Your Weekly Tune Up
Boosting tech innovation across the province
Alberta’s government is investing in networks that support startup businesses by helping them bring their products to market. The province will invest $18.7 million over three years in the eight regional innovation networks to foster and support high-potential startups and entrepreneurs, help diversify the economy and create jobs.
Alberta Innovates Supports Curious Entrepreneurs in Southeast Alberta with $1.17 Million in Funding
"Alberta Innovates knows that innovation can happen anywhere. As part of our pan-Alberta innovation strategy, regional investment is being made across Alberta. In Medicine Hat, Alberta Innovates is investing $1.17 million over the next three years, for a total of nearly $20 million across multiple communities in the province."
“The companies we work with are problem solvers. They are creating innovative solutions but may not always realize that there is a market for their concepts. This funding will allow us to help more local entrepreneurs to put those ideas into action and get to market quicker. Plus, we want companies to know they don’t have to do it on their own. We have a team of partners who help entrepreneurs to start and grow their tech and unique businesses, right here from SE Alberta. We are grateful for this ongoing funding from Alberta Innovates to continue to help local tech and knowledge-based businesses. And with specific funding earmarked for Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), we are excited to extend our reach and help companies from across Alberta in this high-growth tech sector.” ~Tracy Stroud, Regional Innovation Network (RIN) Manager – SE Alberta
Online renewals make life easier for Albertans
Albertans can now renew their driver’s licences and identification cards online any time, anywhere.
To renew online, Albertans will log in with a verified account and will need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
• Be 18 to 75 years old to renew a driver’s licence or at least 18 years old to renew an ID card.
• Be a resident of Alberta.
• Have a driver’s licence that is not suspended.
• Not require changes to demographic information, such as address, height or sex, on their driver’s licence or ID card.
• Have a card that has not been expired for more than six months.
• Not require a medical examination report to renew their driver’s licence.
• Have a photo and signature on the card that are less than 10 years old.
City of Medicine Hat - Temporary lane closure on 10 Avenue SW
Starting Monday, May 16 and continuing for the rest of the month, the southbound lane of 10 Avenue SW near the Hillside Cemetery between Ninth Street SW and 13 Street NW will be closed to replace a main gas line. The north entrance of the cemetery will be unavailable during construction.
Traffic will continue to move in both directions with the use of flag personnel. Detours are not required, though drivers may choose to select an alternate route to avoid delays.
Fuelling Our Business Community
2022 Business Awards - A New Era of Roaring Success
The ' Roaring 20’s ' was a period in history of dramatic social and political change, some freedoms were expanded while others were diminished. The 1920’s was an era of historical significance with monumental change that shaped the future.
We all recognize that businesses in the 2020’s have experienced significant social and political changes that have disrupted what our ‘normal’ life has looked like. This will leave many stories that will form part of our history, while playing a major role in the success of a new era.
As we navigate the ‘Roaring 20’s’ of this century, we celebrate our businesses, past and present, that have weathered the challenges and have emerged with new ideas, innovative practices, and even stronger connections.
Similarly, the 1920’s and our 2020’s are the beginning of a united force in supporting and strengthening our local economic prosperity.
It truly is, A New Era of Roaring Success.
Suffield - Creating Connections and Building our Future
The Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host various representatives from Suffield in a morning of networking, connections, knowledge sharing and insight into the Base Operations, along with opportunities for local businesses to create connections.
Key objectives:
- To provide insight into CFB Suffield Operations, BATUS, DRDC and provide attendees certainty about the future of the Base
- To provide awareness about the economic impact and challenges
- To provide education on the procurement opportunities available at the Base through all operational divisions
- To provide opportunities to support our military through connections with other programs such as the Personnel Support Programs and the Military Family Resource Centre
CFB Suffield, BATUS and DRDC are looking forward to this opportunity to provide a briefing to our community and also re-energize professional relationships within the community. Come out and show your support while gaining valuable information to help us move forward into the future together.
The Power of Community
Learn how Canada’s immigration programs can help you hire foreign labour
The Government of Canada is hosting a series of free, 30-minute information sessions for employers to learn about economic immigration programs and resources to help attract, hire and retain global talent.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program: Learn about the work permit application process when you hire a worker through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program with a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
June 1, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. MST – Click here to register.
