Business Development

Mission

Whether you are starting a new business, relocating, or considering an expansion, Red Deer County’s Economic Development team can play a role in nurturing the process. Red Deer County aims to support businesses at every stage of development.

Helpful Resources

Business Development  Tool

Use Red Deer County’s Business Development Tool to find local information to help your business make smarter, faster, better decisions. The online tool shows available locations, local industry trends, demographic information, and valuable business links all in a one stop shop environment.

Federal & Provincial Incentives

Program  Description 
Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Credit Deductible Research and Development expenditures and tax credit applicable towards income tax
Alberta Economic Development Funding and Grants Tax credits, grants and other program grants
Alberta Innovates- Mirco-Voucher Program Provides funding for high potential, high growth, technology or knowledge-based Alberta small and medium sized enterprises
Alberta Innovates Voucher Grants to support business and technology development
Aboriginal Business and Entrepreneurship Development
The program provides Indigenous businesses with access to non-repayable contributions for supporting eligible business proposals and leveraging additional funds
Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit A non-refundable tax credit equal to 10% of the eligible salaries and wages payable to eligible apprentices
Adam Chowaniec Fund for Global Entrepreneurship Funds awarded to build up the export and international capability of entrepreneurs
Canada Small Business Financing Program Finance for purchasing of equipment, business vehicles, renovations, and commercial property
Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP)  Provides " Seed Funds" for projects with high potential for commercialization between Canada and partner counties
CanExport Program Funding and support to expand global opportunities
Canada-Alberta Jobs Grant (CAJG) Training program where an employer applies on behalf of their employee for eligible training costs
Engage Grants Universities or colleges collaborating with an industrial partner for a short-term Research and Development project to address the company’s need
Export Readiness Micro-Voucher Program Helps businesses with international plans and export opportunities
Going Global Innovation To support innovators who aim to commercialize technology by pursuing collaborative international research and development opportunities
Mitacs Elevate For-profit corporations receiving no more that 50% of revenues from government sources or not-for-profit corporations. Projects must demonstrate economic or productivity direction
Product Demonstration Program (PDP) Provides funding to high growth, technology and knowledge based small and medium business
Small Business Deduction Provides corporations with the ability to a small business dedcution

Business Services & Resources

Business ventures in Red Deer County are supported by a number of local, regional, provincial, and federal resources.

OrganizationServices Provided

Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC)
1.877.899.2372

Provides loans to farmers, agri-businesses and other small businesses.

Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce
403.347.4491

Promotes, represents and enhances the interests of Red Deer County’s and area business community.
Alberta Agriculture & Forestry
403.310.3276
Services for businesses in the primary production and value-added areas of agriculture including feasibility studies, market analysis and financial analysis.
Canadian Agricultural Partnership 

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion federal-provincial-territorial investment in the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products.

Alberta Economic Dashboard

Compiles the Alberta economy’s most important indicators for businesses in one place. Get a quick snapshot of our current economic state or explore each indicator in more detail.

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
1.800.713.3558

Provides unique programs and services to women at all stages of business through advising, financing, mentoring, and skills and network development.

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
888.463.6232

Financing, capital and consulting services to help create and grow small and medium-size enterprises.

Futurpreneur
403.265.3288

Non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39.

Community Futures Central Alberta
403.342.2055

Business counselling and training.
Business loans (start-up or expansion capital).

The Business Link
1.800.272.9675

Non-profit organization that helps Alberta entrepreneurs start their own businesses.

Alberta Innovates

Funding opportunities for Technology Futures, Energy & Environment Solutions, Health Solutions, & Bio Solutions

Go Productivity
844.245.8278

Advisory and training services to improve productivity, internal capacity and streamline process.

Alberta Economic and Trade


Leads the government’s economic development efforts, supports businesses and investors and provides a single-door access to information.

Export Development Canada
1.800.229.0575

Provides exporters with trade financing, export credit insurance and bonding services, as well as foreign market expertise.

Central Alberta Access Prosperity
403.356.4935


Attracting international businesses to invest in the Central Alberta region; supporting businesses in Central Alberta to become export ready; facilitating business-to-business matches for international investment, development, or expansion.
Red Deer Construction Association
403.346.4846
info@rdca.ca

The Red Deer Construction Association (RDCA) is a non-profit trade association that is the collective voice for the commercial and industrial construction industry serving Central Alberta. The RDCA proudly serves over 300 members across various trade and associate companies.