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Business Support ServicesThe following support services are in place to help everyone from a first time entrepreneur with a new business idea wanting to know how to get started, to a well established business owner wanting to grow. From a single employee business to multi-employee operation. From a home-based business to a commercial storefront to a light industrial business. We encourage you to take advantage of these services to give your business an innovative edge and ensure success. Feel free to contact us for more information. THINKING OF STARTING A BUSINESS? Investment & Business Site Selection Guide ASSISTANCE FOR EXISTING BUSINESSES LOCAL ASSISTANCE LOCAL ASSISTANCEBlack Diamond Economic Development Committee (EDC) Working closely with the community, the EDC implements actions designed for the improvement and the betterment of our community. The EDC exists to promote business support and development opportunities within the community in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and other groups. EDC Assistant, Cathy Hutcheson is on-hand in the Town office acting as a liason between the business community, and the EDC. We welcome all inquiries and suggestions relating to tourism, business retention and expansion, and investment opportunies in the Town of Black Diamond. As an example of EDC business support, the EDC funded the construction and placement of three Historical Downtown Business Directory billboards in town - located in the two main town parking lots and at the campground - to help direct residents and visitors to the great selection of downtown retail shopping, dining and services. For a nominal fee, any commercial business operating within the Historical Downtown boundary can have their business listed on the three billboards. As well, Black Diamond business license holders are entitled to a free website business profile in our Business Directory and free events listings in our Events Calendar on this site. Feel free to contact Cathy before or after starting up a business in Black Diamond. She will be happy to assist you with direction to many services, programs, workshops and marketing opportunities. Diamond Valley Chamber of Commerce This business organization encompasses Black Diamond, Turner Valley, Longview and Millarville and provides a local liaison with the Cowboy Trail marketing initiative. Member meetings are held monthly for round table discussions, to share best practises and provide a support network. An annual membership comes with business advertising opportunities, such as in the Visitor Information Centre in Turner Valley. Be sure to visit our website to view the calendar of events, newsletter and other current information. Community Futures Highwood This federally-funded agency provides funding assistance, business counseling, market analysis and research as well as a library of resource materials for small businesses in the region. Community Futures Highwood also partners with the Business Link to provide informative business training sessions designed to save you time and money when starting or expanding your business. McBride Career Group Inc. A group of professional career consultants and practitioners who offer employers assistance with the hiring, training, developing and retention of capable employees.
PROVINCIAL ASSISTANCECommunity Futures Centre West This branch of Community Futures offers a highly successful, innovative self employment program to unemployed Albertans who have identified and researched a viable business idea that matches their skill and financial situation. The program is available to qualified applicants in designated rural communities within the Calgary Region. If you have a solid business concept, you may be eligible to participate in this 26 week small business training program (1 night per week). Successful applicants will receive training and guidance in business planning, marketing, introductory bookkeeping and financial management, as well as other aspects of running a successful business. Contact Patricia Alderson for a personal interview and see if you have what it takes to be your own boss. Canada Business Business experts are ready to discuss your business needs in confidence. They will provide you with information and advice on everything from start-up, incorporation, financing and loan programs, to product sourcing, government and private sector programs and services. Export Development Canada With 14 international offices, Export Development Canada assists Canadian businesses export globally and facilitates international trade. Western Economic Diversification Canada WEDC works to stregthen western innovation, business development and entrepreneurship, and community economic development. Also provides support for international commerce. Government of Alberta Employment and Immigration This site provides access to programs and services availabe to assist businesses in overcoming obstacles and providing a safe and fair workplace. Employer workshops, wage and salary information, and workplace safety information are just some of the many services offered to business owners. Travel Alberta This site is available to support local tourism businesses with marketing initiatives and resources. Travel Alberta offers marketing workshops and initiates tourism campaigns that are designed to help businesses be successful. Government of Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation This organization provides assistance and services in starting and running a tourism business. FEDERAL ASSISTANCEForeign Affairs and International Trade Canada A global network helping Canadian companies that have researched and targeted their international markets by providing access to market potencial, assisting with a search for qualified clients and problem solving. Business Development Bank of Canada The Business Development Bank of Canada provides financial services, investment banking, management services, and counseling services to small and medium-sized businesses. Agriculture Financial Services Corporation AFSC provides farmers, agribusinesses and other small businesses loans, crop insurance and farm income disaster assistance.
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