Your Weekly Tune Up
Elevate & Celebrate Black Excellence: Charting the Future for Black Entrepreneurs in Canada,
Successful entrepreneurs and representatives from prominent Black business associations offered profound insights into their journeys, challenges and triumphs at a Canadian Chamber event earlier this month. Through their narratives, there was a deeper understanding of the systemic barriers and gaps in supports faced by Black entrepreneur, highlighting the urgent need for collective action to protect the investments already made and continue driving positive change. Also shared was a number of resources that are available which are are the event summary page here.
Growing Alberta’s tourism and hospitality sector
Alberta’s government is launching a new immigration stream March 1 to help the province’s tourism and hospitality industry address labour gaps and challenges. The Tourism and Hospitality Stream, part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, will help relieve labour challenges and help Alberta businesses attract and retain much-needed workers. This stream is open to individuals who have already been working for a tourism and hospitality business for at least six months and who have met criteria to establish themselves in Alberta permanently. View this announcement online
In addition, to further support a growing visitor economy, Alberta’s government is launching a long-term provincial tourism strategy to share Alberta’s story and history with the world. This strategy will focus on five key pillars: Leadership and Alignment, Competitive Product, People and Careers, Expansion of Access and Indigenous Tourism
2024 Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame
The Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame honours individuals who have advanced Alberta’s agriculture industries, food industries and rural life. Albertans are encouraged to nominate an agricultural leader in their community. Nomination forms and a list of past inductees are available on alberta.ca. Nominations close on May 3. The 2024 Agriculture Hall of Fame inductees will be celebrated at an induction ceremony later this year. Find out more.
Advocacy in Action
Municipal Mingle
We were pleased to attend the City of Medicine Hat Municipal Mingle on February 13th. Medicine Hat Economic Development, Transportation Master Plan, Division Ave and 3rd Street road construction, the Land Use Bylaw, the Community Wellness Plan and Municipal Works were all topics of discussion with Municipal staff available for questions.
These are all topics that the Chamber has been engaged and involved in and were pleased to continue the conversations.
If you’re interested in learning more and sharing your insights visit: https://shapeyourcity.medicinehat.ca/
Canadian Chamber Pre-Budget Submission
The Canadian Chamber continues to urge the Government of Canada to focus on growth driven by the private sector: many of the measures included in our submission, including regulatory reform and dismantling internal trade barriers, will cost little or nothing, but will generate future wealth and investment. Canada’s economy is also founded on small business, many of which face unique challenges: the time is now for a dedicated national strategy for SMEs. Budget 2024 is the opportunity to attract the investment needed for strong, sustainable growth, a successful net-zero transition, while fostering businesses of all sizes. In the Canadian Chamber’s pre-budget submission, we focus on ensuring reliable supply chains, easing the burden of doing business, implementing a pragmatic investment in net zero, enabling an innovative economy, and attracting, developing and retaining talent. Read more.
Transportation Master Plan
The City initiated the development of a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) in July 2023. This plan will be their guide for the next 30 years, aimed at enhancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of travel for both people and goods, in alignment with our Municipal Development Plan. You are invited to participate in three surveys regarding the future of transportation in Medicine Hat:
Part I – Transportation Master Plan: Vision and priorities.
Part II – Transportation Safety: Strategies for safer travel.
Part III – Active Transportation: Promoting walking, cycling, and other sustainable modes.
We also encourage you to share these surveys within your networks to ensure broad community input. For more information and to stay up to date with the project’s progress, please visit: shapeyourcity.medicinehat.ca/transportation-master-plan.
Next Level Events
Media Mention! Chat TV: Noon Interview
We had a chance to catch up with Dan Reynish at Chat TV to highlight all the events coming up this week. Missed it? You can watch online:
https://chatnewstoday.ca/2024/02/12/noon-interview-lisa-dressler-feb-12/
Foundations of Intercultural Leadership Management
Unlock Global Leadership Excellence! Attend our Foundations of Intercultural Management Workshop!
Are you prepared to advance your leadership skills in today’s interconnected world? Join us for an engaging and dynamic “Foundations of Intercultural Management” session designed to equip leaders like you with the skills necessary to survive in diverse and globalized contexts! More info and save your spot here.
Black History Month Celebration
Celebrate Diversity and Promoting Inclusion in Medicine Hat! Join us as we commemorate the accomplishments, contributions, and rich history of Black people.
This year's theme, "Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build," emphasizes honouring diversity and looking towards a brighter future together. Please RSVP by Friday, Feb 16th. www.eventbrite.ca/e/black-history-month-celebration-tickets-827529171027
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Calling women entrepreneurs: Go global at StrikeUP 2024 February 29, 2024
Are you a woman entrepreneur interested in exporting, starting to export, or actively doing business abroad? This is the digital conference for you. The theme of StrikeUP 2024 is “Driving Change”, with a focus on equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to face the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. The Trade Commissioner Service will guide a workshop entitled “Go Global: Expanding Beyond Canada’s Borders,” a session designed to share the export journey of women-led technology businesses and provide you with essential tools and resources for international expansion.
