was proud to be part of today’s event, with Sean Blewett serving as emcee for the announcement.

We were also pleased to see strong federal and municipal representation in attendance, including:

Eleanor Olszewski K.C., P.C., M.P., Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
Michele Evans, Prairies Economic Development Canada
Linnsie Clark, Mayor of Medicine Hat

This investment reflects confidence in our region’s business community and its capacity to commercialize innovation. We look forward to the continued growth of our drone ecosystem and the opportunities this creates for businesses across Southeast Alberta.

Congratulations to Landing Zones Canada and their team on this major achievement.

02/25/2026

Starting a business is exciting but diving in without a plan can lead to unexpected roadblocks.

Community Futures business coaches work with entrepreneurs to help strategize ideas around:

✅Clarifying Goals
✅Budgeting & Cash flow
✅Identifying Target Audiences

A business plan doesn’t have to be intimidating it’s just your roadmap to success. Let us help you avoid roadblocks.

📞 403-528-2824 | ✉️ [email protected]