Resources
Explore our free resources for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Highwood Region.
Free Business Start-up Guide
Simplify your start-up “to do’s” with this helpful guide. Join us and our partners at Business Link as we walk you through all the steps involved to turn your business idea into reality.

Small Business Financial Guide
This guide will help you take charge of your financials by guiding you on:
- Financial Fundamentals
- Accounting Software
- Breakeven Analysis
- Financial Statements 101
- Guide to Financial Terms
- Hiring an Accountant
- Balance Sheet Template
- Income Statement Template

Small Business Marketing Guide
Discover the strategies and processes that go into driving eager customers to your doorstep including:
- Marketing Guide
- Different by Design
- Ideal Client Worksheet
- Marketing Channels
- 12 Golden Rules for your Website

Educational Videos
Steps to Starting a Business as an Indigenous Entrepreneur
Starting your Indigenous small business is exciting and rewarding, but the start-up process can be overwhelming. This video will walk you through the steps to starting a business as an Indigenous entrepreneur to help you get your new business venture up and running!
Finding Contract Opportunities as an Indigenous Business
When a company, organization, or government needs a specific job to be competed, they’ll often post an RFP (Request for Proposal) online. These are great opportunities for your Indigenous small business! Learn what an RFP is, how to write a winning proposal, and how to find opportunities from Governments and other organizations.


Kananaskis Improvement District
Tools:
- Community Futures Highwood Information Sheet
- Client Intake Form
- Business Plan Template
- Financial Projections Template
- Financial Projections for loans under $30K
- Loan Application
- Schedule of Fees
COVID-19 Resources:
For the most up-to-date information check Town of Okotoks Business Support
Resources for local businesses:
- Canadian Federation for Canadian Business
- Trade Commissioner
- Foothills COVID-19 Facebook Page
- Info For Local Restaurants
- SME Relaunch Grant
- Alberta Jobs Now
- Alberta Biz Connect
- Restriction Exemption Requirements
Newly introduced financial relief measures for affected Albertans:
Government of Canada updates:
Useful Links:
Business
- Agriculture Financial Services Corporation
- BizPal
- Business Development Bank
- Business Link Business Service Centre
- Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
- CanadaOne - Guide to Start a Small Business
- The Canadian Innovation Centre
- Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
- Canadian Federation for Independent Business
Youth Entrepreneurship
- Youth Resource Network of Canada
- Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta
- 4H Alberta
- Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp
- Futurpreneur
Community Economic Development
- Alberta Culture and Community Spirit
- Economic Developers Association of Alberta (EDAA)
- Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC)
- SouthGrow Regional Initiative
Government
- Alberta Economic Development
- Alberta Employment & Immigration
- Alberta Finance and Enterprise (AFE)
- Alberta Municipal Affairs
- Alberta Small Business Resources
- Canada Customs and Revenue
- Canadian Rural Partnership
- Citizenship and Immigration Canada
- Government of Alberta
- Government of Canada
- Western Economic Diversification
- Small Business Resources
Community
Regional Information Sites
Tourism Resources
- Explore Alberta
- The Cowboy Trail
- Tourism Together – Travel Alberta
- River District Business Association
- Foothills Tourism Association
Communities

Let’s see what we can do for your business
Give us a call, send us an email, or drop in for a chat.