Small business means much to West Yellowhead

By Eric Rosendahl, MLA for West Yellowhead.

Dear Constituency; Small businesses in my constituency of West Yellowhead have a huge impact on the economy of the region. They employ thousands of people in Edson, Grande Cache, Hinton, Jasper, as well as at the small, family farms that dot the landscape. There is no denying that small businesses are the foundation of our towns and communities and provide good jobs for people to earn a solid living for themselves and their families.

We listened to business owners.

We cannot pretend the dramatic drop in oil prices isn’t having a significant effect on the province. However, small businesses in West Yellowhead continue to show innovation and resiliency in the face of this challenge. That’s why it’s especially worthwhile to celebrate them this Small Business Week.

Our government believes in Alberta‘s small businesses. We want to make sure they have the tools and supports they need to survive and thrive. We listened to business owners. They said they wanted the same tax credits that other provinces have had in place for decades. They asked that training programs for new entrepreneurs be restored. They asked for implementation of an array of supports for established businesses to encourage diversification and expansion into new markets. They also asked us to slash the small business tax and to increase their access to capital. We listened and took decisive action.

I’ve had the honour of being invited to speak at the Edson, Hinton and Jasper Chambers of Commerce Galas. The incredible diversity of businesses nominated for awards shows what an incredible entrepreneurial spirit exists in these communities. Businesses like these pump millions of dollars into the economy of this region as well as approximately $100 billion dollars a year into the province’s economy, our hometowns and neighbourhoods. I encourage all residents of West Yellowhead to shop local as much as they can and support these wonderful small businesses that do so much for us.

If you are a small business owner or are interested in starting your own business, please visit smallbusiness. alberta. ca. This website provides information on supports and tools that are available for new and established entrepreneurs. 

First published in the Edson Leader, Monday Oct. 24, 2016.