Business Works Central Alberta

10/28/2026

Entrepreneurship doesn't always look like a tech startup.

Sometimes it's:
A homestead baker meeting a local demand.
Someone growing and selling something their community needs.
A skilled tradesperson offering a service people struggle to find.
A maker turning a passion into a product.
A mobile service bringing convenience directly to customers.
A freelancer solving a problem for small businesses.
A local service filling a gap in a rural community.

The question isn't:

"Is this the next big company?"

The question is:

"Is there a real need for what I want to offer, and can I build a viable business around it?"

That's the kind of thinking you'll explore through Business Works Central Alberta.
If you're unemployed, have a viable business idea, and are ready to commit to building it, our next cohort begins November 16.

Your idea doesn't have to change the world.
It just needs to solve a problem for someone.

Business Works Central Alberta
4728 50 St, Red Deer AB
BWCA.OpenDoorGroup.Org

Image Description: A set of hands is handling a large bar of soap, by cutting off individual pieces for sale on a cutting board. "Dear Future Me, it all began with one decision."

10/21/2026

You don't have to know everything about starting a business before you reach out.
In fact, that's exactly why our Business Works Central Alberta Information Sessions exist.

Come ask questions.
Learn how the program works.
Understand what you'll be working on.
Hear more about the support available.
And find out whether Business Works Central Alberta could be the right fit for where you are right now.

You can come with questions.
You can come with a business idea.
You can come with a notebook full of possibilities.
You don't have to have all the answers yet.

Our next cohort begins November 16, and we're working toward welcoming 10 new entrepreneurs into the next BWCA journey.

Tuesdays at 10 AM & Thursdays at 1 PM

Virtual Information Session
https://bwca.opendoorgroup.org/

Come curious. Leave with clarity.

Business Works Central Alberta
4728 50 St, Red Deer AB
Start Your Own Business | Business Works Central Alberta

Image Description: A long empty back hallway of an office or hospital, with a focus on the ductwork in the ceiling. "Have an idea? But don't know where to start? Start with a conversation. Next intake: November 16, 2026. Info sessions every Tuesday and Thursday."

10/15/2026

Before Kelly McMillan became a business owner, there was an idea.

An idea they believed could fill a need.
A skill they knew they could turn into something more.

But having an idea and building a business are two very different things.

That's where Business Works Central Alberta became part of their story.
Through our coaching, business planning, and support, Kelly was able to start a coffeehouse and roastery.

Today, White Frog Café in Sylvan Lake is thriving and is a favourite of Sylvan Lake and surrounding communities. Check out White Frog Café Coffee Roastery Home - White Frog Cafe.

And this is exactly why we love sharing these stories.
Because somewhere in Central Alberta, there's another person sitting on an idea wondering:

"Could I actually do this?"

You might.

Our next BWCA cohort begins November 16.
If you're unemployed, have a viable business idea, and are ready to commit to building it, come learn more at one of our upcoming information sessions.

Business Works Central Alberta
4728 50 St, Red Deer AB
BWCA.OpenDoorGroup.Org

Image Description: A bag of coffee beans is surrounded by other coffee beans on a table. "It started with an idea. Today the business is White Frog Cafe. Contact us today."

10/10/2026

Maybe you've noticed something.

A product people can't easily find.
A service that's difficult to access.
A gap in your community.
Or a need that isn't being met.
Maybe you've even thought:

"Someone should really offer this..."

What if that someone could be you?

Maybe it's a homestead bakery bringing fresh, locally made goods to your community.
Maybe it's a mobile service that saves customers a trip into the city.
Maybe it's a product you've been making for friends and family that people keep asking to buy.
Maybe you've found an underserved market and you're ready to explore what could happen if you built a business around it.

That's where entrepreneurship starts.
Not necessarily with a huge company or a revolutionary invention.
Sometimes it starts with noticing a need and thinking:

"I could solve that."

Business Works Central Alberta is designed for eligible, unemployed Albertans with viable business ideas who are ready to commit to building their business.

Our next cohort begins November 16.

Could your idea fill a gap?
Learn more about BWCA and register for an upcoming information session.

Business Works Central Alberta
4728 50 St, Red Deer AB
BWCA.OpenDoorGroup.org

Image Description: A female is standing in a kitchen, with an open oven, holding onto a tray of croissants, smiling. "What if your business idea is exactly what someone is looking for? The opportunity might be closer than you think."

09/29/2026

Dear Future Me,

I did it.
I actually started.
I stopped waiting until I felt ready.
I stopped wondering if my idea was good enough.
I stopped telling myself I'd start "someday."
I asked questions.
I found support.
I made a plan.

And then...
I went for it.

I don't know exactly where this business will take me.

But I know where it started.
With one idea.
One decision.
One first step.

