Red Deer Downtown Business Association
Downtown Business Spotlight: MC College
This week’s Business Spotlight shines on MC College! This unique school is located right on Ross Street (5008 50 ST)
What is your business?
MC College is a Private Vocational School delivering career training in the fields of Hairstyling, Esthetics, Nail Technician and Make Up Artistry. As part of that training, MC College provides salon and spa services to the general public at reduced prices.
When did your business open?
MC College opened in Red Deer in 1980.
What makes your business unique?
We have dedicated nearly 100 years of mentoring and empowering students with skills to enjoy rewarding careers in the Beauty Industry. We partner with local salons/spas and industry innovators to provide our students with advanced workshops, work experience placements and help them find their dream job.
We are committed to supporting our community. Every year, we give out up to $500,000 in scholarships to High School Students throughout Alberta. In addition to scholarships, we support the community through charitable donations in the form of services, products and dollars. A few not for profits we support: Mustard Seed, John Howard Society, Central Alberta Women’s Shelter, Women’s Fun Run to name a few.
What are some products/services that you offer?
Our primary product is Hairstyling and Esthetics Education. We also offer short certificate courses in specialized areas such as: eyelash extensions, makeup, artificial nails, nail technician and skin care technician. These certificate courses offer flexibility for students who are not able to go to college full time. Many of our courses can be offered both in person and virtually.
Our Students receive hands on training in our school salon and spa which is open to the public. Students practice their technical skills in haircuts, colours, styling, manicures, pedicures, facials, and other salon and spa services. These services are supervised by qualified instructors and are offered to the public at reduced prices.
We also have an online store where you can conveniently shop for an MC College gift card and your favorite beauty products. Curbside pick up available! https://mccollegereddeer.square.site/
Why did you choose Downtown Red Deer as the location for your business?
We wanted to be in the heart of the city. It’s centrally located with high visibility and accessible to everyone.
What do you think makes Downtown vibrant?
Downtown has a different vibe than anywhere else in the city because of the variety of types of businesses here. From the business owners to the visitors of Downtown, there is so much diversity.
As supporters of the LGBTQ2S+ community, the addition of the Pride crosswalk sets Downtown apart from the rest of the city because it is a symbol of the community coming together. There is a sense of community here in Downtown which makes it so unique.
I love Downtown Red Deer because… ….It is resilient and creative. We love that there is a sense of community. Downtown is the heart and soul of the city.
Website: Red Deer – MC College
Instagram: MC College (@mccollegegroup)
Facebook: MC College Red Deer
Council approves 2024 DBA budget, increased investment in events
“The DBA remains steadfast in its objective to build on the growth seen in 2023. The collaboration between The City of Red and the DBA is at all time high and with the pending actions set to be delivered through the Downtown Activation Playbook, I know there are many great things to come that will support our business community and create the thriving downtown we all want to experience,” said Amanda Gould, DBA Executive Director.
“Today Council demonstrated their commitment to their strategic priorities with the support shown to the DBA through unanimous support of the 2024 budget. This mighty Association continues to do great work on a shoestring budget and the 2024 Board of Directors are keen to lend their expertise and entrepreneurial skills to benefit the downtown in its entirety.”
Brandon Bouchard, DBA Board Chair
The DBA’s budget is partially funded through the BIA tax levy, which is collected by The City of Red Deer. Each year, the DBA presents its proposed budget to Council for their consideration. When reviewing the budget, Council considers alignment between the DBA’s downtown priorities and City’s community priorities.
“DBA has constantly hit far above its weight in our downtown, I can’t think of a more supportive messenger of promotion than the team at the DBA, it’s so encouraging to see this strong support for our downtown,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. “I’m encouraged by the leadership and direction of the DBA and look forward to what they have in store for 2024. They continually bring positive initiatives to the downtown even with the constraint on finances.”
The DBA’s total approved budget for 2024 is $775,160, with $277,725 funded through the BIA with the remaining amount funded through items such as grants and contracts. The BIA portion for 2024 is an increase of five per cent from 2023.
The Downtown Business Association has been operating in Red Deer for more than 30 years, serving approximately 350 business owners in the Downtown area. Through partnerships and leadership in advocacy and promotion, the DBA is the catalyst for a vibrant and prosperous downtown that is the place to live, work, play and do business.
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