Business Growth Trade Show will bring support services under one roof
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on August 22, 2024.
asmith@medicinehatnews.com The Business Growth Trade Show returns in October, offering attendees a chance to learn about government programs designed to support businesses. On Oct. 23, from 5-7 p.m. at the Cypress Centre, entrepreneurs and business owners will be able to meet face to face with the organizations that provide these supports. The event is organized by the APEX Regional Innovation Network (RIN) of Southeast Alberta, in partnership with Alberta Innovates and multiple economic development agencies from across the region. “Companies and communities in the region have expressed interest in grants and programs, but we know they lack time to access them,” said RIN manager Tracy Stroud. “This led to the idea of the Business Growth Trade Show last year, which provides a convenient hub for businesses and community leaders to find information about various government-funded services and programs all in one place.” As such, the show is intended as a “one-stop shop” to learn about and get in contact with these services, such as business advice and workforce support, or energy and housing initiatives and workforce attraction for municipalities, among others. Business owners and community leaders are invited to attend this event for free to make those in-person connections. “Many service providers are based in larger cities, making it expensive for local companies to travel there. By bringing these providers to southeast Alberta, they can connect directly with local businesses and better understand the local economy, which helps build strong, long-term relationships,” said Stroud. Organizations that provide government-funded support services are invited to secure a spot in the show, but are encouraged to reach out soon, as space is limited. 9-8
