Starting a new business and don’t know where to begin? Step one is within reach

An update to the Town of Whitecourt website aims to connect would-be entrepreneurs with the information they need to follow their dreams and link businesses together for synergies that benefit the community. “Our Economic Development site is a tab on the Whitecourt website. It’s really neat. We’ve really grown Economic Development, and I really have to give the “hats off” to our Business Visitation Program, our surveys and just reaching out. Their feedback helped us design what programs and things businesses need,” explained Economic Development Officer Rhonda Hough. “Not only that, but when we have an investor come into the community, we like to follow up with them to see what they liked best or what they found easiest about our website and what they would like to see on it.”

The site includes multiple information points to guide entrepreneurs and business owners through what they need to set up shop. One of the new additions consists of a list of fourteen steps to follow, starting with creating a business plan. “One thing we heard back from businesses that were opening was that there are so many people to talk to and so many things to do. They wanted help with what to do first. So, that’s what we did,” said Hough.

The steps include finding federal funding programs, choosing a business name, doing market research, choosing a business structure, completing business registration, getting proper permitting, and even tax information. The final step is about hiring employees and provides details on the responsibilities of an employer, how and when to register with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan, and where to find assistance to locate/train new employees. The steps also walk entrepreneurs through obtaining insurance and leases and ensuring they have all environmental issues looked into.

“We’ve done many different things to streamline and reduce some of the red tape, so there is quick information on there. The biggest thing is that we encourage businesses to come to us. We want to help and get you open, but fixing things after you’ve opened is tough. Whether it’s specific zoning that isn’t capable, it’s easier if they come to us. We can help them ensure their i’s are dotted, t’s are crossed, and there are no issues.”

Hough said they want to provide as much information as possible. “It’s a detailed site with a lot of information on it. People who are visiting our website who have any feedback, we encourage them to reach out. That’s how we can redirect programs that aren’t working or change things from the business’s view.”

Another addition to the site is a community-wide business directory. “Over the last two years, we went through the community and developed a directory with all the businesses we know of and can see a storefront location for. You can search them by category, which brings you to their website. You can also see them on the map with their address and phone number. That proves an opportunity for business-to-business collaboration. It helps people in the community see what businesses we have.”

Hough said that since the town doesn’t do business licenses, it’s sometimes hard to know how many businesses are in Whitecourt. “Any business not on the directory, it’s a volunteer program, and we would appreciate them getting a hold of us if they want to be on there.” She said some details might need to be updated and asked the business community to help. “If they find an issue, give us a call. It’s only updated once yearly, as much as we can get out to look. It’s an internal staff project we wanted to get up and going.” Residents can also download the Loop app and search the Town of Whitecourt. The directory and map are there.

Hough said that though it’s vital to have focused strategies on business attraction, it’s equally important to have concentrated strategies on business retention. “It’s critical. I think it’s the number one thing a community needs to do. Business attraction is great, and you need to focus on it, but retention and working with your business community has to be number one. We want to see them succeed. We want to see them open and create jobs and expand. It’s essential to chase investment and ensure that avenue is open, but supporting your local businesses is just as important.”

Updating the site to feature the different supports has been a project for a long time, and Hough said she is happy to see it up and ready. Getting to work hand in hand with businesses and seeing them grow is something she cherishes. “When you see someone starting with one employee, and then they are built up to two or fifty employees, I think it’s important to celebrate those successes with the business community because it keeps you driving for more. The business community is great, and if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t have a lot of services or things in the community.”

Economic Development is run through the Town of Whitecourt, with staff and the Economic Development Committee, but is a collaboration between different groups, including the Whitecourt Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Yellowhead East, Alberta Small Businesses, and the Business Support Network. Working together and seeking shared resources helped carve the website into what it is today.

A new survey recently launched, the 2022 Whitecourt Business Satisfaction Survey, aims to collect feedback from the business community, which can help shape supports, and the website even further. To take part, visit www.whitecourt.ca and search “Business Satisfaction Survey.” To view all the supports for business owners and entrepreneurs, click on the “Business” tab on the website.