What's New
Small Business Loan Program
The Town of Edson and Community Futures West Yellowhead (CFWY) understand the difficulties the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the small business community. As a result, the Town of Edson has made funds available to CFWY to provide support and assistance to Small Business and non-profits through the Edson Small Business Loan. Owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for loans up to $25,000.00.
The Edson Small Business Loan was created to promote entrepreneurship and business retention during COVID-19, business recovery and increasing the potential of businesses to pivot and reimagine their business models for future success.
• Maximum loan of $25,000
• 0% interest for the first 180 days
• No payments are required until the 181st day after the loan agreement is signed, then payments will continue until the loan balance is paid in full.
• Principal repayments can be voluntarily made without penalty within the first 180 days after the loan agreement is signed
• The full balance must be repaid no later than 3 years from the date the loan agreement is signed.
• Loans will be at a fixed interest rate of 3%.
Edson Business Liaison Heather Cokes can also be reached at 780-712-9047
Non-residential Property Taxation Incentive Program
At the August 18th, 2020 Town council meeting, All three readings of the Non-Residential Property Tax Incentive Program Bylaw were passed, repealing the previous version. The purpose of the incentive is to encourage new development and redevelopment of non-residential properties within the Town and to encourage economic growth.
This program is for new development, additions, renovations, or expansions (permanent), with the assessed value being greater than or equal to a 25% increase over the previous assessment. The tax exemption would apply to increase in assessment only.
The period of tax exemption is five (5) years pro-rated as follows:
- Year 1 –100%
- Year 2 –100%
- Year 3 –75%
- Year 4 –50%
- Year 5 -25%
Alberta Biz Connect
Workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 begin to reopen and resume operations safely.
This includes information on the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant, Critical Worker Benefit, Care Provider and Operator Funding, the Working Parent Benefit,
Town
211 Support - The Town of Edson would like to remind everyone that there are supports available in these difficult times. Please call 211 to speak to a live person who can assist 24 hours a day. 211 can help connect residents to social supports and referrals, including mental health assistance. This free resource is available by call, text, or online chat at https://www.ab.211.ca/.
Local Business Supports
Community Futures
Community Futures West Yellowhead is available to chat with via phone or email should you have any concerns or questions about your business during this time.
780-865-1224, or email nrobbins@albertacf.com
CFWY recognizes the tremendous mental health strain that our businesses are experiencing in the West Yellowhead.
Please know that Community Futures West Yellowhead has numerous business coaches available for businesses to reach out to in order to talk about what they are experiencing in their businesses. We have tools and financial support that they are able to access and we have a great referral system that if we can’t answer the concern, we can find someone who can.
Our office in Hinton (we have one person here everyday) 780-865-1224
Nancy in Jasper 780-740-3409
Benita in Hinton 780-223-7434
Heather in Edson and Yellowhead County 780-712-9047
Renee in Grande Cache 780-827-1850
Coaching appointments can be made by email to nrobbins@albertacf.com, through our website at www.westyellowhead.albertacf.com and by calling the numbers above.
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Edson and District Chamber of Commerce
The Edson and District Chamber of Commerce is also available via phone or email.
780-723-4918, or email edsonchamber@gmail.com
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Town of Edson Planning Department
The Town of Edson Planning department is working hard to keep up to date on recent changes and can assist or direct by calling 780-723-4402 or emailingengineeringandplanning@edson.ca.
Provincial Supports
Alberta Biz Connect
Workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 begin to reopen and resume operations safely.
This includes information on the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant, Critical Worker Benefit, Care Provider and Operator Funding, the Working Parent Benefit,
For further supports see : https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-supports-for-albertans.aspx
The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association is also keeping a summary of supports available. Their guide can serve as a helpful resource to inform local not-for-profit organizations, local businesses, and stakeholders about the supports that are available. The Guide will be updated weekly and can be found through the AUMA online hub for COVID-19.
Federal Supports
The Government of Canada has outlined their Economic Response Plan. It contains supports for individuals and businesses. Follow the link for the official release.
Links to business support programs and associations
Federal Government Support for Canadians and Businesses
Business Development Canada – Support for Entrepreneurs
Export Development Canada – Support for Exporters
Western Economic Diversification (WD) – Support for Businesses
Canadian Chamber of Commerce Pandemic Preparedness Guide to help create a business continuity plan
Canadian Federation of Independent Business – Small Business Guide- Keeping You and Your Employees Safe
Economic Developers Alberta supports
Tips for Alberta Business and Community Leaders to Address the Social and Economic Fallout from the Coronavirus
Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Alberta (CPHR Alberta)
*Please note that this is an evolving situation. Check original sources for the latest information.
