If you’re thinking about starting a business or relocating an existing one, Central Alberta — and Red Deer specifically — should be on your radar. Whether your timeline is immediate or a year out, Red Deer offers a rare combination of population growth, strategic location, funding access, and community support that makes it an ideal place for entrepreneurs.
Jason and Shelaine Walz of The Walz Real Estate Group have been doing business in Central Alberta for over 20 years, and they’ve seen firsthand why so many businesses succeed here.
Cultural Diversity Creates Real Opportunity
Red Deer continues to welcome people from all over the world, bringing diverse cultures, languages, and traditions into the community. For business owners, this means opportunity.
Restaurants, specialty coffee shops, ethnic grocery stores, boutiques, service-based businesses, and community organizations all thrive in culturally diverse cities. Red Deer actively supports inclusion through festivals, programs, and newcomer support systems — making it easier for new businesses to succeed.
Population Growth = Built-In Customer Base
Red Deer is home to over 110,000 people, making it Alberta’s third-largest city. More importantly, it sits directly between Calgary and Edmonton, providing access to over 3 million people within a short drive.
This central location creates:
- Strong local demand
- Regional customer traffic
- Online exposure through search and delivery-based businesses
Population growth continues to fuel opportunity across Central Alberta.
Funding & Financing Support for Business Owners
One of the biggest concerns for entrepreneurs is financing — and Red Deer delivers.
Business owners have access to:
- Major banks (RBC, TD, ATB, Scotiabank, Farm Credit, credit unions)
- BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) for startups and small businesses
- Private lenders
- Development consultants with access to alternative financing
Whether your situation is conventional or unique, Central Alberta offers resources to help you move forward.
Networking & Business Support That Actually Works
Starting a business isn’t meant to be done alone. Red Deer offers strong networking and mentorship opportunities including:
- BNI (Business Network International)
- Red Deer Chamber of Commerce
- Coworking spaces like Regis
- Industry associations
- Government training grants and workforce support
These organizations help businesses grow faster, build referrals, and stay supported.
Location, Visibility & Commercial Opportunity
Red Deer provides a wide range of commercial locations:
- Downtown core (Ross Street)
- High-traffic arterial corridors
- Retail plazas and mixed-use developments
- Growing hubs like Capstone at the River
High-visibility locations with strong traffic counts give businesses the exposure they need to scale quickly.
Growth Areas Like Capstone Mean Long-Term Opportunity
Capstone is one of Red Deer’s most exciting developments — featuring residential, retail, professional services, and riverfront access. Growth areas like this signal long-term opportunity for businesses that want to establish themselves early.
What Types of Businesses Succeed in Central Alberta?
Central Alberta supports a wide range of industries, including:
- Medical and health services
- Wellness and beauty
- Education and childcare
- Retail and specialty boutiques
- Restaurants and cafes
- Professional services
- Franchises and automotive services
With population growth and regional reach, the opportunities are broad and scalable.