Putting Alberta-made businesses on the map

Alberta’s government is providing $2.8 million to help small- and medium-sized businesses grow and reach international markets around the world.

“Alberta is a province where locally made businesses can reach their full potential and become known through international markets. Across the world, Alberta is recognized as a trusted trade partner thanks to its high-quality services and products and hard-working entrepreneurs. To help small- and medium-sized businesses continue to grow, Alberta’s government is investing in the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), which empowers them to increase their exports and revenue, while also creating new jobs for Albertans,” said the government in a news release.

In 2017, TAP was established nationally and Calgary Economic Development started administering the program within Alberta in 2018. Since its creation, TAP has helped more than 550 companies in Alberta receive the knowledge, mentorship and resources they need to help their businesses grow and reach international markets, it said.

Through a new $2.8-million investment, Alberta’s government is ensuring Calgary Economic Development has the resources it needs to continue delivering TAP for another five years, which is expected to help up to 650 more companies, added the government.

“Increasing trade is a priority for our government, which is why we are helping small- and medium-sized businesses grow. More than ever, we need to diversify our global trade and give businesses the tools they need to succeed. In return, Alberta will see more jobs, more investment and a stronger economy with programs like this,” said Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration.

“With global markets shifting rapidly, Alberta’s small- and medium-sized businesses need every advantage to stay ahead. This support from the Government of Alberta invests in entrepreneurs’ big ideas and helps ensure that local businesses can access the tools and expertise they need to scale globally. Stronger trade capacity means stronger businesses – and a stronger, more resilient Alberta,” said Brad Parry, president and CEO, Calgary Economic Development.  In addition to the continued operation of TAP, this funding will also facilitate the creation of a new program from Calgary Economic Development called “Levelling Up.” This program will launch in 2026 and will include additional sector- and market-specific trade programming to support businesses in their complex global market expansion needs. “Levelling Up” will also include the ongoing Global Trade Classroom Series along with online resources. It is a program designed for companies who have participated in TAP, with targeted trade support for entering more complex markets, explained the Alberta government.

“Calgary Economic Development and the Government of Alberta have been pivotal in accelerating naturemary’s growth, innovation and global reach. Their support empowers us to thrive, create jobs and elevate pain relief and wellness from Alberta to the world,” said Kapil Kalra, president & co-founder, naturemary, (TAP alumni) .

Companies like naturemary, Rok Water, Knead Technologies and Zeno Renewables began in Alberta as small businesses but received training and support through TAP. Now these companies, like many others, have grown to receive recognition and business in markets around the world, said the government.

The program is open to any Alberta-based company and businesses can attend sessions in any region.

• Upcoming TAP cohorts across Alberta include:
  • Calgary, Sept. 9 – Oct. 22
  • Red Deer, Oct. 15 – Nov.20
  • Edmonton, Nov. 4 – Dec. 10

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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