The Town of Sylvan Lake Business Startup Guide was developed as a collaborative project between The Town of Sylvan Lake, the Economic Development Community Advisory Committee with information and support from Alberta Business Link. The guide provides a one-stop resource for businesses within the community to attain information on how to start a business here in Sylvan Lake.
Town overview
Sylvan Lake is a vibrant lakeside community with a high quality of living that respects the environment, provides diverse economic opportunities, and values efficient, inclusive, and transparent government.
Sylvan Lakers are very proud of their community, and enjoy access to not only a world class recreation facility but also recreational activities that are unique to a lakeside community such as:
- Winter polar bear dips;
- Ice fishing;
- Skating on our beautiful lake during the winter;
- Year-round events, festivals, and fireworks shows;
- Watery activities like paddle-boarding, kayaking, sailing, and even diving;
- Beach volleyball;
- And so much more!
Sylvan Lake is driven by community, open for business, and planning for sustainable growth.
- Our population is 15,995, with a average age of 37;
- Key industry sectors are tourism, professional scientific technical services, manufacturing, and oil and gas;
- We’re a 17-minute drive west of Red Deer;
- We receive an average of 760,000 visitors to our community, each summer;
Town of Sylvan Lake Requirements for Starting Your Business
Doing Business with the Town
Tourism Partnership Program
Sylvan Lake is brilliant all year and has so much to share with visitors in every season. Local tourism businesses are a big part of developing high quality visitor experiences that attract tourism and support our local economy. The Town of Sylvan Lake has tourism initiatives that aim to develop Sylvan Lake as a vibrant Alberta tourist destination. Local tourism businesses are invited to participate in the Tourism Industry Partnership Program and become a part of Sylvan Lake tourism initiatives.
Business Resources
Government of Alberta Links
- Alberta Investor Tax Credit (AITC)
- Alberta Small Business Resources
- Business and Economy
- Canada-Alberta Job Grant
- Business and Industry – including business grants and financing info
- Canadian Industry Statistics
- Innovation Canada
- BDC Young Entrepreneur
Business Development Bank of Canada’s entrepreneurship opportunities for youth - Futurpreneur Canada
Assisting young entrepreneurs to get their ideas off the ground, Youth Business offers programs and services that allow them to achieve economic independence, develop self-confidence, and fulfill their goals of self-employment. - Aboriginal Youth Business Council
- Business Link Indigenous Services
- BDC Indigenous Entrpreneur
- Indigenous Services Canada
- Red Deer Native Friendship Society (RDNFS)
- Rocky Native Friendship Centre Society
- Workink
- Government of Canada Steps to Choosing your business name
Government of Canada Links
- Business and Industry – including business grants and financing info
- Canadian Industry Statistics
- Innovation Canada
Youth Entrepreneurship
- BDC Young Entrepreneur
Business Development Bank of Canada’s entrepreneurship opportunities for youth - Futurpreneur Canada
Assisting young entrepreneurs to get their ideas off the ground, Youth Business offers programs and services that allow them to achieve economic independence, develop self-confidence, and fulfill their goals of self-employment.
Indigenous Resources
- Aboriginal Youth Business Council
- Business Link Indigenous Services
- BDC Indigenous Entrpreneur
- Indigenous Services Canada
- Red Deer Native Friendship Society (RDNFS)
- Rocky Native Friendship Centre Society
Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
Business Name Search Links
Use these links to search the provincial and territorial databases:
- Alberta: Corporate registry search
- British Columbia: Name search
- Manitoba: Companies search
- Saskatchewan: Existing businesses search
- New Brunswick: Corporate affairs registry search
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Request a name search
- Northwest Territories: Corporate registry search
- Nunavut: Business search
- Prince Edward Island: Corporate/business names registry
- Yukon Territory: How to find out what names are available
General Resources
- Know your NAICS code – The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying businesses
- Investopedia Business Financing
- SME Benchmarking Tool
- Statistics Canada – Statistics Canada is our national statistical office. The agency ensures Canadians have the key information on Canada’s economy, society and environment that they require to function effectively as citizens and decision makers.
- Help for Innovative Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- Western Economic Diversification Canada
- Sylvan Lake – Business & Investment Tool Kit
- BPlans.com – Business planning, templates and more!
- GoForth Institute – Canada’s leading small business training program
- Entreworld – Develop your idea, get started, and grow your business! Check here for many great resources for entrepreneurs
- Business Link
- BizPal