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Access a range of resources to help you start your business in Edmonton.
Information on what you need to open and operate a business in Edmonton.
A good business plan helps focus on the specific steps necessary to make business ideas succeed. There is support available to complete your business plan and guide you through the overall startup process.
Business Link is a non-profit organization that helps with market research, business planning, human resource advice, and income tax information.
Home-based – business is run from your home and you must live there
Commercial – business is run out of a retail space
Out of town – you live in a different city or town, and you do business in Edmonton
Mobile – business is on the move. You still need a base of operations for these types of businesses, whether it be your home or a commercial space
When filling out your licence application, describe your business activities in as much detail as possible. This helps City staff understand your business, saving you time, money and further follow up on your application.
Based on the description of business activities, the City will assign the licence category to your business. Multiple categories may apply depending on your business activities.
Once licence categories are assigned to your business, City staff will give you further information if anything is required to finish processing your application.
Before applying for a business licence, make sure the location is zoned for your business activity. Zoning is a set of rules that limit the activities and buildings that can occur in a certain location. Visit Zoning Approval for Your Business for more information on zoning and how to find a location that is zoned for your proposed business activity.
Speak with City staff before you sign a lease to confirm whether your business activity is allowed at that location. This due diligence is the responsibility of the business owner as a part of making an informed decision.
You may also need building permits. These permits help ensure that what is built is safe, meets regulatory requirements and fits in with the surrounding community.
Permits are needed if you are:
You may need to make renovations even if you hadn’t planned on it. The City encourages hiring professional contractors and designers, especially for complex projects. The cost of qualified contractors, architects, and engineers is often much less than the cost of delays in opening due to construction errors which cause permit delays.
Digital Economy Program is a free program that helps businesses to expand their digital reach
Futurpreneur provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39
Alberta Women Entrepreneurs is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women gain access to capital, connections and business development capacity
Small business resources is a list of supports from the Government of Alberta
Business grants and financing information is available from the Government of Canada
Additional resources to help with your business planning.
Alberta Health Services: permit and licensing requirements for any food or beverage business and personal service businesses such as hairdressing or nail salons
Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC): you must submit your business licence to AGLC to get a provincial liquor permit
Business Licence: Nearly every person or company that does business in Edmonton is required to have a business licence.
Zoning Approval: Zoning determines where a business is allowed to operate.
Building Permits: Building permits may be required depending on the type of business and the condition of the building.
