Your Weekly Tune Up
Local Spending Tracker Shows Some Signs of Change Ahead
Canadian consumers kept spending in the second quarter of 2023, continuing a trend of resilience in the face of higher interest rates and affordability challenges. But will this summer finally mark a turning point? In the Canadian Chamber latest data dive, indications are that spending turned a corner after the Bank of Canada resumed its interest rate hikes in early June. It's possible that this summer things may begin to change for Canadian consumers and Canada’s economy. Forecasters have repeatedly pushed off the timing for a recession, as consumers, labour markets and housing have surprised on the upside. As the BDL team looks ahead, they expect consumer spending to slow noticeably in the second half of the year as people cut back on discretionary purchases. Read the Analysis and Access the Data
Free Handbook on Climate Change and its Impact on the Workplace
To help workplaces prepare for potential challenges and impacts climate change can have on their workers and the work they do, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has published a free Climate Change: Workplace Impacts handbook. Find out more.
Workforce Consultant Regional Map
A new Workforce Consultant Regional Map for the public has been developed for use. Private businesses can reach out to workforce consultants for information on different grant programs or direction on workforce development. Typically, they will provide some research for/with them, but the main source of training support will be for the Canada-Alberta job grant and connecting people to supports where possible.
Advocacy in Action
Have your Say: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Launches Consultation on Origin Labelling of Imported Foods from a Contested Territory
Consumers are increasingly knowledgeable about food labels and labelling is one of the most important and direct ways for the industry to share information. All food sold in Canada must be properly labelled in a way that is not false or misleading, including origin indications.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched a consultation with consumers and other interested stakeholders to obtain feedback on how to label the origin of imported food from contested territories. For this consultation, a contested territory means an area outside of Canada that is subject to competing
claims of control by third parties. The consultation is open now and runs until October 10, 2023. Learn More
The 2023 Southeast Alberta Vital Signs survey is still live!
Please help the Community Foundation circulate this far and wide! The survey will be open until the end of August and the report will be launched in October!
Next Level Events
Business, Brainstorming & Beers
Join the Chamber every other Thursday throughout the summer at a local patio to discuss whatever needs discussing at your business. Whether it's business growth, workforce challenges, new business opportunities, regulatory hurdles, or anything else, we are all about finding solutions. Come have a drink with us and solve the world's problems!
This Thursday, August 10th we will see you at the Silver Buckle. Register today!
Medicine Hat Ribfest
Medicine Hat Ribfest is an annual 3-day community fundraising event. It brings together food vendors, live music and family-friendly activities. This year we will have 4 AWESOME NATIONAL AWARD WINNING RIB VENDORS along with a variety of other food trucks on site offering delicious food. This should be the BIGGEST RIBFEST Medicine Hat has ever seen!
Check out their website here!
Have questions? Call (403) 487-4860 or email event@mhribfest.com
Enriching Your Business
Fuelling the Business Community
New Members!
We would like to welcome Trickle Welding & Mechanical Ltd. and Cloud King Specialty Vape Shop to the Chamber Family!
We continually look forward to helping our members during their business journey and wish each the best in all future endeavors. We are extremely happy to have such amazing members, and are very glad that we can serve a part in that journey! Keep your eye out for more new member posts moving forward!
Fill Up On Funding
Affordable Housing Partnership Program Funding now open
Through this round of funding, Alberta’s government is providing $68 million to support innovative and sustainable affordable housing solutions for low-income Albertans. Public, non-profit and private sector partners can submit their affordable housing projects for funding until Oct. 16. Details on eligibility and the application process can be found online. Find out more.
Newcomer entrepreneur: Get up to $50,000 to grow your company
There are challenges to starting a business, no matter who you are. Still, immigrants face unique ones such as understanding Canada’s culture, navigating the startup support environment, and complying with business regulations they find unfamiliar. But accessing financing is right at the top of the list—as it is for many Canadian-born entrepreneurs, as well. BDC can help. You may qualify for a Newcomer Entrepreneur Loan if:
Your business has been in operation for at least 12 months and generated revenues,
You immigrated to Canada less than three years ago,
You have permanent resident status or protected person status,
You have a viable business plan.
Loans are available for between $25,000 and $50,000. [Find out how to apply now]
Fast-track to financing program
The Natural Products Canada (NPC) program supports projects that help create strong business or commercialization plans to attract public financing or private investment. NPC defines natural products or technologies as biologically-based innovations that leverage or enhance the use of naturally-occurring molecules. The innovation must benefit people, animals and the planet and can involve various industries, including food production and value-added agriculture; bioproducts and sustainability; human nutrition, health and wellness; animal health and nutrition; and water and waste management.
The program is open to Canadian startups, small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and academic research institutes to help cover
the costs of engaging one or more experts to develop a business or commercialization plan. Successful applicants may receive a contribution of up to 40% of the costs of the expert(s), to a maximum of $25,000, and must contribute at least 60% of the cost over the project period. Find out if NPC can help take your idea from concept to the marketplace
Other Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
Key trends shaping the retail industry today and how to remain competitive
Risks and benefits of integrating ChatGPT, and other generative AI, into your business
Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) Alberta
What are the signs of poor cash flow management and how to improve
How To Create a Social Media Marketing Strategy: 10 Steps to Success
Meet with Startup Women Leaders, Powered by StartUp Canada
BDC on Demand Webinar: Rising costs hurting your business? Strategies to protect your profits
Other Events
August 16th | Startup Women: Women in Packaged Food & Beverage | Register
August 19th & 20th | Alberta Open Farms | More Information
September 13th | EDA Attracting Remote Workers - Why and How Webinar | More Information
September 16th | Women in Business: 2nd Annual WIB Expo | Register
September 27th | Startup Women: How I Raised My First 100K - And I What Did Next | Register
October 26th | 2023 CANIE Awards" Innovation & Entrepreneurs Foundation | Apply Now
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