Strathcona County Economic Development and Tourism




Start with the basics
Business plan
Market research
Choose a site
Permits

Registering

Licences
Canada Revenue Agency
Health permits
Utilities
Information
Financing
Chamber of Commerce
Home Business Organization
Welcome Wagon

Utilities and communication

 

Business

 
Starting a business

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:

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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

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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

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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

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Financing

Commercial Banks

Other financing options

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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

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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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