Southeast Alberta – October 18, 2026 – The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate Small Business Week, October 18-24, 2026, recognizing the entrepreneurs, business owners, and innovators who help drive economic growth, create local jobs, and contribute to the vibrancy of communities across Southeast Alberta.

Small businesses are the backbone of our regional economy. From family-owned storefronts and agricultural operations to professional services, manufacturers, and startups, these businesses play a vital role in shaping the communities where we live, work, and invest.

"Small Business Week is an opportunity to recognize the resilience, innovation, and dedication of the entrepreneurs who take risks, create opportunities, and strengthen our communities every day," said Aaron Fleming, Board President. "Their success contributes directly to the economic prosperity and quality of life throughout Southeast Alberta."

The Chamber encourages residents, organizations, and fellow businesses to support local enterprises by shopping locally, exploring new businesses, sharing positive experiences online, and celebrating the contributions small businesses make to our region, not just through small business week, but all through the year.

In addition to celebrating small businesses, the Chamber remains committed to connecting entrepreneurs with tools and resources that support growth, workforce development, business continuity, and long-term success.

The Chamber is recognizing Small Business Week with their Leadership Events and two new business grand opening events:

October 20: Ballad Group Grand Opening, Ribbon Cutting and Open House - Brooks

October 21: 2026 Leadership Breakfast - Cypress-Medicine Hat

October 21: 2026 Reality Bytes Leadership Summit

October 22: Desert Springs Spa Ribbon Cutting & Open House - Medicine Hat

October 23: 2026 Brooks Newell Leadership Breakfast - Brooks-Newell

October 24: Health and Wellness Demo Day - Medicine Hat

In addition, the Chamber of Commerce has been promoting Small Business Webinars taking place during Small Business Business Week:

October 20: Finding growth in a faster world 

October 21: Smart AI investments that pay off 

October 22: Using acquisitions to accelerate growth 

October 23: The Next Owners: Turning Business Succession into Opportunity  

Small Business Week also provides the opportunity to highlight and encourage businesses to take advantage of the various free resources available for small businesses through the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce:

• Local First Initiative - A campaign designed to ignite our local economy and propel our businesses forward.
• Local Business Toolkit - A comprehensive guide to launching and growing a successful business in our region, with other Business Toolkits listed.
• Business Resources - Explore the Chamber's curated collection of resources for Southeast Alberta entrepreneurs.

These resources can be accessed through the Chamber's website at www.SoutheastAlbertaChamber.ca to help businesses navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.

As the voice of business in Southeast Alberta, the Chamber remains committed to advocating for policies and programs that create a strong environment for business success while providing members with valuable resources, connections, and support.

During Small Business Week, the Chamber invites everyone to take a moment to recognize and thank the entrepreneurs, employees, and business leaders who help make our communities stronger each day.

Please direct all media inquiries to:
Aaron Fleming
Chamber of Commerce President, 2025-2026
Phone: (403) 527-5214 ext. 225

The Chamber of Commerce is a member-driven, volunteer-led organization, proudly representing the interests of businesses in our region, and working diligently to stimulate a strengthened and vibrant economy through our connections, support and influence. For over 125 years, the Chamber has stood for promoting business, monitoring government and championing managed growth in the local economy. The Chamber represents close to 900 businesses in our region and is aligned with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC), which represents over 24,000 businesses, the Canadian Chambers of Commerce (CCC), which represents over 200,000 businesses and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), representing over 45 million companies in more than 170 countries. With the largest and most influential business organizations locally, provincially, federally and internationally, the Chamber network is the most unified, valued and influential business network in Canada and works together to shape policy and programs that will make a difference to businesses in our region.