WAINWRIGHT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY SURVEY
The mission of Wainwright Economic Development is to promote, expand and enhance the economic development of Wainwright by working in collaboration with various organizations and stakeholders, while ensuring constant communication with the community.

We are looking for input from the community on economic development issues. Please complete the survey below. We appreciate your feedback!
LOCAL PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES
In order to assist local business in gaining information on business opportunities with local municipalities, Wainwright Garrison etc., the Wainwright Economic Development Office will periodically send out business opportunities featured on   merx.com  and  buyandsell.gc.ca  that pertain particularly to Wainwright and area.

These are systems used by the Government for procurement of goods and services over $25,000.

Click here for the list of   WAINWRIGHT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE RELAUNCH GRANT OPEN
The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant offers financial assistance to Alberta organizations (businesses, cooperatives and non-profits) that were ordered to close or curtail operations, and that experienced a revenue reduction of at least 30%, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To support businesses affected by the public health measures introduced in April 2021, a spring 2021 application period opened April 23. Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2021.

The spring 2021 payment is calculated as 15% of the eligible organization's revenue from the chosen month to a maximum of $10,000. Businesses can use these funds as they see fit to help offset the costs of re-opening, and implementing public health measures including:
  • physical barriers
  • purchasing personal protective equipment and disinfecting supplies
  • paying rent and employee wages
  • replacing inventory and more
MAY 9TH IS NEXT INTAKE FOR THE
CANADA EMERGENCY WAGE SUBSIDY PROGRAM
As a Canadian employer who has seen a drop in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your employee wages. This subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers, help prevent further job losses, and ease your business back into normal operations.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Government of Alberta passed Bill 71, Employment Standards (COVID-19 Vaccination Leave) Amendment Act on April 21, 2021. The Act provides a new, temporary, paid job-protected leave to support employees receiving a COVID-19 vaccination. For more details on COVID-19 Vaccination Leave, visit alberta.ca where you can also find a fact sheet for you and your employees.
EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY FOR THE CANADA-ALBERTA JOB GRANT
The Alberta government is temporarily expanding eligibility to the Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG) to help businesses access the training they need. The expansion is effective until February 28, 2022. Expanded eligibility includes:

  • Funding mandatory training. Use the CAJG to fund courses or training that is required for a job.
  • Allowing employers to train employed family members. Enables family-owned businesses to access training funds.
  • Allowing some business owners to receive funding to train themselves. Supports entrepreneurs to expand their skill set to grow or pivot their business.

In addition, other changes will make the application process more efficient. For example, an employee’s training can start as soon as government receives an application, rather than having to wait for the application to be approved. This allows businesses to begin training sooner if required.

Temporarily expanding the CAJG provides more opportunities for businesses to access support as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.

Learn more about the program and apply online at alberta.ca/CAJG
ADDITIONAL FUNDING PROGRAMS
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS WEBINARS
In this link you will find an overview of:   
  • Key changes that took effect July 29 to September 30, 2020
  • Key change that took effect October 30, 2020
  • Key changes in effect November 1, 2020
  • Key changes in effect February 10, 2021
  • Key changes not yet in effect
  • Fact sheets
  • News
Recorded information sessions can be found HERE
SUPPORT LOCAL AB
Small businesses in Alberta make a big impact, and this new directory connects business owners with new customers and clients across the province. It is FREE, easy to use, and is open to all Alberta small businesses!
 What makes this business directory different?
  • It allows business owners to easily keep important information up to date and include images of their business or products
  • The directory highlights and celebrates the diversity in small businesses across Alberta. Explore Black-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, LGBTQ2+ businesses and more!
Listings on the directory have exposure to Business Link’s extensive network of clients and partners across the province
SEEKING ALBERTA FARMERS INTERESTED IN GROWING HEMP
Eko-Terre is aiming to create a hemp processing plant for textiles in north-eastern Alberta. Eco-terre is looking for farmers to sign on for approximately 10,000 - 12,000 acres of dual purpose hemp in the 2021 growing season which would supply them with winter retted hemp straw next spring. For more information, contact Oliver Lalonde at 450.502.5851.
TOWN'S 25% LOT REBATE PROMOTION ENDS JUNE 1ST
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, Town Council has approved a policy to provide a 25% rebate on all Town-owned serviced lots. This includes residential and commercial lots within the Town of Wainwright. 

Council and Administration hopes this promotion will encourage construction and help local contractors and trades with employment, thereby helping to stimulate the local economy and increase the tax base. 

The promotion is for a limited time only, ending on June 1st, 2021. There are conditions on the promotion such as the lot(s) must be paid in full and the building must be fully constructed prior to receiving the 25% rebate. For full details, contact Carley Herbert or Scott Flett, Director of Planning & Development at the Town Office.
BUSINESS EDUCATION
COMMUNITY FUTURES PROCUREMENT SERIES
Free Registration
ALBERTA BUSINESS FAMILY INSTITUTE WEBINARS
Free Registration
 
Focus on Families Masterclass Series
This series of webinars will be geared to family businesses from all disciplines who seek to deepen their understanding and begin the process of transition planning.

ALL SESSIONS WILL BE HOSTED ONLINE FROM 10 AM – NOON MST
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2021
TOWN OF WAINWRIGHT MUNICIPAL ELECTION
The 2021 Municipal Election Nomination Period is open and will remain open until 12:00 Noon on Monday, September 20, 2021. The positions for Mayor and 6 Councillors are open for nominations.

Please contact the Town Office at 780.842.3381 to make an appointment to submit nomination papers between the hours of 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Nominations are required to include a $100.00 deposit.

For more information regarding the upcoming municipal election please visit the Town of Wainwright website at www.wainwright.ca. 
BUSINESSES RESOURCES
VISIT alberta.ca/COVID19 for up-to-date COVID-19 information
While every effort is made to ensure the currency, accuracy and completeness of the information provided, The Town of Wainwright (Wainwright Economic Development) is not liable for any loss, claim or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information provided.