12 Unconventional Financing Strategies Every Startup Should Know

Have you heard? Applications are open for RAYEC 2024! The deadline to apply is May 15. Remember - it is not first come, first serve - be sure to complete the application.

Application and info: www.rotaryayec.ca

Summer is coming!!

Canada Digital Adoption Program - Grow Your Business Online Grant

Today, small businesses must adapt to the ever-growing online marketplace to stay ahead. With the Grow Your Business Online Grant as part of the Canada Digital Adoption Program, we’ll equip your business with the essential e-commerce capabilities it needs to thrive.

• Receive a micro-grant of up to $2,400 to build your online store and enhance your digital presence and online visibility.
• Collaborate with a dedicated E-Commerce Advisor for personalized guidance, strategy, grant planning, and tech support.

The Canada Digital Adoption Program is a partnership between the Government of Canada, Business Link, and Digital Main Street.

Eligible businesses will receive a micro-grant of up to $2,400 to help with the costs related to adopting e-commerce and supported by a network of e-commerce advisors.

Create your Digital Main Street Account and Apply Now

The Grow Your Business Online grant will help small businesses across Alberta take advantage of e-commerce opportunities.

To Qualify

• You have at least one employee (other than the business owner) or had at least $30,000.00 in annual revenue.
• You are a for-profit and consumer-facing business.
• Your business is registered or incorporated. 

Disqualifications

• Your business is a not-for-profit, non-consumer-facing, corporate chain, multi-level marketing business, franchise or real estate agent.
• Your business is not registered or incorporated.
• You have no employees or have less than $30,000.00 in annual revenue. 

Auditions Start in February. To Register

CBC's DRAGONS' DEN auditions are open, inviting Canadian entrepreneurs to pitch their innovative ideas to top business moguls for potential investment. Showcase your small business on national television and seize this opportunity.

Auditions for season 19 will kick off in February 2024. We will host virtual and in-person auditions in a few select major cities.  Auditions in CALGARY are planned for mid-March, 10 am - 5 pm.
LOCATION TBD  For more information, check out this page for up-to-date location details. All applicants must apply through this online system, regardless of whether they are attending an in-person audition or a virtual audition.

We will start contacting select applicants in February 2024 to schedule an audition. Those invited to film for the show must be available for 1-2 days in Toronto in May 2024.

The application deadline is April 6th, 2024.

We can’t wait to see the incredible innovation and great ideas our Canadian entrepreneurs have to present! Here are some tips for a successful audition.

If you have any questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*APPLICANTS MUST BE BASED IN CANADA TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE SHOW, AND FOUNDERS SHOULD BE RESIDENTS OF CANADA OR CURRENTLY RESIDING IN CANADA.

Canada Summer Jobs Program – Intake: Ends January 10, 2024 at 11:59 pm

Applicants can seek funding to hire youth between April 22, 2024 and August 31, 2024.

https://www.canada.ca/.../canada-summer-jobs/apply.html

The program provides wage subsidies to employers from not-for-profit organizations and the public sector, as well as private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to create quality summer work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30 years.

The Government of Canada aims to ensure that all CSJ-funded job opportunities take place in a safe, inclusive, and healthy work environment free from harassment and discrimination.

With social media trend cycles moving faster than ever, we’re asking ourselves: what’s worth paying attention to in 2024?

By: Britny Kutuchief, Liz Stanton, Karolina Mikolajczyk November 14, 2023

2024 social media trends

1. Text-only posts are the sleeper hit of the year (and X remains on top)

2. Social platforms will become the hottest new search engines

3. Longer videos will make a big comeback

4. Engagement will move from feeds to DMs

5. Shares will matter more than likes, comments, or followers

6. Telegram might become the next super app

7. The fediverse is the future of social media (but it’s not here yet)

8. Every grid post will be a photo dump

9. LinkedIn will deprioritize personal content (and win more love from Gen Z)

10. TikTok Shop will spark a re-emphasis on authenticity

11. You won’t need a BeReal strategy

12. TikTok will continue to be the birthplace of video trends

13. The unhinged social media manager will calm down a little

14. Social isn’t moving into the metaverse quite yet

15. Social media managers will become best friends with AI

16. You won’t ignore YouTube Shorts anymore

KMUK Productions, run by Kristian Karasz, is a Southern Alberta Production Company operating out of Pincher Creek.  The film will be produced entirely in Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek areas.  If business owners would like their business featured in the filming, they can submit their information to KMUK Productions.  If you are interested, please send a photo of your business and your availability over the next few months and spring of 2024.  Send information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

The intake period for Travel Alberta's Tourism Investment Program is now open until September 12, 2023.

Eligible applicants for the Growth Fund include Tourism operators, communities, and DMOs in Alberta. Eligible expenses include constructing, purchasing, or renovating existing tourism infrastructure.

Intake for the Innovation Fund is also open until September 12. This program is open to Tourism Operators, communities and associations, and DMOs. Eligible projects include New assets to diversify available experiences for existing operators.

Intake for Cooperative Investment Funds (including events and festivals) will open Sept 12.

South Canadian Rockies Tourism Association encourages all members and regional operators to explore these opportunities. If you require further support, we are here to help!

Learn More