Start
with the basics
Is running a business for you? The Business Link
Business is an excellent resources for entrepreneurs.
Ask their business officers questions, visit their award winning
library, pick up brochures from their information displays, take
part in their Brown Bag information sessions, Guest Advisor Program
and Business Seminars.
The
Business Link Business Service Centre
#100-10237 - 104 Street NW, Edmonton (780) 422-7722 Fax (780) 422-0055

Proceed with a business
plan
A business plan is a detailed document outlining your business
idea. It will assist the business owner in obtaining financing,
in establishing a plan of action, in foreseeing obstacles and challenges,
and in developing strategies to achieve desired business goals.
Need assistance?

Do your market research
Strathcona County Library provides books on:
- Starting a business
- Writing a business plan
- Obtaining a patent
- Arranging your financing
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Tracking your competition, connecting with others in your industry
Strathcona County Library
2020 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park (780) 449-5801
Strathcona County provides:
- Marketing area studies
- Market survey information
- Neighbourhood demographic profiles
- Custom research from census data on age, income, and education
- Access to Statistics Canada information
Corporate Planning & Intergovernmental Affairs
2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park (780) 464-8252
The Business Link provides:
- Extensive resource library and research materials
- Information officers to direct you to printed and electronic
information sources
- Internet public access, CD ROM, informative websites, research
information
- Confidential oneon-one services
- Information on federal and provincial government regulations,
programs and services
The
Business Link
#100-10237 - 104 Street NW, Edmonton (780) 422-7722 Fax (780) 422-0055
Research Web sites of interest:


Choose your site
Economic Development and Tourism can help to locate suitable property
sites for your business. A listing of land for sale and an inventory
of commercial and industrial space for lease is available on the Property Locator. The inventory
lists square footage, price and a contact name. Also available are maps of aerials, utilities, and land use. Demographic reports can be created for business planning purposes.
Economic Development and Tourism
(780) 464-8241

Get a development permit
A business licence is not a requirement in Strathcona County;
however, all businesses must obtain a development permit when:
- Establishing a business in a vacant commercial space
- Changing the use of business space
- Developing a new commercial building
- Operating a home business
Zoning
Proper zoning is required for a development permit to be considered.
Businesses must ensure that the zoning of a proposed site allows
for its intended use. When leasing or buying property for your business
ensure possession is subject to obtaining the necessary permit approvals.
Planning and Development Services
(780) 464-8080
Check into building permits
A business will require a building permit for interior or exterior
construction. Building permits may also be required for changing
the use of a space; for example, starting a business in a home or
changing the use of a current space.
Planning and Development Services
(780) 464-8080


Register
your business
The following private sector businesses will conduct name searches
and register your business:
- Sherwood Park Registries
(780) 467-6916
- Registry on Wye Ltd.
(780) 417-7300
Register your business in Strathcona County's Voluntary
Business Directory. This comprehensive directory of
retail, service, the light-to-heavy industrial and home businesses is
a main source for customers and suppliers. Registration is free!.

Obtain
your provincial licences
Some businesses such as prepaid contractors, direct sellers, gas
stations, and employment agencies require provincial licences.
Government
of Alberta - How to License and Register a Business
Consumer Information Centre
(780)
422-1335

Contact Canada Revenue Agency
You will require an employer's Business Number (BN)
for Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan and income tax deductions.
Most businesses carrying on commercial activities in Canada must
obtain a GST registration number and collect GST.
Register
online for your Business Number (BN) at:
Canada Revenue Agency
1-800-959-5525


Get a health permit
If you prepare, sell, supply or store food and drink,
you will need a food establishment permit.
Strathcona County Health Centre
(780) 467-5571

Arrange for utilities
For a list of utilities and their contact information, visit the Utilities and Communication page.
For a comprehensive list of most services, visit the Services at a glance page.

Information and advice
Economic Development and Tourism provides:
- initial consulting services
- information
- a comphrehensive business section on this site
- Contact (780) 464-8241 for more information
The
Business Link provides:
- Federal, provincial and regional centre for
business information
- Business publications and information guides
- Confidential information and
services
- Information sessions like Starting a Business,
Marketing, Business Plans.
- A resource library for information and research
- Contact (780) 422-7722, 1-800-272-9675 or visit the Business Link website


Financing
Commercial Banks
Other financing options


Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce
The Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce
has a wealth of business assistance and opportunities. Consider
becoming a member and enjoy the benefits,
- Credibility for your business
- Networking opportunities with local suppliers and customers
- A voice for business in Strathcona County, Alberta, and Canada
- Many advertising and promotional opportunities
Sherwood Park and District Chamber
of Commerce
(780) 464-0801

Home
Business Organization
The Home Business Organization's (HBO's) goals are to promote the
success and prosperity of members by providing professional development,
low-cost effective advertising, networking and support. Members
receive:
- Monthly newsletters
- Listings in the HBO Directory in the category of you choice
- Free advertising at trade shows and county fairs
- Speaker presentations at monthly meetings
- Networking opportunities
- Experience in organizing, developing marketing skills and building
confidence
Home Business Organization
(780) 619-8027


Business/Professional
Welcome Wagon
New businesses are encourage to contact, Joan Lowry, Business/Professional
Welcome Wagon Hostess. She welcomes and congratulates new businesses,
professionals and owners to our community by providing information,
and gifts from other local businesses.
Call Joan at (780) 464-7034 for your "Welcome to the Business
Community".

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