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Removing the Barriers to Business Success in a Rapidly Developing City 

Calgary has emerged as a premier location for businesses worldwide in recent years. After enduring a tumultuous economic cycle filled with booms and busts during the 2000s, the city has diversified and reinvigorated its business scene. Access to extensive public funding, a vibrant entrepreneurial community, and an abundance of talent from a multitude of sectors has led to the city's rapid development. 

Paving the Way for Businesses to Thrive 

Providing Support Through
Resources and Funding

Over the years, Calgary has become a prime entrepreneurial destination for start-ups and large businesses alike. It has been ranked as a top 60 start-up ecosystem worldwide. The city has launched numerous programs to aid owners with both training and funding for their businesses. The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund alone has funded over 500 local companies and 3000 jobs. 

Image of Platform Calgary, the home of hundreds of local start-ups.e home
Graph showing the relatively low commercial tax rate in Calgary compared to other regions in Canada.

Policies That Empower
Business Development

The municipal government has worked to implement policies and build infrastructure that is conducive for business development. The city currently has the lowest corporate income tax rate in the country. Furthermore, active committees have been created to directly communicate the needs of local businesses. A streamlined online process for businesses to get started has also been created to reduce the amount of time and money spent to get a businesses running. 

Central Location with
Access to Global Network

Calgary is one of Canada's largest cities and has access to an international network. With many large companies such RBC and Amazon choosing to migrate or expand in Calgary in recent years, it's clear that the city will only continue to grow and attract more business. The Calgary International Airport, one of the busiest airports in Canada, also grants access to many regional and global markets. 

Image of a Westjet and a Air Canada airplane at the Calgary International Airport.

Pillars of Economic Development

Diverse Economy

Calgary's economy has been transforming through its rapid diversification and development. Once known as Canada's Oil Capital, Calgary has established themselves as world-class innovators for clean, sustainable energy. Paired with their thriving agriculture, creative media, logistics, and technology sectors, Calgary's economy can only be defined as diverse, resilient, and booming.

Global Reach

In today’s globalized world, Calgary stands out as one of the most interconnected cities in Canada. With an active international airport and logistics sector, the city is seen as a gateway to both regional and global markets. Being home to a plethora of international companies and the third most diverse population in Canada also plays a large role in Calgary's global reach. 

Talent Development

Calgary is the second most concentrated city in terms of tech talent in all of North America. It has emerged as a rising star in the clean tech sector and has attracted the attention of large tech giants such as Amazon Web Services. The large influx of talent could be attributed to the city being recognized as one of the top ten most liveable cities in the world.

Resources & Funding

Calgary is committed to creating an environment where businesses can grow and thrive through policies and infrastructure that build up and empower businesses. Resources such as the OCIF and local committees enable businesses of all sizes to receive the support they need. The robust network or entrepreneurs and investors in Calgary makes starting a new businesses easy. 

Empowering
Local Businesses 
to Grow

Meet NEO Financial

A local start-up success story, NEO Financial is an example of the opportunities and growth available for businesses that call Calgary home.

Explore More

Discover how we are a city where everyone participates in a strong, diverse economy. We remove barriers for business success, enabling businesses to start, grow and invest in our city. We are an incredible destination and a great place to live, work, grow and raise a family.

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Calgary has a strong and diverse economy

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Calgary is a great place to work, grow, live, and raise a family

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Our documentation of this project

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