If the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is the heartbeat of the city, small businesses are the lifeblood. Small Business Week is one of the most exciting times of the year for us, and it’s easy to see why—our members’ passion, innovation, and resilience inspire us every day.
From October 21st-25th, 2024, the Chamber will celebrate the crucial role that small businesses play in driving Edmonton’s growth and prosperity. From industry panels to networking mixers, this is your chance to connect with and learn from the city’s most dynamic business leaders. I am personally thrilled to be part of an organization that not only advocates for these incredible entrepreneurs but also works tirelessly to create opportunities that help them succeed.
Small businesses are more than just the backbone of our economy—they are the heartbeat of our community. They take risks, drive innovation, and bring the spirit of Edmonton to life. Supporting them means investing in the future of our city, and that is why Small Business Week is so important to me, and to our entire Chamber community.
There is nothing “small” about our “small businesses". Local owners, entrepreneurs and creators are the powerhouse of our economy. They are also the backbone of the Chamber where they make up 85% of our membership.
One of my personal favourite stories is that of Paraiso Tropical Latin Food Market, a shining example of how small businesses bring vibrancy to our city. Founded four decades ago by Jesus Gonzalez Sr. and his wife, Alba, who immigrated to Edmonton from El Salvador, the business flourished as it catered to the city’s growing Latin American expatriate community. We’re proud that they’ve chosen to be a part of the Chamber family. Stories like theirs remind us that small businesses are not only shaping our present, they’re building our future.
In 2015, the Gonzalez family opened a second location as the business grew and the clientele expanded to include anyone who loved Latin American cuisine, especially Paraiso Tropical’s fresh takeout food. When Jesus Sr. retired, his son Jesus Gonzalez Rivas took over and in 2022 decided to make an investment to grow his business even more: he became a member of the Edmonton Chamber.
“The past two years have been great to us,” says Jesus. “The Chamber events, they're great for us to meet other people. We offer our catering services to people and people offer their services to us. We have joined some sponsored events. The Chamber has been able to connect us with people that we've needed to grow our business and find strategic partners for lending services, coaching for myself and for our staff. Yeah, it's been very helpful.”
Jesus is now looking at expanding his business, which currently has 33 employees, to include a bakery and café – and based on his own experience he believes every business should become a Chamber member.
“Definitely. The key thing is that you have to really get out there for yourself. You can't just grab a membership and expect things are just gonna happen. You have to get out there as well, right? But if you're willing to do that, it could be quite valuable.”
For us at the Chamber, the enthusiasm of members like Jesus is contagious. They make the Chamber stronger and a strong Chamber helps members flourish. As Jesus points out, members also help other members flourish. It is a wonderful feedback loop.
At the Chamber, it’s members like Jesus who inspire us. Their energy and drive make us stronger, and in return, we are committed to providing the tools and connections they need to thrive. I truly believe that when small businesses succeed, our entire city prospers.
That’s why this year, we’ve added a special twist to Small Business Week. All of our events will take place at the ECC’s headquarters in the World Trade Centre Edmonton, making it not just a physical space but a symbol of the potential and global ambitions of our local businesses. We want you to feel like this is your business home, where your success is celebrated and your dreams are encouraged to grow beyond Edmonton to the world stage.
We invite members and non-members alike to join us for five incredible days of learning, networking, and inspiration. Whether you’re a long-time Chamber member or considering joining, this is your opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and community leaders, share your vision, and find new ways to collaborate and grow.
Here’s a glimpse of what we have in store during Small Business Week. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of it—because your success is our success, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 21
- 10:30 - 11:30 AM: Fraud – Could You Be Next? We hope now, as you learn how to identify and protect your business from fraud, presented by Servus Credit Union in this panel.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22
- 8:30 - 11:30 AM: Artificial Intelligence Literacy Training, presented by AMII, this session will help you understand AI and its application to your business.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Optimizing Operations for Small Businesses, presented by CPHR, this workshop is designed to help streamline your operations.
- 2:00 - 4:00 PM: World Trade Centre Open House! Drop in at the World Trade Centre for small bites and refreshments to see the Chamber Team and the heart of the business community. Interested in joining the Chamber? Our membership team will be on site to answer any questions.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
- 8:30 - 10:00 AM: Join the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce for a panel discussion during Small Business Week, featuring Doug Griffiths, President and CEO, along with NDP MLAs Rakhi Pancholi, David Shepherd, and Rhiannon Hoyle. These leaders will discuss the challenges and opportunities for small businesses in Edmonton and share insights on how to support their growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from key voices in government and business.
- 12:00 - 1:00 PM: Member-Only Reception with Local Elected Officials, where we will network with local policymakers and share your business’s perspective at this exclusive member-only event with over 20 officials in attendance.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
- 10:00 - 11:00 AM: Branding and Innovation for Small Business Owners, presented by KBH Chartered Professional Accountants, is a discussion on how small businesses can adapt to changing market conditions and consumer sentiment. With consumers increasingly looking to businesses who support local, build ethical alliances, and mirror their values, there is a mounting pressure for innovation while increasing profitability and maximizing financial strategies to do so.
Our title sponsor is Servus Credit Union that boasts an appropriate slogan: We think your Small Business is a Big Deal.
Please visit our website where you can view the whole agenda and register to attend:
If you've made it this far, we would love to offer you a thank you! Use code "thankyou" at checkout for a discount on your ticket registrations!