Digital Economy Program Wrap-Up: Over 8,700 small businesses supported across Alberta

Over the past three years, the Digital Economy Program (DEP) has had a transformative impact on Alberta’s small business community. Launched in 2021, the program aimed to help businesses adopt digital tools to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world. By 2024, 8,720 businesses across 222 municipalities had received direct support—an 82% increase over the original target of 4,800 businesses! 

This success was made possible through a collaboration between Business Link, Digital Main Street, and 19 regional partners, with funding from the Government of Alberta and Prairies Economic Development Canada. The program delivered 25,000+ hours of hands-on digital transformation services, offering support in key areas like social media marketing (34%), SEO & online advertising (30%), and website/eCommerce development (18%). These services helped businesses strengthen their digital presence and attract more customers.  

Key Accomplishments 

The DEP delivered substantial results across Alberta, demonstrating its ability to enhance digital competitiveness and economic resilience. Some of the program’s most notable achievements include: 

• 8,720 small businesses served across 222 municipalities 
• 25,000+ hours of one-on-one digital support 
• 220 local youth jobs created through Digital Service Squads (DSS) 
• 35% increase in digital literacy among participating small businesses 
• Support for 4,484 equity-deserving businesses (51% of participants) 
• 90% satisfaction rate among program participants 

Participant Testimonials 

Behind the numbers are meaningful personal stories. Here’s how participants describe the DEP’s impact on their businesses and professional lives: 

“Sandra, my DSS, helped me by providing encouragement, ideas for my social media strategy, and was eager to get my Google Business Profile up and running. Overall, she was incredibly supportive and genuinely wanted to see me succeed.”

– Steve Krent, Business Owner, Krentz Creative Co., Calgary 

“Being a DSS has been tremendously valuable for me and a huge benefit to the Yellowhead East region! From helping businesses recognize the importance of growing online, to building new relationships and strengthening my professional skills, I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity.”

– Ian Butler, DSS Member, Whitecourt, Alberta

Overcoming Challenges 

Like any large-scale initiative, the DEP faced challenges, some unique to Alberta. Labour shortages, natural disasters such as wildfires, and the geographic dispersion of rural communities complicated consistent outreach and engagement. Despite these obstacles, the program successfully supported small businesses in over 200 municipalities, highlighting its extensive reach throughout Alberta. 

The DEP achieved this widespread impact by tailoring support to community-specific needs. For instance, along with in-person consultations, some regions offered cohort-based webinars, enabling remote business owners to join guided, topic-focused sessions. Consultants also conducted weekend visits when hands-on assistance was necessary in harder-to-reach areas. Additionally, strong partnerships with local organizations, including Rotary groups, played a vital role in building trust and boosting rural participation. 

Acknowledging Our Partners 

This program would not have been possible without the dedication of our many regional and local partners who worked tirelessly to implement the DEP across Alberta. These partners include: 

• Community Futures Organizations: Central Alberta, Centre West, Entre-Corp, Highwood, Lesser Slave Lake Region, Lethbridge Region, St. Paul – Smoky Lake Region, Tawatinaw Region, West Yellowhead, Wild Rose, and Yellowhead East 
• City of Calgary 
• University of Alberta 
• Chambers of Commerce: Grande Prairie & District, Lloydminster, Didsbury & District, and Fort McMurray 
• Regional Economic Development Initiatives: Regional Economic Development Initiative Association for Northwest Alberta, and Lynks-Harvest Sky Services and Supports Society 

Their support enabled the program to reach businesses in both urban and rural areas, ensuring widespread access to digital services. 

Looking Forward 

As Alberta’s business landscape continues to evolve, the digital transformation lessons from the DEP will play a crucial role in shaping the province’s economic future. By fostering a more digitally competitive and inclusive business environment, the program has laid the groundwork for continued growth and innovation. 

A heartfelt thank you to all stakeholders, partners, and small business owners who made this journey a success. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient economy in Alberta.