Economic Development

Economic Development is local businesses hub for B2B connections and essential business support. Specializing in streamlined supply chain partnerships, we facilitate continuous improvement and effective communication. Access guidance on government funding, navigate challenges with our issue resolution services, and promote updates within our network. Your success is our priority, and we're here to provide informative assistance for your business needs.

Business Licences

All businesses and individuals providing goods and/or services in Stony Plain must have a current business licence. This includes contractors and sub-contractors.

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Digital Economy Program

When over 95% of businesses in Alberta are small businesses, supporting them in a competitive world is critical. That’s why the Town of Stony Plain has joined the Digital Economy Program, with the University of Alberta as a strategic partner, to offer you and your business an opportunity to transform your online presence for free.

How it works and what you get

A Digital Support Squad member will complete a Digital Needs Assessment after you receive approval for the program. The range of services can be found below and are in the areas of Ads & Analytics, Social Media, and Website & SEO. The specific services and hours your business receives will be catered to your business based on the Digital Needs Assessment.

Ads and Analytics

Key word search

Providing adequate keyword tips in order to rank higher on Google (two hours).

Analytics analysis

Looking over analytics and providing actionable tips (two hours).

Competitors ads

Providing lists of competitor ads in order to plan/optimize current ads (three hours).

Competitor funnel analysis

Looking at competitors' funnels and evaluating for potential optimization (four hours).

Creating an ad

Assisting in the creation of a Google/Facebook ad/campaign; looking into competition and industry standards and discussing potential content that can be created in order to compliment the sales funnel (varies).

Social Media

Social media audit (branding strategy)

Teaching and guiding to ensure logos, banners, bios, posting cadences, and handles are consistent with your brand guidelines (two hours).

Content creation strategy session

Teaching strategy to increase social media engagement (two hours).

Set it up

Assisting in setting up one of the social media accounts of your choice (two hours).

Customer avatar creation

Identifying and defining three Digital Customer Avatars to better help target your ideal customers online (one hour).

Creating a Facebook ad from your page

Guiding you through the basics of creating a Facebook Ad from your business page from start to finish (two hours).

Social writing audit

Auditing and editing the copy of the about sections and descriptions on your various social media channels to ensure copy is clear and compelling (two hours).

Website and Search Engine Optimization

Existing website audit

Auditing your website's site speed and domain authority and learning actionable steps to improve them (two hours).

On page SEO

Analyzing your overall SEO rank, and providing recommendations for improved performance (two hours).

User experience audit

Assessing your website, the structure and overall user experience (three hours).

Competitor audit

Researching up to two competitor websites and assessing how your website compares (four hours).

How to Participate

Review the eligibility conditions below and click the apply now button to complete an application form. You’ll be paired up with a Digital Economy Program Support Squad who will assess your needs and put together a work plan. Then the magic happens. All free of charge.

Eligibility

Your business needs to be registered in Alberta (Indigenous owned businesses that are not registered in Alberta may still be eligible, please contact the Digital Economy Program Coordinator directly)
Your business need to have 49 employees or less.

Apply now

Exporting

Stony Plain businesses are well situated to capitalize on the growing global opportunities. Our convenient location in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region creates barrier-free access to an array of transportation methods that make exporting easy and feasible. Connect with our team to learn more about exporting and the many opportunities available to your business.

Export tool

Where to start

Plan your exports
Get started by learning how to develop an export plan, define your objectives, and consider your export staffing needs.
Research markets
The interactive market finder tool will help you determine viable markets for your product using the latest Alberta trade data.
Find and identify international clients
This section will help you dive deeper into your potential market and find the right type of client for your export strategy.
Adapt to the market
Learn about how to localize your product and your marketing strategies for that market.
Get paid
Learn about different payment models, negotiating international contracts, and reducing the risk of non-payment.
Get financed
Learn about the types of funding you might need to get started, and what government supports are available.
Ship your products
Learn about the basics of shipping terms, pricing and documentation, and whether you should use a freight forwarder.

Programs and Resources

View and access programs and resources available to Alberta businesses through Invest Alberta's business support programs dashboard.

Business support programs

Referrals

There are many organizations that serve, support, and inform businesses on a variety of matters. The list below is not comprehensive, but offers a good starting place for businesses looking for referrals.