UPCOMING EVENTS & PROGRAMS IN OUR REGION
The following is a list of our upcoming programs, events and training offers within our region.
SPARK THE NORTH EVENT:
ACHIEVING THE REGION'S GROWTH
"A Must-Attend Event on October 26, 2023"
Following the success of the “Spark the North” event in Big Lakes County last year, the event now seeks to extend its impact by providing invaluable resources to employers, business owners, and decision-makers in the Lesser Slave Lake Region.
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The event is poised to provide businesses and individuals seeking to propel the economic development of our region & workforce development. On October 26, 2023, this highly anticipated event promises to bring together a diverse community of thought leaders, human resource experts, and visionaries to realize our region’s growth ambitions.
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At Spark the North- “Achieving the Region’s Growth” you’ll have the opportunity to engage with our National Speakers who will uncover innovative approaches to attracting exceptional employees in the Lesser Slave Lake Region. It will also provide a venue to discuss best practices in human resources, facilitate conversations on some of our community challenges, and explore the untapped potential within our region.
SPARK THE NORTH: Achieving the Region's Growth
When: Thursday, October 26, 2023
Where: Legacy Centre, Slave Lake
Cost: $70.00 per ticket (Meals Included: Lunch, Morning & Afternoon snack)
Spark the North - Achieving the Region's Growth is an exciting event that you won't want to miss! Join us at the Legacy Centre in Slave Lake, AB, Canada for a day filled with inspiration and information. This in-person event will bring together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members to discuss strategies for driving growth in our region.
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Have Questions?
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to our Office Manager Divine by phone or email listed below:
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Phone: 1-780-849-3232
Capital Growth Initiative
We Believe in Women Entrepreneurs
Empowering women entrepreneurs to start or grow a business in Alberta. Offering low-interest business loans, advice, and support.
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Access low-interest loans designed specifically for women entrepreneurs, and offers flexible repayment options and forgivable loan portions if conditions are met.
Apply for personalized financing of $10,000 giving you the freedom you need to reach your goals with a team of experts by your side.
Click here to learn more about the DEP and Digital Service Squad. You can also view the opportunity below.
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Get An Application Today:
https://www.communityfuturessl.com/capital-growth-initiative
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Have Questions?
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to our Business Analyst Robin-Lee by phone or email listed below:
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Phone: 1-780-849-3232
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Beautification Loan Program
What is Our Beautification Loan Program?
Businesses can access interest-free loans, for a term of 3 years, to participate in community beautification efforts. Once a business has accessed a loan and successfully paid off the initial loan, it can access an additional loan for more improvements under community beautification, if additional funds are available. Home-based businesses will need to be assessed to determine if they qualify.
Note: Applicants must complete the improvements within 12 months of receiving the loan, and the loan must remain in good standing to keep the loan interest-free. Limited funds are available.
Eligibility: Businesses within the following municipalities can apply for a three-year interest-free beautification loan.
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The Town of Slave Lake
Click here to learn more about the DEP and Digital Service Squad. You can also view the opportunity below.
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Get An Application Today:
https://www.communityfuturessl.com/beautification-loan
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Have Questions?
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to our Office Manager Divine by phone or email listed below:
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Phone: 1-780-849-3232
FREE DIGITAL ECONOMY PROGRAM
- DIGITAL SERVICE SQUAD
Running throughout 2022 & 2023
The Digital Economy Program (DEP) is designed to help small businesses in Alberta undergo digital transformations and adopt eCommerce practices. DEP is delivered by Business Link in collaboration with Digital Main Street, funded by the Government of Alberta and Prairies Economic Development Canada.
What:
The program can help your business:
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Reach new customers online
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Develop a social media strategy
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Search Engine Optimization support
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Streamline business processes with digital tools
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Increase Sales
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Who Is This For:
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You have a home-based or commercial business that is registered in Alberta.
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Alberta-based Indigenous businesses that are not registered may still be eligible.
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You have a business with 0-49 employees (this includes self-employed business owners)
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Non-profits, charitable trusts, and franchises are NOT eligible for this program
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Small businesses can sign up to participate free of charge.
Click here to learn more about the DEP and Digital Service Squad. You can also view the opportunity below.
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The Digital Service Squad (DSS) is focused on providing 1-on-1 FREE local assistance for digital services to small businesses in any region of Alberta. This program can help you improve your ability to reach customers, increase sales, and elevate your business's eCommerce presence.
It will include training and advisory support towards digital strategy development, Google My Business assistance, social media posts, taking awesome pictures for your businesses, and more. Once you've applied and approved, your DSS services will be made available locally through our Community Futures Office. Apply online here.
The program can help your business:
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1-on-1 Digital marketing transformation support and training
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1-on1 Free Coaching to reach new customers, build a loyal community, and increase your sales.
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Social media and digital marketing strategy development
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Search Engine Optimization (SEO) support and training
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Google My Business set-up and management training
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Apply for the Digital Economy Program here. After you will be directed to register for an account and will be connected with your local Digital Service Squad here at our Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region office.
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Register your business for FREE:
Link: https://digitalmainstreet.ca/business-account/registration/
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Have Questions?
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to our Office Manager Divine by phone or email listed below:
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Phone: 1-780-849-3232
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LOVE LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL
Have your business listed for FREE in our new local business directory for our region!
Love Local, Shop Local directory will be supporting our local businesses, community, and economy by encouraging visits and shopping in our small businesses.
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Each of the three largest communities in our region (Slave Lake, High Prairie, and Wabasca) will have its own small business directory and map on our website. This program is FREE for you! We are looking for small businesses to register with us for this program. There are some incentives that will be taking place which we announce in the near future.
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How Does This Benefit Your Business?
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A FREE social media post featuring your business on all of our channels including Facebook, Instagram, Google, LinkedIn, and Pinterest
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A FREE local business directory listing to increase the visibility of your business. This adds to your online SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
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You get FREE branded Love Local Shop Local shopping bags to give to customers!
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Did we mention it's completely FREE?
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How Does it Work?
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Register your business for FREE by filling out the form linked on the button below or clicking here.
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Your business will be added to our local map and shop local directory encouraging more customer visits
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We make a FREE social media post featuring your business
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The shopping bags will be distributed with information for customers on participating businesses
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Other incentives to be announced
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Celebrate more visits and customers!
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Register your business for FREE by filling out the form linked on the button below or clicking here.
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Have Questions?
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to our office by phone or email listed below:
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Phone: 1-780-849-3232
