Business Before Hours

Let's Connect!

March 11th, 2025

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Airdrie Public Library

Do you have a hidden talent?

Rising Stars Talent Show

Entertainment Stage

at the Airdrie Regional Home & Lifestyle Show

Saturday, April 12th, 2025

1:00pm - 3:30pm

Deadline to apply is March 14th, 2025.

Over 90% Sold!

2025 Airdrie Regional Home & Lifestyle Show

Show Hours:

Saturday, April 12th, 2025

10:00am - 4:00pm

Sunday, April 13th, 2025

10:00am - 4:00pm

Deadline to register is March 14th, 2025 or until booths are sold out.

Airdrie Regional 15+ Spring

Job Fair



Are you hiring?

Available space for Employers is limited!

Wednesday, March 19th, 2025

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Genesis Place Fieldhouse

Meet Your Chamber

Thursday, March 27th, 2025

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

New Horizon Mall Atrium

Mentorship March Luncheon

Friday, March 28th, 2025

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Secret Galley Restaurant

Canadian Chambers of Commerce

Statement by Candace Laing, President & CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce:

“The reckless decision by the U.S. administration is forcing Canada and the U.S. toward recessions, job losses and economic disaster. 

The U.S. government’s self-defeating tariff policy disregards decades of success and trillions in trade to try and revive a failed economic model from the 1800s. Tariffs are a tax on the American people. Rather than bringing back affordability or creating a “golden age” for business, tariffs will cost consumers at the checkout, cost producers more at every point along the supply chain, and force businesses to find alternate suppliers that are less reliable than Canadian ones. 

The U.S. can claim this policy is about hitting Canada where it hurts, but it will soon see the disastrous impacts at home in cities like Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Louisville. The U.S. can save its people from pain by stopping to reassess, as it did in 2018 when it realized the true cost of steel and aluminum tariffs was paid by American manufacturers. 

As for us, now is the time to double down on protecting our economic sovereignty and security. Recent announcements from the federal and provincial governments on internal trade are steps in the right direction, but what we do in this moment can’t be incremental, it must be transformational. To build a resilient, self-reliant and future-proof economy, we need to diversify our trade partners, revamp the tax and regulatory system, and do even more to streamline internal trade. 

Canada is resource and talent rich. Our economic future is ours to determine — it's time to join our economic strategy with concrete action to not only minimize the short-term damage but to chart a more prosperous path long-term.”

Policy Matters: Why Energy Security Matters Learn more

Canadian News

Committee on Internal Trade: update ACC's Trade policies Learn more

Unlocking trade and labour mobility: Trevor Tombe Learn more

Alberta Chambers of Commerce

2025 Alberta budget summary Read the summary Read the full budget

ACC President & CEO Shauna Feth, who discusses the crucial role of interprovincial cooperation in shaping policies and priorities that align with business needs. Watch the highlights Watch the full recording

U.S. Tariff Impact Research Report

Between February 1-7, the Alberta Chambers of Commerce gathered input from 408 business leaders to develop strategies that enhance Alberta's economic position and competitiveness, including:

• Reducing interprovincial trade barriers to expand access to Canadian markets.
• Diversifying Alberta's export markets to lessen dependency on U.S. trade.
• Building stronger partnerships with U.S. states to promote mutually beneficial solutions

Read the full report

Alberta businesses face growing hiring challenges

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) has released the latest Alberta Perspectives “Hiring Intentions/Skills Training” report, revealing increasing workforce recruitment difficulties. Key Findings:

• 41% of businesses say hiring skilled workers is more difficult than a year ago (up from 28% in Spring 2024).
• 67% of employers with staffing shortages report moderate to significant losses in production or sales.
• Staff shortages affect profitability (57%) and sales/production targets (50%), while 44% of businesses say it also disrupts core operations—up from 33% last year.

Read the full report

Business Transition Forum April 22, 2025, Calgary - ACC Members get 25% off with code: ACC25 or SFETH25 Register now

Alberta News

Alberta Calls for Federal Action on Trade Infrastructure Learn more

City of Airdrie

Will customers love your business idea? Let’s discover! Learn more

Downtown Airdrie Parking Study Take survey

Apply now! Airdrie Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) Learn more



Grants & Funding

On the Small business resources site, you can find resources to help your business start, grow, and succeed. Connect directly with a Biz Connect team member through the website for tailored resources for your business. Some examples of the most common inquiries Biz Connect gets about small business, and examples of some of the resources offered:

How to find funding

Biz Connect connects Alberta entrepreneurs and small business owners to available grant and loan programs, as well as expert advice. Explore resources like:

• Business Link: Free advice, coaching, and guidance on financial supports.
• Alberta Innovates: Grants and support for innovative start-ups.
• Futurpreneur: Loans up to $75,000 for entrepreneurs aged 18–39.
• Community Futures: Specialized rural business support and loans of up to $1 million.
• Women-Owned Business Programs: Loans and capacity-building through Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) and Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC)

Biz Connect makes learning how to register your business in Alberta simple. Explore resources like:

• Choose Your Structure: Business Link offers free, one-on-one support for entrepreneurs.
• Register Your Business: Learn how to register, choose a name, and get your Common Business Number.
• Permits & Licenses: Use BizPaL to discover the permits and licenses you need.

