The Calgary Chamber of Commerce has released a policy framework aimed at supporting small businesses, highlighting 18 recommendations for all levels of government to foster innovation, attract investment and strengthen business resilience.
The report, titled Small Business, Big Impact, was issued to mark the recent Small Business Week.
“Making up 94 per cent of businesses in Calgary and employing nearly half of Canada’s private labour force, small businesses are a primary driver of economic prosperity in our city, province and country,” said Deborah Yedlin, president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “They are the entrepreneurs and innovators building the products and companies that employ Canadians and contribute directly to national prosperity.”
Deborah Yedlin
Small businesses have faced a range of challenges in recent years, including global supply chain disruptions, rising inflation, labour shortages, affordability pressures and a growing trade dispute with Canada’s largest trading partner, the Chamber noted.
Locally, 52 per cent of small businesses in Calgary identified rising costs as a key obstacle to growth, while 32 per cent expected a decline in profitability over the next three months.
“Small businesses are struggling in today’s economy and need increased support from all levels of government to ensure they can thrive amid ongoing uncertainty,” Yedlin said. “Supporting small businesses is not only an economic imperative – it is a commitment to community stability, economic strength and shared prosperity for all Canadians.”
The report notes that 19 per cent of Calgary small businesses feel pessimistic about their next 12 months of operations, and an equal proportion say they cannot take on additional debt. Rising costs, labour shortages and limited access to financing were identified as key pressures affecting small business stability.
The Chamber’s recommendations include:
Federal:
Lowering Employment Insurance premiums for small businesses.
Increasing the Small Business Tax Deduction threshold from $500,000 to $750,000 and indexing it to inflation.
Streamlining grants and funding, shortening approval timelines and introducing a Small Business Concierge Service.
Provincial:
Eliminating the small business tax to improve Alberta’s competitiveness.
Reducing the insurance premium tax from four per cent to two per cent.
Investing in upskilling and reskilling programs.
Municipal:
Rebalancing residential and non-residential taxes through a gradual shift over four years.
Minimizing business disruption during construction and providing financial support.
Providing micro-grants for safety and security improvements.
In 2023, small businesses accounted for 94 per cent of all Calgary businesses and employed 47 per cent of Canada’s private-sector workforce. They also represented 38 per cent of Canada’s export value and contributed significantly to national GDP.
The Calgary Chamber, founded in 1891, describes itself as an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering businesses of all sizes and positioning Calgary as a hub for talent and opportunity.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024 and 2025.
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