The City of Grande Prairie is recognizing Small Business Week from Oct. 19 to 23, celebrating the entrepreneurs and employers who create jobs, develop local talent and contribute to the strength of Grande Prairie’s economy.

Small businesses are part of the foundation of Grande Prairie’s economy. They bring new ideas to market, create jobs, invest in the community and help build a diverse and resilient local business environment.

They also play an important role in developing the next generation of Grande Prairie’s workforce.

Across the community, local employers are investing in young and skilled workers by creating apprenticeship opportunities, providing hands-on training and giving people a chance to build their skills where they live. These investments help businesses develop the workforce they need while giving local workers a pathway to long-term careers in the region.

“Small businesses are woven into the fabric of Grande Prairie,” said Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton. “They are the people who take an idea and build something, who create that first job for someone entering the workforce, and who see potential in a young person and take the time to train them. That investment reaches far beyond one business. It builds careers, keeps skills and talent in our community and strengthens Grande Prairie for the future.”

Throughout Small Business Week, the City encourages residents and businesses to recognize the people behind Grande Prairie’s local economy and the contribution they make every day.

As part of the week, members of City Council and the Invest Grande Prairie team will visit businesses across the community to hear directly from owners and operators about their experiences doing business in Grande Prairie, including what is working well, the challenges they are facing and where they see opportunities for continued growth.

Those conversations are part of the City’s ongoing work to understand and respond to the needs of the local business community. Through Invest Grande Prairie, businesses can access information, resources and connections to support starting, growing and investing in Grande Prairie.

The City is also inviting local small business owners and operators to complete the Small Business Survey. Feedback will help the City better understand the experiences, priorities and needs of Grande Prairie’s small business community.

Learn more about Invest Grande Prairie at investgp.ca and take the Small Business Survey at engage.cityofgp.com/en-CA/projects/smallbusinessweek.