If you've been thinking about starting your own business, maybe your future self is waiting for you to make that decision too.
Business Works Central Alberta is here to help you take that first step.

Your story could start here.

Contact us to find out if you are eligible.

Business Works Central Alberta
4728 50 St, Red Deer AB
Start Your Own Business | Business Works Central Alberta



Image Description: Text on image: Dear Future Me, I did it. I actually started. And it all began with one decision.

09/24/2026

09/22/2026

Before there was a business...
There was a person wondering:

"Could I actually make this work?"

Maybe you've already spent months thinking about your idea.
You've researched your industry.
You've considered your customers.
You've thought about what you'll offer.
You've even started imagining what your life could look like as a business owner.

Now you're unemployed, and you're ready to put that idea to work.
This is where preparation matters.

Business Works Central Alberta helps eligible aspiring entrepreneurs develop their ideas, build a business plan, strengthen their business knowledge, and work with experienced coaches throughout a 24-week journey toward self-employment.

Because having an idea is the beginning.
Being ready to build it is what comes next.
And over the coming months, we'll be sharing stories from entrepreneurs who have taken that step with BWCA.

Could your story be next?

Business Works Central Alberta
4728 50 St, Red Deer AB
Start Your Own Business | Business Works Central Alberta



Image Description: Text on image: Every business has a beginning. Before the first customer. Before the first sale. There was an idea. Contact us today.

09/15/2026

I didn't have every answer.
I didn't know exactly what my business would become.
But I had a viable idea.
I was ready to commit.
And I knew I needed support.
So I took the first step.
Today, I'm building something of my own.

— Future Me

You've had the idea for years.
Find out if you're eligible.

Business Works Central Alberta
4728 50 St, Red Deer AB
Start Your Own Business | Business Works Central Alberta



Image Description: Text on image: Dear Future Me, I'm glad I finally gave my business idea a real chance. Next Intake Date: Nov 16, 2026. Contact us today! An individual is prepping to bake something with squash and other items.

[FREE] Government program that gives you step-by-step help on how to start your own business. Learn how to launch your business in 60 days.

09/14/2026

Community Info Night is TONIGHT! If you want to learn more about what's happening in Blackfalds, this is the event to check out! Blackfalds FCSS

Blackfalds Community Centre, 6-8pm!

📅 Community INFO EXPO is Monday, September 14!

Join us for the largest Community Info Expo yet and discover the incredible programs, services, clubs, and organizations that make Blackfalds such a vibrant community!

✅ Municipality information on upcoming youth, seniors, and volunteer programs
✅ Abbey Centre fitness classes and programming
✅ Upcoming community events and fundraisers
✅ Meet the Blackfalds Fire Department
✅ Connect with Town Council and discuss the 2027 budget
✅ Enjoy treats from 3 Pink Flamingos and Simple Spice Food Trucks

Plus, a record-breaking 39 organizations and community groups will be on site to showcase the amazing opportunities, resources, and supports available in our community, including:

211 Alberta

Blackfalds Food Bank Society Beyond Food Community Hub
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lacombe & District




BGC Wolf Creek - Blackfalds
Business Works Central Alberta
Central Alberta Women's Emergency Shelter
Central Alberta FASD Network
Central Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society
Community Legal Clinic - Central
Cosmos Group of Companies


Drive Happiness
Lacombe and Area Family Resource Network
Golden Circle Senior Resource Centre
Heart of Blackfalds Society
Inspiring Virtues

JustServe

Open Door Group
Optimist Club of Blackfalds

Career Assistance Network
Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools


Blackfalds Public Library
Soroptimist International of Central Alberta





Whether you're looking to volunteer, get active, discover local services, or connect with community groups, there's something for everyone.

🤝 Connect. Explore. Get Involved.

09/11/2026

Maybe it started with an idea.
A skill you've always had.
A product you've been making.
A service people keep asking you about.
Or a business you've imagined building for years.

You've thought about it. You've talked about it. You've wondered if you could actually make it work.
And now you're at a different place.
You're ready.

You're unemployed, you have a viable business idea, and you're ready to commit to building something of your own.

That's where Business Works Central Alberta comes in.

BWCA is a 24-week self-employment program designed to help eligible Albertans turn a viable business idea into a real business through coaching, business planning, practical learning, and ongoing support.

You don't have to figure out every step on your own.
You just need to be ready to take the first one.
Could BWCA be your next step?

Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements.

Business Works Central Alberta
4728 50 St, Red Deer AB
Start Your Own Business | Business Works Central Alberta



Image Description: Text on graphic: "Some dreams never leave you. You've thought about starting a business. Now you're ready to do something about it. bwca.edgelms.ca | [email protected] | (403) 986-1561. The image on the graphic shows a florist manipulating a bouquet of flowers.