It starts with WE and Ends with WIN
WELCOME TO WETASKIWIN: Where Business Wins
Dear New Business Owner,
Welcome to Wetaskiwin, Congratulations on opening or expanding your business in Wetaskiwin.
Whether you are launching a new venture, opening an additional location, relocating, or investing in future growth, we are proud you chose Wetaskiwin
This is a city built on opportunity, resilience, and community spirit. Here, businesses are supported, entrepreneurs are celebrated, and success is shared.
When your business succeeds, we all win.
Sincerely,
Mayor Joe Branco
MEET YOUR COUNCIL
Pictured left to right: Councillor Mark Elder, Councillor Laura White, Councillor Dean Billingsley, Councillor Karen Aberle, Councillor Wendy Hoyle, Mayor Joe Branco, Councillor Wayne Neilson
Welcome to Wetaskiwin: The City We Share
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The City of Wetaskiwin, located just 35 minutes south of Edmonton International Airport, is one of Alberta’s oldest cities with a proud history and a bright future. Known as “the place where peace was made,” Wetaskiwin is a growing community of over 13,000 residents that blends small-city feeling with big opportunity.
With affordable housing, a strong local workforce, excellent schools, modern healthcare, and a thriving arts and culture scene, Wetaskiwin offers both residents and businesses a high quality of life. Our historic downtown, diverse local economy, and supportive business environment make Wetaskiwin an ideal place to start, grow, or invest in a business.
Why Start a Business in Wetaskiwin?
Quality of Life: A welcoming, family-friendly city with strong schools, healthcare, and recreational amenities. POPULATION 13,400 TRADE AREA 50,000+
Strategic Location: Easy access to Edmonton, Calgary, and international markets via Highway 2 and Edmonton International Airport
Affordable Costs: Competitive land, housing, and operating expenses compared to larger urban centres.
Skilled Workforce: A growing population supported by marketing, immigration streams and local training opportunities through NorQuest College.
Supportive Community: City-led programs, business networks, and collaborative partnerships designed to help entrepreneurs succeed
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Our team provides complementary and confidential support services for individuals and businesses interested in locating, growing or starting a business in Wetaskiwin.
Single point of contact for businesses interested in locating to Wetaskiwin; Provide advice and resources for business support and success including the Business Checklist and Business Visitation Program; Assist in site selection, navigate development and building approvals; Develop partnerships to promote, support and sustain economic prosperity; and Programs and Marketing including business directory, grand openings and business celebrations.
Business Visitation Program: Through the Business Visitation Program, we will learn more about your organization, explore your areas of concern and target areas where we may be able to help. To schedule a visit, email: raelene.coffey@wetaskiwin.ca
Monthly Economic Development E-Newsletter: Stay up to date with the latest news from the city, business celebrations, resources and supports. To sign-up, email raelene.coffey@wetaskiwin.ca or visit: https://www.investwetaskiwin.ca/who-we-are/newsletter/
BUSINESS LICENCE CHECKLIST
To operate a business in the City of Wetaskiwin, most businesses are required to obtain a municipal business licence.
Allow a minimum of 2 - 3 weeks from application stage to business licence issuance.
Choose Your Business Location & Confirm Zoning/Permitted Use
Check the City of Wetaskiwin Property Portal or with the planning department to confirm area usage as per the Land Use Bylaw
A development permit is required if there is a change of use (such as converting a retail store into a restaurant or an office into residential units), or any new major construction within an existing commercial/industrial development
Register Your Business Name (if required) with an Alberta Registry Agent
Only required if setting up your business as a corporate or Ltd.
Apply for a City of Wetaskiwin Business Licence:
Determine Business Licence Type: Home-Based, Non-Resident, Mobile, Non-Profit, or Special Event.
Check for additional permits or licenses that may be required: ie. AHS for food establishments, Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission
Allow 5 - 7 business days for processing
Complete Fire Inspection:
After review of the Business license application, a link to book a fire inspection will be sent to your email to schedule a fire inspection
Receive Business License Approval
Your business license will be issued within 2 - 3 business days, once all applicable fees, permits, inspections, and departmental reviews have been completed
For questions regarding permitting and the business license application, contact the Planning & Development Department
MARKETING TIPS
Grand Opening Celebration
Launching a new business or marking an anniversary is the perfect time to create excitement and connect with the community. To book your grand opening or anniversary event, contact raelene.coffey@wetaskiwin.ca.
Your checklist to making a great first impression:
• Host a ribbon cutting
• Get listed in the City’s Business Directory
• Share your story on social media and with local press (Pipestone Flyer and Wetaskiwin Times)
Google Business Profile (Google My Business) Set-Up
Your Google Business Profile is a free tool that helps customers find you on Google Search and Maps.
How to Set Up Your Profile:
1.Create a Gmail Account: You need a Gmail email to set up your profile Suggested to use your business name in the email
2 Sign In: Go to https://www.google.com/business and sign in with your business Gmail
3 Create Your Profile: Enter your business name, choose your main business category, and add your service area if needed.
4.Add Your Location: Enter your physical address if customers visit you. If not, select the option for delivering goods or services.
5.Add Contact Details: Include your phone number and website. If you don’t have a website, you can use your Facebook page link
6 Verify Your Business: Google will ask you to verify by postcard, phone, or email Complete this step to activate your listing
7. Improve Your Profile: Upload a logo and photos, add business hours, list your services, write a short description, and post updates to increase visibility.
Business Facebook Page Set-Up
A Facebook Business Page helps customers find your services, contact you, and follow your updates A business page also allows people to follow, tag and mention your business
How to Set Up Your Page
1 Create Your Page: Go to https://www facebook com/pages/create and select “Business or Brand ”
2.Enter Your Information: Add your business name, category, and a short description.
3.Brand Your Page: Upload your logo as the profile photo and choose a cover image.
4.Add Your Details: Include your address, hours, website, phone number, and email. Add a call-to-action button such as Call Now or Message.
5 Add Content: Post 3–6 updates and pin a “Welcome” post
6 Turn On Messaging: Set up automated greetings, FAQs, and appointment options if needed
7 Invite People to Follow: Invite contacts to like your page and share it in local groups where allowed Local Newspaper & Media Contacts: Getting featured locally builds
and credibility, especially for new businesses.
ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENTS
Take part in one of the many annual community events:
July 1: Canada Day Parade & Activities
July 19-25: NASCAR Week and NASCAR Napa 300
September 9 - 17: Wetaskiwin Welcoming Week
September 11: Taste of Wetaskiwin
November: Santa Claus Parade
BUSINESS SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
Get involved and take-part in one of the many community events throughout the year:
July 1: Canada Day Parade & Activities
July 19-25: NASCAR Week and the NASCAR NAPA 300
September 9 - 17: Wetaskiwin Welcoming Week
September 11: Taste of Wetaskiwin
Septembe 30 N ti l D f Truth & Reconciliation
Novembe
BUSINES
ORGANIZATIONS COMMUNITY & CONNECTION
EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
Moyra Kennedy
Workforce Consultant
Government of Alberta
moyra.kennedy@gov.ab.ca
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