Calgary Chamber releases policy solutions to support small business success
Calgary, AB, October 22, 2025 – To mark Small Business Week, the Calgary Chamber releases Small Business, Big Impact – a policy framework with 18 recommendations for all levels of government to foster innovation, attract investment and strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of small businesses in a changing economy.
“Making up 94 per cent of businesses in Calgary and employing nearly half of Canada’s private labour force, small businesses are a primary driver of economic prosperity in our city, province and country,” says Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “They are the entrepreneurs and innovators building the products and companies that employ Canadians and contribute directly to national prosperity.”
Over the past five years, small businesses have faced an unprecedented series of disruptions – from global supply chain issues to rising inflation, labour shortages, mounting affordability pressures and a growing trade dispute with Canada’s largest trading partner. These cumulative challenges have made it increasingly difficult for small businesses to operate, grow and compete.
Locally, small businesses are feeling the strain. In the Calgary area, 52 per cent identify rising costs as a key obstacle to growth, while 32 per cent anticipate a decline in profitability over the next three months.
“Small businesses are struggling in today’s economy and need increased support from all levels of government to ensure they can thrive amid ongoing uncertainty,” adds Yedlin. “Supporting small businesses is not only an economic imperative – it is a commitment to community stability, economic strength and shared prosperity for all Canadians.”
Key highlights
Businesses need certainty and well-designed policy from all levels of government – and small businesses are no exception.
In today’s challenging economic environment, many businesses have been forced to pause planning, investment and growth. Small businesses face significant constraints, with 19 per cent of businesses in Calgary feeling pessimistic about their next 12 months of operations. Clear, effective policy is essential to support small businesses, especially as they often lack the flexibility to quickly pivot in response to economic pressures.
Rising costs, labour shortages and limited access to financing are having a severe impact on small businesses.
Given these pressures, small businesses are becoming increasingly vulnerable. In Calgary alone, 19 per cent report they cannot take on additional debt – a clear signal that more targeted support is needed to ensure their stability and long-term success.
Chamber recommendations
Federal
- Lower Employment Insurance premiums for small businesses, providing direct savings to businesses and employees.
- Increase the Small Business Tax Deduction threshold from $500,000 to $750,000 and index the threshold to inflation moving forward.
- Reduce barriers to grants and funding by streamlining application processes, shortening approval timelines and introducing a Small Business Concierge Service to help entrepreneurs navigate federal programs.
Provincial
- Eliminate the small business tax, making Alberta competitive with Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
- Reduce the insurance premium tax from four per cent to two per cent.
- Invest in upskilling and reskilling programs to match employers’ talent needs within the talent pool.
Municipal
- Rebalance residential and non-residential taxes through an incremental shift of two per cent per year for the next four years.
- Minimize business disruption during construction by involving businesses early in planning and providing increased direct financial support to those affected.
- Provide micro-grants for small businesses to invest in safety and security.
Quick facts
- In 2023, small businesses made up 94 per cent of all businesses in Calgary.
- 52 per cent of small businesses cite cost as a barrier to growth in the City, and 32 per cent expect profitability to decline in the next three months.
- 19 per cent of small businesses in Calgary cannot take on more debt.
- 19 per cent of small businesses in Calgary are pessimistic about their next 12 months of operations.
- In 2023, small businesses employed 47 per cent of Canada’s private-sector workforce.
- SMEs accounted for 38 per cent of Canada’s export value in 2023.
- From 2017 to 2021, SMEs contributed over half of Canada’s GDP in goods-producing sectors and 46 per cent in service-producing sectors.
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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
The Calgary Chamber exists to empower our business community to advance a prosperous Calgary and Canada. 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 founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.
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