RURAL ALBERTA BUSINESS CENTRE (RABC)
PILOT PROGRAM
La Crete Office
The Rural Alberta Business Centre (RABC) Pilot Program will help small, rural businesses access timely information and advice so they can make informed business decisions.
What is the Rural Alberta Business Centre Pilot Program?
What services does La Crete RABC offer?
What are the La Crete RABC hours of operation?
Who are the partner organizations?
Why was La Crete chosen as a pilot site?
How far is the service reach for each RABC site?
What is considered a small business?
How important are small
businesses to the Alberta economy?
Where can I find more information on the RABC Pilot Program?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Rural Alberta Business Centre Pilot Program?
The Rural Alberta Business Centre (RABC) Pilot Program is a partnership between
the Government of Alberta and local organizations activity involved with the business community. As part of the
three-year program, RABCs will provide advice and information services
to entrepreneurs and small businesses to assist them in making informed business decisions.
What services do RABCs offer?
The La Crete RABC will provide services to entrepreneurs, small business owners and managers at all stages of the business life cycle from the start-up to expansion to succession planning.
Each rural business centre will be staffed by a Small Business Advisor who will assist
in providing one-on-one business advice, seminars, workshops, and access to relevant information about small businesses and business opportunities. Information and materials will be tailored to the specific needs of the communities served by each RABC.
Examples of some of the services provided are:
- One on One Business Counselling – Providing client with information on establishing a sole proprietorship vs. incorporating the business, information on necessary components of a business plan, how and where to access financing, etc.
- Research Services – Directing clients to relevant business resources from the site’s business library as well as online services and information, conducting basic market research on clients’ chosen industry, etc.
- Learning Services – Provide practical, skills-based seminars and workshops on common small business topics such as business planning and financing, or the navigating the government regulatory environment.
- Business Resource Centre - Maintain an information centre including a basic library of business resources, access to computer/internet and access to enhanced business library offerings through The Business Link.
Where is La Crete RABC located and what are the hours of operation?
10406-100 Street, La Crete (Co-op parking lot)
Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm; closed from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm for lunch.
Who are the partner organizations?
As part of the pilot, a variety of partnerships are being tested to determine which types of organizations are best positioned to manage and support an RABC. Current partners include Community Futures offices, Chambers of Commerce, a Regional Economic Development Alliance, a community learning centre, and municipalities. The La Crete RABC office is a joint partnership between Community Futures Northwest Alberta and La Crete & Area Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Alberta.
Why has this community been selected?
Pilot sites were chosen based on the following criteria:
- an identified need for locally available business information resources and support services;
- a partner organization in the community with the capacity to support and manage a site for all three years of the pilot program; and
- support for the pilot program expressed by businesses or other stakeholders within the community.
How far is the service reach for each RABC site?
RABCs are primarily geared to serve the community (and surrounding areas) in which they are located. However, RABC Small Business Advisors (SBAs) are committed to providing services to all Alberta-based entrepreneurs and small businesses upon their request, regardless of their location within Alberta.
What is a small business?
Small businesses are defined as having fewer than 50 employees.
How important are small businesses to the Alberta economy?
For the last decade, Alberta has led Canada in the number of new small businesses created. Small businesses are a vital part of Alberta’s economy, making up 96 per cent of
all businesses in the province. They provide about 50 per cent of all private sector jobs in Alberta and contribute an estimated 29 per cent to Alberta’s gross domestic product!
Where can I find out more information about the program?
More information can be found online at treasuryboard.alberta.ca.
