Where to get help

The right support, early.

Good help already exists for Chestermere founders. The hard part is knowing which kind you need and who to ask. Tell us what you are working on and we will make the introduction.

We do not replace these services and we do not charge for introductions. We connect you with the organization that fits, then step back.

  1. Business planning and coaching

    Who it is for
    You have an idea, or an early business, and want help turning it into a plan.
    What you get
    One-on-one advising, business plan reviews, and coaching from people who do this every day.
    Where it comes from
    Regional organizations that serve Chestermere, usually free or low-cost.
    • Testing whether an idea can work
    • Writing a plan a lender will read
    • Choosing a business structure
    Ask us for an introduction

  2. Loans and financing

    Who it is for
    You need money to start, buy equipment, or grow, and a bank has said no or not yet.
    What you get
    Community lenders that look at the person and the plan, not only the credit score, with loans for small and new businesses.
    Where it comes from
    Regional lending organizations and provincial programs.
    • Start-up loans
    • Equipment and inventory financing
    • Bridging a slow first season
    Ask us for an introduction

  3. Free business advice by phone or online

    Who it is for
    You have a specific question: permits, taxes, pricing, marketing, hiring.
    What you get
    Province-wide advisors who answer questions for free, often the same day.
    Where it comes from
    Provincial services available to anyone in Alberta.
    • Do I need a licence for this?
    • How do I register for GST?
    • Is my pricing reasonable?
    Ask us for an introduction

  4. Support for newcomers to Canada

    Who it is for
    You moved to Canada recently and are starting, or restarting, a business here.
    What you get
    Advising that understands credentials, Canadian paperwork, and building a network from scratch.
    Where it comes from
    Provincial newcomer-entrepreneur programs and settlement services.
    • Recognizing experience from another country
    • Understanding Canadian business rules
    • Finding first customers
    Ask us for an introduction

  5. High-growth technology support

    Who it is for
    You are building a software or technology product that could grow far beyond Chestermere.
    What you get
    Accelerators, investor networks and technical programs built for fast-growing companies.
    Where it comes from
    Regional innovation centres, mostly in Calgary.
    • Preparing to raise investment
    • Finding a technical co-founder
    • Joining an accelerator
    Ask us for an introduction

  6. Meeting other local founders

    Who it is for
    You want people nearby who understand what you are going through.
    What you get
    This is what Innovate Chestermere does directly: a free monthly Founders Night and a local mentor network.
    Where it comes from
    Chestermere, from January 2027.
    • Comparing notes with someone a year ahead of you
    • Finding a mentor
    • Not doing it alone
    Join Founders Night