Support Local
Support Local
The City of Calgary is committed to supporting local businesses by fostering connections, sharing valuable resources, and showcasing inspiring success stories. In 2019, we launched this free Support Local program to show appreciation for local businesses that significantly contribute to our economy and encourages Calgarians to shop locally, shaping their neighborhoods.
Now in its seventh year, the Support Local 2025 campaign celebrates the vital role local businesses play in shaping our neighborhoods and driving Calgary’s economy.
Important information
Support Local
Discover and Support Calgary’s Local Businesses in 2024 with Erin Chrusch, Leader, Business & Local Economy
The Importance of Supporting Local Businesses with Jay Vaughan, President and Founder of Mountain Cultures
The Importance of Supporting Local Businesses with Brenda Ashton, CEO of Royale Round Cookies Company
Campaign participants
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Chinook Blast celebrates the artists, businesses, and culture that make Calgary unique.
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Grant funding to help businesses enhance storefronts and community spaces.
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Businesses working together to make local improvements and build community.
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When you park with Calgary Parking, you help support local businesses and fund city initiatives. Show your love for local businesses for a chance to win free parking credits!
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Support local and keep downtown Calgary vibrant! As Eau Claire undergoes transformation, visit and support local businesses in the area.
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Support our local farms, support the local economy and support your community.
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Calgary's Business-Friendly Construction Policy
The City is developing a more consistent approach to mitigating potential challenges from construction and improving how businesses and customers experience City-led construction.
#SupportLocalYYC Marketing Toolkit
Calgarians love supporting local businesses. These tools will help them find you.
Download posters for your store window
Download PDF (8.5 x 11)
Download PDF (8.5 x 11)
Download PDF (8.5 x 11)
Download PDF (8.5 x 11)Download digital banners for social media
Download #SupportLocalYYC images to use on social media posts:
Here’s what we’ve been up to
What are we doing?
- Improving the journey from idea to opening a business in Calgary.
- Making it easier for the Film industry to do business in Calgary.
- Developing tools and online resources to assist businesses through their life-cycle.
- Continually hosting webinars on topics of interest to small businesses
- Maintaining regular communication with the community and collaborative partners to gather insights and feedback.
- Enabling researchers, developers, and companies to develop and test new applications and technologies in Calgary’s 5G Discovery Zone
Here’s what we’ve been up to
What's been done?
- Created a #SupportLocalYYCcampaign to encourage Calgarians to support local businesses. As part of this, we also provided marketing resources for businesses so they too could promote buying locally.
- Provided Canada's first virtual one window approach to permitting online. We offer live chat, saving business applicants time and money.
- Approved pop-up and interim businesses in all commercial areas (another Canada first). This eliminates lengthy approval process and licensing restrictions.
- Created a Business and Local Economy team to support businesses by finding opportunities to simplify City processes, cutting down the time and cost to start a business, and promoting innovation.
- Created the Business Experience Improvement Programto support people through the process to establish a small business.
- Created a ‘Living Lab’ program to open City of Calgary assets to companies and researchers, to test and try their ideas and products.
- Created a Business Advisory Committee made up of members of the local business community.
- Established a Film Friendly team to enhance services and support for the film industry, making Calgary a premier destination for film, TV, and digital media production.
- Removed the requirement for a Development Permit in certain situations to make it easier for business owners to adapt their spaces to a new use.
Business Perspectives Panel
We do regular research with businesses to better understand the outlook and viewpoint of the business community. If you are a business owner, leader or manager, join our online business research panel, Business Perspectives.
Join the Business Perspectives Panel
Contact us
- Call 311 or 403-268-CITY (2489) from outside Calgary.
- Business licensing and permits
Live chat at calgary.ca/livechat
Call 403-268-5311 - Property assessment
Call 403-268-2888 - Business inquiry form
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