By joining this workshop and attending the whole StrikeUP 2024 conference, you will gain insights from fellow women founders on:
- Market evaluation and selection
- Exporting risk mitigation and management
- Scaling strategies to support export expansion
- Practical tips on how to enter and grow in new markets
Date: February 29, 2024, 8:00am – 2:00pm MST Location: Digital/online portal | Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from and engage with successful women in business. Register for FREE
Exploring Futures Career Fair
CAREERS: The Next Generation, the Medicine Hat College along with our local high schools will be hosting a Career and Job fair for high school students. This year we are moving the event to the Medicine Hat College to showcase the local post-secondary options that go along with the careers in the Skilled Trades, ICT, Agriculture and Health areas that are the focus for this event.
The event will be an Open House format where students and parents can drop-in to find out all about what the participating businesses and organizations do and how they can get started in the field. Hands-on, interactive displays are encouraged. Employers can also use this event to discover applicants for spring/summer job positions; students will be encouraged to bring resumes to the event.
Date: Wednesday, May 15th
Time: 4pm-7pm
Location: Medicine Hat College – Trades Wing
Link to sign up: https://forms.gle/q43LUqyyy9sw7GjUA
^ No charge for employers | registration open right until the event
Chamber of Commerce Luncheons: Minister of Finance, Honourable Nate Horner | Premier Danielle Smith
The Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a luncheon with the President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, Honourable Nate Horner as he presents Budget 2024 on March 6th at 11:00am - 2:00pm. Register here
Later on May 2nd, the Chamber is pleased to announce a luncheon and presentation/ Q&A with Premier Danielle Smith at 11:00am - 1:30pm. Register here.
Enriching Your Business
There's a reason Chambers Plan is Canada's #1 plan.
Contact JoAnne Letkeman,
Exclusive Chamber Group Advisor,
403-504-2166 ext 1.
Fueling the Business Community
• NEW MEMBERS •
We would like to welcome National Bank Financial Wealth Management Kunz Financial Group and Stingray Radio 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!
February Limited-Time Promotion: Meet or Beat Offer!
Promotion period : February 1st - February 29th : If Elavon cannot match or beat your current rates with your current provider, we will give you a $250 Visa gift card!
How Members Can Participate:
- Submit a web inquiry through the Elavon Chamber landing page: https://join.paymentstart.com/cachamber
- Our dedicated sales representatives will promptly reach out for a consultation within 24-48 hours.
- Complete the sign-up process by February 29th, 2024, and if Elavon were not able to meet or beat members’ current rates, members will be qualified to receive $250 Visa gift card (please refer to flyer footers for more details).
Elavon Testimonial
"We received a promotional email from Elavon that said they could beat our current fees or we could get a $250 visa gift card. We decided to reach out as I wasn’t completely happy with our provider at the time. They easily beat the fees we were paying so we decided to switch. The setup process was quick, and the customer service was immediate with no wait times when calling to activate. Their service agent was helpful and answered all our questions while they were on the phone showing us how to use the website. The funds we collect are in our bank account the following day (our previous provider took 3-4 business days to deposit), the receipt print out looks great (our previous provider’s receipts looked horrible...) and we have the option to setup a pay portal on our website which we will be looking at adding very soon to eliminate our clients having to call every time they want to pay. Overall, we are incredibly happy with our experience with Elavon and would recommend them to anyone looking for merchant services."
Fill Up On Funding
Want to take your business to the next level? Apply for Product Development funding
Travel Alberta is now accepting Expression of Interest (EOI) for their Product Development funding streams. Whether you're bringing an idea to life or looking to take your tourism experience to the next level, they offer funding options for you. The EOI period is open until March 1 but don’t wait until then. If they receive significant interest, they may close the EOI intake sooner. Find out more.
StartUp Canada resource guide for Black entrepreneurs in Canada is back!
They are bringing back the resource guide for Black entrepreneurs in Canada - featuring additional resources, including funding opportunities, loans, access to mentors, and opportunities to build your network! Check out the resource guide
Black Pitch Contest offers $25,000 to Black Canadian entrepreneurs
Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses of Canada Society started the Black Pitch Contest, where Black entrepreneurs pitch their business idea for a chance to win $25,000. Learn more
Apply online for up to $100,000 in financing
BDC’s Small Business Loan is designed to help Canadian companies quickly and easily access funds, with flexible terms. It’s free to apply online for up to $100,000. Use the funds to purchase equipment, software, or hardware without using cash you need for everyday activities, increase sales by upgrading your website to sell online, purchase inventory, run marketing campaigns, hire a consultant, or pay suppliers, landlords and employees. And you can postpone principal payments for the first six months—then repay the loan at your pace within five years. Learn more and apply online now
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the February 12th crossword puzzle.
Remember that subscribing to our weekly email gets you access to the crossword puzzle. Anyone who sends us their answers will get their name put into our quarterly draw.
The prize? Receive 5 promotional credits with us (for members) or credit towards a membership (for non-members)! Oh and bragging rights that you're a crossword master.
Other Events
Feb 23 | Black History Month Celebration
March 1-3 | Home & Leisure Trade Show | More Info
March 22-23 | The Canada Investment Destination Expo
Procurement Assistance Canada webinars | Register
Employment Standards Webinars | Register
Useful Links
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