Hire a Worker Without a Labour Market Impact Assessment: You can hire a temporary worker without a Labour Market Impact Assessment through the International Mobility Program, if you’re eligible. Learn more about eligibility, how to submit an offer of employment and next steps.
June 8, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. MST – Click here to register.
Global Talent Recruitment Strategies: Find services and resources to help you attract, hire and retain qualified workers from around the world. Learn tips and tricks to make hiring easier.
June 15, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. MST – Click here to register.
Enriching Your Business
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Fill Up On Funding
Supporting women entrepreneurs
Additional loan funds are now available to help women entrepreneurs get easier access to capital in order to create jobs and help diversify the economy.
Alberta’s government is investing $6 million in grant funding for business loans aimed at supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs by providing them with more access to capital. The loan program provides low interest business loans and business advisory supports to women entrepreneurs.
Loans accessed through this grant will be administered by Alberta Women Entrepreneurs and Community Futures Network of Alberta. Each organization will receive $3 million in grant funding through the Women’s Economic Recovery - Capital Growth Initiative.
Advocacy in Action
Investing in Western Canada’s Trade Infrastructure
"Western Canada provides crucial entry and exit points for Canadian goods moving to and from Asia-Pacific countries through many different modes, including marine, air, and land.
Extreme weather events and aging infrastructure remain challenges to ensure we can get products to markets. We have a serious infrastructure deficit in Canada, which will require us to perform triage today, to remain competitive tomorrow. Canada’s infrastructure must be a genuine investment that is based on clear priorities and measurable economic returns. As we plan new critical trade infrastructure to move our people and goods, we need to build for the future and not simply address today’s needs. Above all, we require approval processes that are transparent and fair, but that also allow projects to be undertaken much more quickly and efficiently. We must act now and take decisions with purpose to ensure Canada does not fall further behind our competition."
Expanding seats for veterinary medicine
On May 10th the Government of Alberta announced the expansion of seats for veterinary medicine with an investment of $8.4 million over three years. We are pleased to see more seats in the program and recognize the advocacy work done by many organizations and individuals, including Chambers across the province. Our Chamber highlighted our local concerns about the shortage in meetings with Minister Shandro, Minister Toews and Minister Horner earlier this year. We are pleased with the progress being made to increase the support for this industry, demonstrating what can be achieved when everyone comes together with a unified voice and purpose to address needs within our province.
Next Level Events
2022 What's next for your business?
June 2nd, 2022 | 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
The past two years have posed unique challenges and opportunities for many business owners across Canada. With continued uncertainty over COVID-19, market turbulence, and emerging and evolving trends—many are left wondering what to do next.
Adopting a forward-looking strategy that will help you plan your road ahead and navigate your next move in 2022 is essential to success. To help in this endeavor, Grant Thornton LLP and the Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce invite business leaders to join a conversation discussing "What's next for your business?"
In this session, you will:
- Gain a fresh perspective on your road ahead – whether that's to unlock opportunities, drive growth or plan your exit.
- Learn how other businesses in your community plan to retool, re-focus, and build resiliency for the future
The Digital Economy & The Programs Supporting It
This will be an informative event to talk about 2 amazing programs being offered to businesses in Alberta. We will be joined by guests from both Digital Main Street & the BDC.
The Digital Economy Program
• Digital Service Squads
• ShopHERE Powered by Google
The Canadian Digital Adoption Program
• Grow Your Business Online
• Boost Your Business Technology
When: May 31st, 2022
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (MST)
Where: Online (Remo Platform)
Other News
Province’s first public sector artificial intelligence (AI) lab - GovLab.ai on Alberta.ca
AHS Together4Health Headlines recently outlined several priorities areas and progress
Other Events
May 16-20: Canadian Innovation Week, hosted by Canadian Innovation Space | Learn more
May 26: Entrepreneurs Going Global Panel #2: Exporting to the U.S. | Register
May 30: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Diploma Program | Apply
May 31: How to Protect You and Your Business When Starting Out | Register
June 9: Todd Hirsch - Changing the Narrative | Register
Useful Links
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