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Starting a Business

In this section

Thinking About Starting a Business in Whitecourt?

With a blend of rural and urban living, a prime location for regional market access, excellent lifestyle opportunities and key business advantages, Whitecourt is an ideal location to start your business.

Our team is here to support you through the process, assist you in finding a suitable location that works for your business needs, identify any permits that may be required, and connect you with business support organizations to ensure you have the resources and information you need to get started.

Have questions?  Email us!

Economic Development

This section provides you with valuable information and resources for starting your business.

The business plan is a written layout of the business’s core activities, objectives and how it will achieve its goals. Resources to connect with:

 

Why is this important? Market research provides you with useful insights on your target market, customers, and competitors in your industry.

Town of Whitecourt:

Government of Alberta:

Government of Canada:

Finding the right name for your business can have a significant impact on your success. A clear, powerful name can be extremely helpful in your marketing and branding efforts to promote and grow your business. A few tips on how to come up with a business name:

  • Avoid hard to spell names
  • Use acronyms if the name is too long
  • Conduct internet research to see what business names are out there
  • Use a name that conveys some meaning
  • Get feedback from friends, family, or colleagues

Learn about naming your business here.

When starting a new company, it’s important to consider the types of business structures that will best support your goals.  The three types of business structures are:

  • Sole proprietorship
  • Partnership (which is a form of proprietorship)
  • Corporation

Learn about choosing a business structure here.

In order to grow your business, there are many potential financing sources you can use to fund your business. Learn how to fund your business here.

In order to keep your business running smoothly, financial planning can help assist with new opportunities and adapt to changes in market. To learn more about money and finance, click here.

Federal Funding Programs:

Provincial Funding Programs:

With the excitement of starting a new business, it's easy to ignore the need for licenses or permits but not doing it right from the beginning is one of the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make and can result in a number of challenges down the road.

Although a business license is not required to operate in the Town of Whitecourt, businesses are still required to have permits in place. To ensure your business site is zoned for the purpose you want to use it for and our team is here to help!

  • Speak with a Town of Whitecourt Development Officer regarding proposed business sites prior to opening. Contact the Planning Department at 780-778-2273 or planning@whitecourt.ca
  • Many factors go into selecting a location to run your business - neighbourhood, parking, lease rate, and compliance with the Land Use Bylaw should all be considered.

View the interactive Town Map to see properties and zoning. 

Any structural changes such as moving walls, doors or windows; or significant changes to what the building was designed for, for example changing from a gym to a restaurant, will require development and building permits for construction.

Cosmetic changes such as painting, flooring, cabinetry or decorating do not require construction permits.

To find out what you need to know so that your project runs smoothly, connect with our Planning and Development team on the following:

 

Learn about registering your business with these resources:

Contact the Planning Department at 780-778-2273 or planning@whitecourt.ca regarding use locations and permit requirements.

  • All businesses within the Town of Whitecourt require an approved development permit for their location. The permit ensures that your business is located in a, appropriate land use district, as per the Land Use Bylaw.
  • Your development permit is valid as long as you stay at your current location. If you relocate your business within corporate limits a new development permit is required.

Permit Application Forms:

It’s a good idea to consult a tax professional before you get started and contact Canada Revenue Agency for more information on corporate and income tax, GST, and to obtain an employer’s account number for unemployment insurance and Canada Pension Plan deductions.

  • Obtain appropriate insurance, leases, and other operating needs.
  • Ensure that all environmental issues that affect your business has been investigated. Environmental File Search Request Form
  • Register your company with the Worker’s Compensation Board.
  • Ensure that all health regulations that relate to your business has been investigated. Alberta Health Services website is a great place to start.

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program

Businesses can apply through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Rural Renewal Steam to fill vacant, full-time positions in Whitecourt. AAIP is an economic immigration program that nominates individuals for permanent residence in Alberta.  Newcomers that participate under this program will receive nomination for permanent residency which will allow them to stay working, living, and contributing to our community. For more information, visit Whitecourt’s AAIP Rural Renewal Stream.

Do you have new employees coming to work in Whitecourt? Download Whitecourt’s Welcome Package.

Join the Whitecourt Business Directory

Business directories build supportive communities and provide a tool for new and established businesses to connect. You can find and interact with people offering complementary services and benefit from mutual support. It also provides an opportunity for our team to highlight your business and services to increase awareness and build you presence. We take pride in proactively promoting businesses both locally and regionally. Interested in a listing in the Whitecourt Business Directory at no cost? Contact ecdev@whitecourt.ca

Become a member of the Whitecourt & District Chamber of Commerce.

We’re Here To Help!

For more information on starting a business in the Town of Whitecourt connect with Whitecourt’s Economic Development Officer at 780-778-2273 or by email at ecdev@whitecourt.ca

Subscribe to Whitecourt’s new Economic Development Newsletter to receive updates on business supports and resources, new development, grant opportunities, upcoming events, available programs, and more.

Subscribe now