Airdrie Economic Development

💡 Did you know?

Airdrie Economic Development offers a variety of business learning opportunities to help local businesses grow, adapt and succeed.

From workshops and training sessions to professional development programs and business resources, these opportunities are designed to help entrepreneurs, business owners and employees build new skills, stay informed on emerging trends and make valuable connections within the local business community.

Continuous learning can help your business stay competitive and uncover new opportunities for growth.

Learn more about the programs and resources available through Airdrie Economic Development at airdrie.ca/businesstraining

🎉 Please join us in welcoming Cold Start Auto Airdrie to the business community! 🚗

Cold Start Auto is a family-owned automotive repair shop dedicated to doing things differently—providing honest recommendations, transparent pricing, quality workmanship and a customer-first experience. With over 15 years of dealership-level experience working on a wide range of vehicle brands, their team is committed to helping drivers stay safe and informed every step of the way.

Visit it them today!📍 East Lake Blvd NE, Airdrie
coldstartauto.ca

📊💼 Airdrie’s business community is showing strong confidence in the future.

The City’s 2026 Business Survey revealed that more than 120 local businesses are planning to expand over the next two years — a powerful sign of growth, resilience and investment in our community. While challenges like commercial space, healthcare access and development processes remain top concerns, businesses continue to highlight Airdrie’s quality of life, safety and strong business supports as key advantages.

Together, these insights help shape a thriving future for Airdrie’s economy. 🌟

Read the full article in the latest issue of airdrielife magazine

🚀 Meet the Final Four SMARTstart Entrepreneurs!

The 2026 SMARTstart cohort is well underway, and participants are already making meaningful progress on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Since orientation, entrepreneurs have connected with mentors, set goals, and begun putting their plans into action. Through workshops, training sessions, and one-on-one mentorship, they’re building valuable skills, expanding their networks, and gaining the confidence to grow their businesses.

Today, we're excited to introduce the final four entrepreneurs in this year's cohort.

💡 From fresh ideas to ambitious growth plans, these entrepreneurs are embracing every opportunity to learn, connect, and take the next step forward.

Join us in celebrating their journey. Meet the entrepreneurs https://ow.ly/FwC450ZoCLT

Looking to connect with other entrepreneurs, share ideas and learn from those who’ve been there? Join our upcoming Mentor Meetup.

Through a series of meaningful conversations, you'll connect with fellow founders and experienced business owners who can offer fresh perspectives, practical advice and valuable insights to help move your business forward.

💡 What you'll gain:
▪️ Honest advice from real entrepreneurial journeys
▪️ Meaningful local connections and new opportunities
▪️ Fresh ideas and perspectives on your business challenges
▪️ Support from a community that understands the ups and downs of entrepreneurship

Come curious. Leave inspired. Register today airdriecommon.ca/mentor-meetup

Did you know? Downtown Airdrie is home to multiple thrift and resale shops, all within easy walking distance.

Make an afternoon of it by creating your own thrift crawl. Start at Plato's Closet - Airdrie, AB, loop around, Luxe Boutique Consignment and Salvation Army Airdrie Charity Shop, head south to Once Upon A Child - Airdrie and finish off Re-vive Ladies Consignment.

Whether you’re thrifting for sustainability, a fresh seasonal outfit or a one-of-a-kind find, downtown makes it easy.

🍽️✨ Two local entrepreneurs are turning their passion for food into unforgettable flavours right here in Airdrie!

From Papa Nash's fresh East Indian and Afghani-inspired samosas, sauces and juicy kebabs on Main Street, to Adamo Bistro’s handcrafted Italian sandwiches, pizzas and house-made dough at Genesis Place, these business owners are serving up quality, made-from-scratch meals with heart.

Whether you're craving bold spices or classic Italian comfort food, these chef’s kiss favourites are proof that great food brings people together. 👨‍🍳💋

Read the full article in the latest issue of airdrielife magazine

📣 Calling Downtown Airdrie Businesses!

Join the Downtown Summer Passport initiative and help residents and visitors discover everything our downtown has to offer this July.

By participating, your business will be featured on the Downtown Airdrie Summer Passport map, encouraging community members to visit local shops, services, restaurants and attractions while exploring downtown.

✅ Increased visibility for your business
✅ More foot traffic throughout July
✅ Opportunity to connect with new customers
✅ Be part of a fun, community-focused initiative

How the Summer Passport works:

📍 Participants use an interactive map to find participating businesses.
🏙️ They visit at least three downtown businesses during July.
⭐ They collect a sticker or stamp from each location visited.
🎉 Completed passports can be entered for a chance to win a $50 gift card from a participating downtown business.

📧 Interested in participating? Contact [email protected] for details.

Explore downtown this July. Connect, discover and enjoy – together.

🏆 Nominate a deserving business, non-profit, or leader today for the 2026 Airdrie Regional Business Awards!

The Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce invites the community to celebrate outstanding businesses, non-profits, and leaders making an impact across the region.

With 12 award categories—including the new Home-Based Business of the Year and Business Leader Under 40 awards—there’s an opportunity to recognize those helping Airdrie thrive.

📅 Nominations close July 27, 2026
✅ Self-nominations welcome
🔗 Submit at www.airdriechamber.ab.ca

💡 Thinking about starting a business? Start here.

Discover is designed to help you move beyond the idea stage and understand whether your concept can succeed in the market.
Over six sessions, you'll test assumptions, engage with potential customers, validate demand, and build a practical one-page roadmap for your business.

📅 Sept. 1 – Oct. 13, 2026
Learn more airdriecommon.ca/discover