Local Business Success

Between 1998 and 2008, small businesses created more than one-third of all new private sector jobs in Canada. In 2008, they created roughly 70,000 jobs, about 70 per cent of the total number of jobs created.

Calgary has the second highest ranking in Canada for small business activity with about 40 small businesses for every 1,000 people.

Calgary’s small businesses want competitive municipal tax rates, red tape cut and world-class transportation infrastructure that moves people and goods efficiently. They want crime addressed and ensure there are sufficient talented workers to meet demand.

Action Themes

• Cut red tape
• Target crime and enhance security
• Build and maintain transportation infrastructure
• Meet workforce demands

Policy Initiatives

Great Calgary - Discussing Priorities and New Ideas (2010 Municipal Election and Beyond)

Renaissance Calgary – Ideas to Address Local Challenges (2007 Municipal Election)

Meeting Workforce Demands

What's New < More >

News Release: November 15, 2010
'Great Calgary' ideas presented to City Council

Publication: November 15, 2010
Ideas to make a great Calgary even greater

News Release: October 19, 2010
Business community looks forward to working with newly elected Mayor Naheed Nenshi and City Council to | make a great Calgary even greater

News Release: September 20, 2010
Calgary Chamber launches ‘Great Calgary’ initiative

Announcement: September 16, 2010
Calgary Chamber of Commerce to play active role in 2010 municipal election

Article: April 29, 2010
Aboriginal awareness training helps businesses seize opportunities

News Release: April 29, 2010
New survey of business community shows top municipal priorities are fiscal management and transparency in | decision-making

Article: March 25, 2010
Government of Alberta puts municipal campaign donation caps in place

Article: March 25, 2010
Aboriginal Opportunities Committee connects business community with the largest untapped source of talent

Radio: February 26, 2010
Hear Ben Brunnen, Manager of Policy & Research, discuss the Aboriginal awareness training sessions on the Northern Native Broadcasting Network

News Release: February 18, 2010
Calgary Chamber of Commerce partners to provide Aboriginal awareness training

Article: January 28, 2010
Municipal Auditor General bill fails but key tenets remain

Article: January 28, 2010
City Council agrees to campaign finance reform

Op-ed: January 28, 2010
Fair taxation a mere illusion

Article: January 28, 2010
New foreign credential recognition initiative holds promise to better engage immigrants

Article: December 3, 2009
Chamber efforts help City Council take a step in the right direction in 2010 budget deliberations

News Release: November 19, 2009
Calgary's business community seeks equitable treatment in municipal budget

Publication: November 19, 2009
2010 Municipal Budget Submission

News Release: November 13, 2009
Calgary's business community applauds parking rate reduction

News Release: November 12, 2009
2010 Municipal Budget deliberations are an opportunity to continue to 'adjust' to a
new economic reality

Article: November 12, 2009
Chamber makes case for a provincial Office of Municipal Auditor General

Presentation: October 27, 2009
Presentation to the Standing Committee on Community Services Re: provincial Office of Municipal Auditor General

Presentation: October 21, 2009
Presentation to the Calgary Real Estate Forum Panel Session - Plan It Calgary and a Blueprint for Growth:What Will the Future Look Like

Op-ed: August 27, 2009
Crossing street for democracy

Op-ed: August 14, 2009
No quotas on Hansom cabs

News Release: July 30, 2009
Independent Office of Municipal Auditor General would help local governments deliver higher value to citizens

Letter: July 17, 2009 (Re: Office of Municipal Auditor General at the provincial level)
Letter to the Chair of the Standing Committee on Community Services

Op-ed: July 2, 2009
The public purse isn't bottomless

Op-ed: June 18, 2009
We're on right Plan It

News Release: June 19, 2009
Plan It Calgary's key directions sound but challenges remain

News Release: June 18, 2009
Reduction of short-term parking rates represents "municipal stimulus" for downtown businesses
Letter to City Council members

June 16, 2009 (Re: Plan It Calgary)
Letter to the Mayor of Calgary & City Council

Op-ed: June 4, 2009
Chamber led fight for reform

Article: June 2, 2009
Chamber wins campaign to reform civic election donation rules

Article: May 19, 2009
Chamber urges close monitoring of housing affordability in Plan It Calgary initiative

Speech: May 7, 2009
Plan It Calgary - Gaining Ground Summit

Article: April 28, 2009
City aims to be "On Target" with building and development approvals

Results

March 25, 2010
Government of Alberta puts municipal campaign donation caps in place

January 28, 2010
Municipal Auditor General bill fails but key tenets remain

January 28, 2010
City Council agrees to campaign finance reform

December 3, 2009
Chamber efforts help City Council take a step in the right direction in 2010 budget deliberations

November 13, 2009
Calgary's business community applauds parking rate reduction

June 2, 2009
Chamber wins campaign to reform civic election donation rules

April 28, 2009
City aims to be "On Target" with building and development approvals

February 17, 2009
BizPaL makes obtaining a business permit or licence more user friendly

November 28, 2008
Chamber supports review of city budgeting process

November 25, 2008
Chamber actions help reduce municipal taxes

November 25, 2008
Chamber named as key advisor on Plan It Calgary initiative

October 7, 2008
High Occupancy Vehicle Lanes could help alleviate traffic woes

May 14, 2008
Chamber keeps business taxes competitive

March 11, 2008
Chamber supports small business at City Hall - Argues on behalf of small curbside recyclers

Source: Sherry Cooper. (October 2009). Canada’s Small Business Juggernaut. BMO Capital Markets Economics.