Why Alberta SouthWest

Why Alberta SouthWest

 Re-imagining The Landscape of Investment Opportunities & Export Capacity

With over 1,900 businesses, work here, live here, do business here, get more, and pay less.

Southwest Alberta has immediate opportunities available to purchase existing businesses, kick off a new venture or explore partnerships with established firms in the area's thriving agriculture, transportation, tourism, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors.

This unique region is an ideal location to live in, invest in and grow a business in.  It has:

  • Entrepreneurial Spirit – a skilled, young and productive workforce populates this stunning area;
  • Low Business Costs – one of the most competitive tax environments in North America;
  • Strategic Location and Access – $845 million in major provincial projects have been announced for the Southern Alberta Transmission Reinforcement initiative;
  • Export Capacity – well situated to take advantage of the trade corridors; and
  • Collaborative Communities – strategic regional partnerships craft a strong tie between private business, government and educational institutions. 

Over 1,900 businesses currently operate in this region.

Over 36,000 residents, living in 15 vibrant communities, call southwest Alberta home.  The six major centres in the region are Cardston, Claresholm, Crowsnest Pass, Fort Macleod, Nanton and Pincher Creek ranging in population from 2,100 to 5,500 residents. 

Southwest Alberta boasts one of the highest quality of life standards in the world, with natural settings, strong community values and an average household income of over $100,000 (2011).  With clean, fresh water, more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in Canada, clear starry nights and a bounty of natural resources, Southwest Alberta proves as an idyllic setting for living and a great location for commerce.   

Invest Southwest Alberta is your resource for exploring this region, accessing resources, learning more about the communities,established and growing industry sectors which fuel the economy.

Leading Industry Sectors

Southwest Alberta has a diverse economic base. Its primary industry sectors include Agriculture, Agrifood, Agribusiness, Renewable and Alternative Energy, and Tourism. These industries are supported by a complement of additional sectors including manufacturing, construction, financial,  business services, retail, and healthcare to name a few.

​Agriculture
Alberta has a history rooted in agriculture and food production, continuing to shine as an innovative industry leader.  In 2013, nearly 74% of all Canadian beef processing took place in Western Canada, concentrated primarily in Alberta. 

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Renewable Energy
Renewable energy sources are an integral part of the Government of Alberta’s energy portfolio as 45% of electricity generation stems from wind, hydro and biomass. The southern Alberta region has the potential to become a leader in the supply of solar energy due to its advantageous location.

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Tourism
Tourism is one of the leading industries in Alberta, employing over 114,000 people and generating $7.4 billion in annual expenditures. Southwest Alberta is no exception, attributing its flourishing tourism sector to the region’s breadth in cultural, recreational, outdoor adventure and all season destinations. 

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Investment Opportunities

Make an inquiry, or contact one of our regional partners directly to learn more about this vibrant region, expanding your business into the southwest Alberta market, existing investment opportunities and businesses for sale in the region.