Better Together: Calgary Chamber launches membership campaign to kick off Small Business Week

Some things are better together – and all businesses are better with us.

Calgary, October 17, 2022 – The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of a new membership campaign, ‘Better Together,’ and membership model that reflects the diversity of Calgary businesses, introducing new opportunities for start-ups, individuals, and non-profit members to join our business community. The Chamber launches the campaign in conjunction with Small Business Week, acknowledging the critical role small businesses play in our economy, comprising over 95 per cent of businesses and two-thirds of employment.

“At the Calgary Chamber, the knowledge that we are better together is at the heart of everything we do,” explains Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “From connecting businesses with government, facilitating relationship building between businesses, and bridging the gap between different sectors and regions of Calgary’s economy, the Calgary Chamber is committed to collaboration, connection, and community.”

As a member-funded organization, independent of government, the Calgary Chamber is focused on serving our business community members today and tomorrow. The Calgary Chamber exists to help businesses thrive, and as the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification, and opportunity.

“The Calgary Chamber is future-focused but builds on our 131-year history to serve our members,” says Yedlin. “With the launch of a new membership model and marketing campaign, we are affirming our commitment to working closely with Chamber members - and the broader community - to ensure Calgary has an abundance of talent, capital and opportunity that supports long term growth and prosperity.”

As part of our Small Business Week, the Calgary Chamber will celebrate and convene businesses through several events this week:

• Pride in Business presented by TD will be held on October 19 from 6:30 to 9:00pm at the Fairmont Palliser. The event will be an opportunity to network with LGBTQ2S+ professionals & allies.
• Elevate: Small Business Week Summit presented by connectFirst credit union will be held from 8:30 to 3:00pm on October 20 at Big Four. The event will feature addresses from Mayor Gondek and Jessica Janzen, as well as panels on talent, social media, equity, diversity and inclusion, technology adoption, and mental health.
• Celebrate: Small Business Awards presented by ATB will be held from 5:00pm until late at the Big Four on October 21. The awards will celebrate exceptional businesses in eight categories including growth, inclusion, innovation, resilience and more. Finalists can be viewed here.

About Small Business Week

Small Business Week is the Calgary Chamber’s flagship event that celebrates, supports, and inspires small businesses and is one of the largest small business week celebrations in Canada. First established in 1979 by the Business Development Bank of Canada, Small Business Week is now a nationwide celebration across cities and towns dedicated to this vital part of the economy.

Small Business Week in Calgary is one of Canada’s largest B2B networking events and delivers a hands-on week for growth-focused entrepreneurs to dive into their business challenges through a virtual summit featuring a variety of workshops, events, and networking opportunities. The week concludes by shining the spotlight on leading small businesses with the Small Business Awards Gala.

For more information on Small Business Week and Awards, visit: https://calgarychamber.com/small-business-week

About small businesses in Calgary

Small businesses comprise over 95 per cent of all businesses in Calgary and per capita, Calgary has the second highest number of small businesses among Canada’s major cities. Small businesses are also a driving force of our national economy, employing nearly 70 per cent of Canada’s total private labour force and generating over 40 per cent of national gross domestic product.

About Calgary Chamber membership

Inclusive and forward-looking, a membership with the Calgary Chamber gives you access to connection, knowledge, and advocacy to help your business grow. Chamber membership is available at several levels, ensuring it is accessible to your business and provides the benefits you need - regardless of your size or sector. Visit www.calgarychamber.com/membership to learn more and sign up today.

Media opportunities

Award finalists and Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber will be available for media interviews.

For media inquiries, please contact Shannon Hazlett, Senior Public Relations Advisor at media@calgarychamber.com or at 403-750-0414.

The Calgary Chamber exists to help businesses thrive. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification, and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization, we build on our 131-year history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors, and across the city.