Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer and Associate Minister of Rural Economic Development Nate Horner announced on Thursday, October 28 the provincial government will be making a $10 million investment to help small businesses expand their online presence.
Along with the investment, the province will partner with Business Link and Digital Main Street to develop the Digital Economy Program.
“Websites that are effective are ones you are constantly maintaining and updating,” says Reality Bytes owner and CEO John Shoff. “People need/want e-commerce, live chat, social media integration. It’s not a one page brochure type of setup that works for most businesses anymore.”
The Digital Economy Program will take a two-pronged approach to supporting small businesses.
ShopHERE program, which is powered by Google, will give eligible small businesses the ability to create and operate online stores, while also having access to support and training through Digital Main Street. To qualify, businesses must be registered in Alberta and have fewer than 50 employees.
Funding will also be provided to eligible organizations, such as non-profits, chambers of commerce, and economic development agencies. This will allow these organizations to hire post secondary students and recent graduates, who will be in charge of developing digital service squads to provide support and services, develop digital business strategies for social media and e-commerce.
Earlier this year, the provincial government announced it would invest $150 million to help expand and improve broadband internet access in rural areas throughout the province.
“Rural Albertans have often had to choose between living in their hometown and pursuing new opportunities,” said Associate Minister Horner during Thursday’s press conference.
Associate Minister Horner says the new Digital Economy Program will go “hand in glove” with the rural broadband initiative, and will continue to allow those looking to live a more rural lifestyle to hold jobs which would typically require urban living.

The Drumheller Curling Club is getting ready for a new season and hopes to pick up after COVID bit into last season.
“We are currently exploring, and have a survey out to our members trying to gauge our participation for the season,” said new president Debbie Walker. “We are looking at running some of the same leagues we had before. We are looking at juniors, beginners, and doubles. And then we have our usual men’s and mixed leagues. We are also planning to run our Friday night events as well.”
The junior league is for players 18 and under. The beginners league is for anyone wanting to try the sport.
“If you are 18 and over and never curled before, you can come and do a six-week session as a beginner, and if you like it, you can do the next six weeks, it’s a gradual program,” said Walker.
To add to the diversity of their offerings, they are also looking for participation in doubles. This is a fast-paced game with no sweepers.
They are also offering their Friday night events. These are a great opportunity for first-time players looking to have fun.
“We usually run a Friday fun night once a month, it is $5 per person, and you can come out for a couple of hours. If you don’t have a team you can come out by yourself, and we’ll organize some teams and have a game,” she said, adding they will even supply equipment.
“We are very lucky we have many members who have curled, and some coaches amongst our membership. Everyone is willing to help out and teach,” said Walker.
She says they typically ramp up in the first week of November, but so far, they might be a bit ahead of schedule installing the ice.
To learn more, go to the Drumheller Curling Club Facebook page, email drumhellercurlingclub@gmail.com, or call 403-823-4848.