Building a Strong, Sustainable Future Together

Economic development in a rural county is about more than attracting new investment. It is about supporting the people, businesses and industries that already call our community home while creating opportunities for future growth.

Our Economic Development department works to strengthen the local economy by fostering responsible development, supporting entrepreneurs, encouraging investment and helping businesses adapt to an ever-changing economic landscape. We recognize that rural communities have unique strengths, including strong community connections, abundant natural resources, agricultural history and an exceptional quality of life.

Through collaboration with local businesses, residents, industry partners and regional organizations, we strive to create an environment where businesses can start, grow and thrive. Our focus is on sustainable development that respects the character of our rural communities, protects our agricultural heritage and supports long-term economic resilience.

Whether you are an existing business looking to expand, an entrepreneur with a new idea, a producer seeking opportunities, or an investor exploring rural Alberta, we are here to help connect you with the resources, information and support you need to succeed. Our focus is on:

• Supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Encouraging sustainable and responsible economic growth.
• Attracting investment that aligns with community values and priorities.
• Strengthening key sectors such as agriculture, energy, tourism and small business.
• Promoting workforce development and business innovation.
• Enhancing the long-term economic resilience and prosperity of our communities.

Together, we are building a strong rural agriculture-focused economy that supports businesses, families and communities for our future generations.

Contact

Clearwater County's Economic Development Officer:

• Email: ecdev@clearwatercounty.ca 
• Call: 403-845-4444

For community profile, statistics / demographics and report, click here.

Employer Resources

The following list outlines employer support programs offered by federal and provincial governments and their agencies to assist with employee hiring, training, and workforce development. While not exhaustive, it highlights many of the funding opportunities and programs currently available. Please note that eligibility requirements and application periods may vary, and some programs are only available during specific intake windows.

• Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (Government of Alberta) – helps employers invest in training that focuses on enhancing productivity skills for their current and future employees that aligns with the needs of their business. It is an employer-driven program meant to partially reimburse the cost for an employer to send their employee(s) for training. https://www.alberta.ca/canada-alberta-productivity-grant
• Alberta Industry Skills Grant (Government of Alberta) – provides funding for collaborative, industry-led training initiatives that address shared skill shortages and workforce gaps and provide industry-wide benefits across Alberta.https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/05eb7f44-26c7-458a-88b4-8edd9bf773eb/resource/ad46ba34-9f07-4c79-b194-f1df2fa7fa7b/download/jeti-alberta-industry-skills-grant-applicant-guidelines-2026.pdf
• Wage subsidies and assistance programs (Government of Canada) – information on federal programs to help you hire the right employees for your business. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business/hire/wagesubsidiesotherassistanceprograms.html
• Workforce Partnerships Grant (Government of Alberta) – grant program to support labour market adjustment strategies and workforce development through partnerships. https://www.alberta.ca/workforce-partnerships-grants.aspx
• Workplace Training Program (Government of Alberta) – offers eligible Albertans work-site training and paid work experience. Participating employers provide on-the-job training and/or work experience with government funding contributions, with the expectation that participants maintain employment after completion of the program. https://www.alberta.ca/training-and-employment-services-workplace-training-program.aspx
• BRIDGE program | Alberta.ca – a pilot program designed to support women entrepreneurs and small business owners who are actively running their business to move from early-stage operations to an established, growth-ready future. https://www.alberta.ca/bridge-program#jumplinks-0
• Alberta Youth Employment Incentive (CAREERS) - CAREERS works to connect students to employers for paid internships. Qualified employers can receive up to $7,500 to hire Albertans aged 15 to 24, helping you fill workforce needs today while investing in the skilled workforce of tomorrow. https://ayeincentive.ca/
• Apprenticeship job creation tax credit (Government of Canada) – non-refundable employer tax credit for eligible apprentices. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/line-41200-investment-tax-credit/apprenticeship-job-creation-tax-credit.html
• Grants and funding for skilled trades and apprenticeship (Government of Canada) - Grants, loans, and funding programs to help apprentices, employers, unions, and other organizations participate in apprenticeship. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training/support-skilled-trades-apprentices/funding-opportunities.html
• Supplementary unemployment benefit plan (SUBP) (Government of Canada) – employers can top up wages while apprentices are in technical training. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/payroll/payroll-deductions-contributions/special-payments/supplementary-unemployment-benefit-plan-subp.html
• Trade Pathways Program (Alberta Construction Association) – participating employers can access financial and recruitment support to help their company develop the next generation of skilled tradespeople in Alberta. https://www.tradepathways.ca/employers
• Youth in Trades Incentive Program (CAREERS) – CAREERS works with Alberta schools to connect students to employers for paid internships. YIIP provides qualified employers with financial incentives to hire interns. https://www.careersnextgen.ca/support-an-intern/youth-internship-incentive-program-yiip/

Other Programs and Resources

• Business Benefits Finder (Government of Canada) – get a list of government programs and services for your business. https://innovation.ised-isde.canada.ca/s/?language=en_CA
• Business Link – small business advice in Alberta to help small businesses start and thrive.https://businesslink.ca/
• Community Futures Alberta – offers business loans, resources, mentoring, guidance and support for rural small business owners and entrepreneurs. https://albertacf.com/
• Small business resources (Government of Alberta) – service helping small businesses connect to resources such as funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and expert advice. https://www.alberta.ca/small-business-resources

This list was created with the help of the Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration.