Local Business

Discover Central Alberta This Summer!

Published

7 years ago

1 minute read

By Sheldon Spackman

For many people, travelling great distances for their summer vacations this year just isn’t an option. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun. Central Albertans are very lucky in the fact that we have many great attractions to choose from without having to go too far.

With many people already on summer vacation, we spoke with Debbie Olsen from Tourism Red Deer to find out what kind of options we have around here. Olsen says outside of Red Deer, you can take a drive to the Ellis Bird Farm for example to learn more about the conservation of Mountain Bluebirds, Tree Swallows and other birds. It’s also a working farm that boasts beautiful gardens and the world’s largest outdoor collection of bluebird nest boxes, not to mention a Visitor Centre and the Ellis Café. In Red Deer, Olsen says there’s hidden gems like the Kerry Wood Nature Centre, which has Alberta’s oldest migratory bird sanctuary.

There are also many great events that take place locally throughout the summer, including Westerner Days at Red Deer’s Westerner Park July 19- 23, 2017 and Centrefest, a street performer’s festival that runs from July 29th-30th this year. Families may also enjoy the newly renovated Discovery Canyon at the Riverbend Golf and Recreation Area.

Find out more about central Alberta’s attractions by visiting Tourism Red Deer’s website!

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Business

Celebrate National Small Business Week October 16-20, 2023!

Published on October 19, 2023

Todayville

From Community Futures Central Alberta

National Small Business Week is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship that has been celebrated for over 40 years.

Did you know:

Canada has over 1 million small businesses currently in operation!
For statistical purposes, a small business has between 1-99 employees, but most have less than 10.
These small businesses employ over 8 million Canadians.
By comparison, only 2.5 million Canadians are employed in medium sized businesses (100-500 employees).
In 2019, Canadian small businesses contributed 36.7% of our gross domestic product (GDP).

*Statistics taken from Statistics Canada – Innovation, Science and Economic Development website.

Time is running out to apply for the
Catalyst Incubator!

Calling local entrepreneurs! The Catalyst Incubator, funded through the Central Alberta Innovation Network (CARIN) and provided by Community Futures Central Alberta, is nearing its registration deadline.

Both Fall and Winter registration dates for this unique, cohort-based program helping to foster new ideas, make critical connections, and help start-up businesses are now open. The Catalyst Incubator is 100% FREE and focuses on supporting start-ups in manufacturing, agriculture, technology, energy innovation, and more.

Learn more about how to register

Increase your business’ online presence with free help from the Digital Service Squad

The Digital Service Squad (DSS) is designed to help small businesses take their businesses online. This program, a partnership between Business Link, Community Futures and Digital Main Street, will help small businesses in Alberta undergo digital transformations and adopt eCommerce practices. DSS is open to home-based or commercial small businesses registered in Alberta with less than 50 employees.

Digital Service Squads guides businesses through digital transformation. Small businesses can apply to participate in the program, free of charge.

Book your free consultation today

Lending Spotlight: Flex Loans

In this edition of our Quarterly Update, we shine a spotlight on the Community Futures Central Alberta Flex Loan. Flex Loans are available to clients in all industries, including home-based and storefront. The loans can be used for equipment, inventory, renovations, marketing, working capital, etc.

According to CFCA Business Analyst Kelsey Krieger, “Flex loans offer our clients a lower interest rate and a lower barrier to entry to qualify for financial support for their small business or startup. This product allows clients to make near-term plans for purchasing needed equipment or doing important upgrades to their business.”

• Qualification for unsecured (will still take GSA and personal guarantee) will be based on credit history and net worth.

Learn more about Flex Loans today – call us at 403.342.2055 and make an appointment!

CFCA introduces Tyler Harke as its new Community Economic Development Coordinator

Community Futures Central Alberta is pleased to welcome Tyler Harke as its newest staff member.

Tyler is a life-long Albertan who comes from a family of entrepreneurs. He is excited to serve in both the Community Economic Development role as well as part of the Digital Services Squad.

Tyler brings over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications roles and looks forward to playing a key role in helping small business thrive in this great region!

Contact Tyler and discuss your community’s involvement with CFCA

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Arts

CFR Rodeo, live music, street dancing, art, theatre and more downtown celebrations..

Published on October 24, 2022

Todayville

Live Music at The Velvet Olive

Mike Szabo at The Velvet Olive

October 26th @7:30

Join Mike Szabo on a journey of stories and songs he wrote and the covers that inspired him. Mike is promoting the release of his debut vinyl LP, Take My Heart 2020. Cover for the show is by donation and guests will be seated first come, first served.

Fish in a Birdcage at The Velvet Olive

October 28th @8:30

Dustan Townsend AKA “Fish in a Birdcage” is a young and passionate musical virtuoso. Townsend is originally from Red Deer, Alberta and is now on a two year long busking/street performing adventure around Europe with Spain being his next destination.

(2) The Velvet Olive Lounge | Facebook

Family Street Dance October 29th

(2) CFR Family Street Dance | Facebook

Grand Opening Celebration

October 29th

Yep, you heard that right! We’re hosting a Grand Opening celebration for Red Deer’s largest music store! When Long and McQuade bought the business in February of 2020, plans to renovate the store were made but had to be postponed. Fast forward to 2022, renovations are now finished and we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the occasion with YOU, our amazing customers!

Come to the store on Oct. 29 for some awesome giveaway prizes, live music, and free food. Our BBQ will be fired up from 12 to 2 and we have live music scheduled from some excellent local musicians!

(2) Long & McQuade (Red Deer) | Facebook

Trick or Treat Downtown Red Deer

October 31st

Trick or Treat October 31st-

12-4 pm

Trick or Treat with your little one at your favorite businesses and stop by the Ross Street Pation for a photobooth!

Contact Carbon + Oak for location information.

Carbon + Oak | Facebook

Rodeo on Ross

November 2nd, 3rd ,4th

(2) CFR live Screening | Facebook

Celebration 6 Years Arts & Culture

November 4th

A + Art Gallery & unique collections

Celebration 6 Years Exhibition

Details:

Opening Reception

Date: Friday, November 4th

Time: Noon to 4 pm

FREE Event

(1) Celebration 6 Years Arts & Culture | Facebook

The Games of Love and Chance

November 10th to 27th

Prime stock Theater

@ Scott block theatre

November 10th to 27th.

Thursdays – Sundays 7 pm

PLUS 2 pm Matinees on Saturdays

Love must conquer clever disguises in this delightful comic masterpiece.

The Games of Love and Chance was originally written by Pierre de Marivaux at the height of opulence and extravagance during the reign of Louis XV in France. This playful and witty comedy has been newly translated and adapted by Artistic Director, Richard Beaune and this is it’s world premiere! Indulge in an evening (or afternoon) of love, laughter and decadent silliness as Red Deer’s only professional theatre company brings this sumptuous story of love and deception to life on stage.

(2) The Games of Love and Chance | Facebook

Starpainter w/ Curtis Phagoo at The Velvet Olive

The Velvet olive

Starpainter is a folk rock band from Lethbridge, Alberta. They wear their influences on their sleeves, showcasing strong songwriting and an affinity for gently psychedelic alt-country tones. The band has been growing a following on the strength of their debut full-length titled Bury Me By My Family (2020). Their imaginative, guitar-heavy live show is built on a foundation of prairie-born craftsmanship with a pop sensibility that defies their youth.

(2) The Velvet Olive Lounge | Facebook