Starting a business is exciting, but it also comes with questions. Where do I begin? What am I missing? Who can help me grow?
Calgary’s business ecosystem is rich with credible organizations offering guidance, mentorship, tools and community. We’ve curated a list of groups offering valuable supports to help you start strong and build your business with confidence. Here are some helpful resources:
Planning, Strategy & Advisory
These organizations focus on the foundational aspects of business, providing one-on-one guidance, market research, and strategic coaching.
Business Link Alberta
A government-funded non-profit that helps small businesses in Alberta start and grow. It offers free one-on-one guidance, workshops, webinars, market research, and practical tools to validate ideas, build plans, and move forward with confidence, along with specialized support for newcomers to entrepreneurship.
Business Path – Social Venture Solutions
Business Path offers personalized business strategy and coaching support. Their guidance on business planning and growth is ideal for founders who want help shaping their direction and making informed decisions.
Futurpreneur Canada
Futurpreneur supports entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39 with startup financing, mentorship and business planning resources. Their combination of funding and long-term mentoring makes them a valuable resource for young founders launching their first business.
City of Calgary Business Experience Program
The City of Calgary offers one-on-one support for new business license applicants to help navigate permits, licensing, and the early steps of opening a business. More info can be found here.
Funding & Financial Support
These resources specifically mention access to capital, grants, or investment opportunities to help businesses launch or scale.
Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC)
CIC is a collaborative network of innovation community partners that offers access to programs and funding opportunities, particularly for tech-focused startups.
Futurpreneur Canada
Futurpreneur supports entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39 with startup financing, mentorship and business planning resources. Their combination of funding and long-term mentoring makes them a valuable resource for young founders launching their first business.
Business Path – Social Venture Solutions
Business Path offers personalized business strategy and coaching support. Their guidance on business planning and growth is ideal for founders who want help shaping their direction and making informed decisions.
Training & Digital Transformation
These services focus on skill-building through education and modernizing a business’s technical capabilities.
Business Link Alberta
A government-funded non-profit that helps small businesses in Alberta start and grow. It offers free one-on-one guidance, workshops, webinars, market research, and practical tools to validate ideas, build plans, and move forward with confidence, along with specialized support for newcomers to entrepreneurship.
Calgary Business Centre
Calgary Business Centre has been supporting startups and small businesses for years. They offer business advisory services, workshops, networking opportunities and resources to help entrepreneurs launch, grow and manage their ventures effectively.
Digital Main Street
Digital Main Street helps small businesses in Canada grow and thrive in the digital world. They provide free resources, training, and programs to help entrepreneurs enhance their online presence, adopt digital tools, and reach more customers. Digital Main Street also offers one-on-one mentorship and support for new business owners looking to launch or grow successfully.
Business Path – Social Venture Solutions
Business Path offers personalized business strategy and coaching support. Their guidance on business planning and growth is ideal for founders who want help shaping their direction and making informed decisions.
Space, Networking & Community
These hubs provide physical infrastructure and professional networks to help entrepreneurs connect with peers and mentors.
Calgary Business Centre
Calgary Business Centre has been supporting startups and small businesses for years. They offer business advisory services, workshops, networking opportunities and resources to help entrepreneurs launch, grow and manage their ventures effectively.
Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC)
CIC is a collaborative network of innovation community partners that offers access to programs and funding opportunities, particularly for tech-focused startups.
Work Nicer
Work Nicer is a coworking community designed for entrepreneurs. It provides flexible workspace and the opportunity to meet and collaborate with other business owners, fostering connections that can support growth and learning.
Business Path – Social Venture Solutions
Business Path offers personalized business strategy and coaching support. Their guidance on business planning and growth is ideal for founders who want help shaping their direction and making informed decisions.
Platform Innovation Centre
Platform Innovation Centre is a co-working and innovation hub that provides programs, mentorship, and community connections for early-stage founders. It’s a place where entrepreneurs can access workspace, support and opportunities to connect with peers and potential investors.
If you know an organization that supports business owners or entrepreneurs early in their careers, contact us at [email protected] for consideration.
Building your business, together
Starting a business doesn’t mean doing everything on your own. Calgary’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is built on collaboration, mentorship and shared knowledge, and the Calgary Chamber plays an important role in bringing that community together.
As a Chamber member, businesses gain access to connections, advocacy, learning opportunities and visibility that can help unlock new doors at every stage of growth. From educational events and expert-led workshops to peer networking and trusted referrals, membership offers practical support designed to help businesses build confidence, credibility and momentum.
If you’re early in your business journey and unsure where to start, the Calgary Chamber team is here to help. Reach out to explore resources, programs and connections that align with your goals, and discover how being part of Calgary’s business community can support your success, now and as you grow.