Biz Connect can also help you find information to manage your small business, including resources like:

• Workforce development resources, such as employment standards to understand the rules and regulations, and information to assist with hiring and managing employees.
• Protecting your business and ensuring your business is in good standing.
• Succession planning.

Biz Connect can help direct you to tools and resources for expanding and developing your business, including:

• The Alberta Export Expansion Program to help export-ready companies and non-profit organizations access international markets and attract global buyers.
• The Government of Canada’s Business Benefits Finder tool offers support for research and development.

For specific inquiries, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of the Small Business

Resources page or email us at bizconnect@gov.ab.ca.

Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative Learn more

Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) Program guidelines

Funding Your Vision: Accessing Grants in Canada | Startup Women 2025 Webinar March 12

What is the Utilities Consumer Advocate?

If you're struggling with your electricity or natural gas bills, the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) can help you navigate Alberta’s utility market. Whether you're a homeowner, a farm, or a small business, the UCA is here to help you understand your options and advocate for your rights.

For more information or to access the UCA's services, visit ucahelps.ca

For businesses seeking up-to-date trade insights and tools:

• Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker – A tool from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce highlighting trade trends and disruptions. Explore it here
• EMC Canada/US Trade Relations Tracker – A resource for manufacturers to collaborate on trade solutions. Join here
• View the proposed list of products subject to 25% tariffs
• Canada West Foundation Brief 22
• Canada West Foundation Brief 23

Tariffs: Resources to help you navigate and prepare

• Startup Canada
• Tariff Toolkit
• Export Development Canada
• United States Market Intelligence
• FAQs: What Canadian exporters need to know about the impact of potential U.S. tariffs
• BDC
• Resources for Businesses Affected by US Tariffs, including:
• Canada Tariff Finder
• Checklist to prepare your business
• Cashflow guides and calculator
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business

U.S. Tariffs: What They Mean to Your Business 

PAYROLL SOLUTIONS

Get up to 20% off outsourced automated HR and Payroll management services, plus receive 3 additional workforce management solutions at no additional cost.

Contact Payworks:

1-866-788-3500

Email: sajan.dhillon@payworks.ca or sales@payworks.ca

Access Your Chamber Newsletter and Events 24/7

Tap the My Chamber icon at the bottom of the app to access!

Upcoming Member Events

March 11 | Bring Balance to Your Budget | Carianne Martin, Edward Jones | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Edward Jones Office, 409 1 Ave NW, Airdrie | Learn more

March 13 | Crisis Leadership Webinar with Scott Simon | High Road Leaders | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Zoom | Learn more

March 25 | Script Your Family's Future: Why You Need an Estate Plan | Carianne Martin, Edward Jones | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Edward Jones Office, 409 1 Ave NW, Airdrie | Learn more

April 8 | Making Your Money Last: 10 Principles for Living in Retirement | Carianne Martin, Edward Jones | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Edward Jones Office, 409 1 Ave NW, Airdrie | Learn more

April 11 | Effective Communication for Leaders Webinar  | High Road Leaders | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Zoom | Learn more

2597968 ALBERTA LTD.

Meet Leona Berreth, A Mortgage Broker with a Heart for Helping Airdrie

If you're looking for a mortgage broker who genuinely cares about your homeownership dreams, look no further than Leona Berreth! With a passion for helping Canadians navigate the mortgage process, Leona is here to guide you every step of the way toward your dream home.



With 20 years of financial services experience under her belt, her journey has equipped her to be a true mortgage advocate for each and every one of her clients.



Leona's approach is built on integrity, trust, and a genuine desire to educate. When you work with her, you can be confident that your best interests are always top of mind and will likely walk away with a new friend.

Outside of her work, Leona is a proud Airdrie resident, deeply connected to her community. Her commitment to Airdrie is also reflected in her active involvement with local organizations. As a member of 100 Women Who Care and a dedicated part of the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee, Leona's giving spirit shines. Most recently, she co-hosted a Play It Forward fundraising event, raising much-needed funds for the Airdrie Food Bank.

Leona is here to help her neighbors, whether it’s finding the best mortgage options for you or simply offering a helping hand. She shops the market to connect clients with the most suitable lenders and aims to make the mortgage process as simple and stress-free as possible.

Ready to take the next step toward homeownership? Reach out to Leona today – she’s here to help you make it happen!