Resources
Reference material for Alberta founders: the statutes that govern your company, the organizations that fund and support early-stage ventures, and short videos on the questions we answer most.
Links on this page are provided for information only. Links to third-party sites do not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement.
Laws and regulations
![](https://www.businessventureclinic.ca/uploads/1/0/6/0/106032641/editor/alberta.png?1500659935alt="Alberta")
Alberta
The Business Corporations Act (Alberta) is the law covering provincially incorporated for-profit companies in Alberta; the regulation under the Act can be found here. Nonprofits can be established under either the Companies Act or the Societies Act, and co-ops under the Co-operatives Act. There is general information about provincial incorporation here, and provincial business taxes here.
Federal
The Canada Business Corporations Act deals with federally incorporated for-profit companies; the regulations under the Act can be found here. Nonprofits can be established under the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. There is general information about federal incorporation here, and federal taxes here.
BizPaL is a handy website that can help you determine what licences and permits you need for your particular business.
Innovation
Innovate Calgary is the centre for business incubation and technology commercialization at the University of Calgary.
Alberta Innovates is an Alberta Government-funded research corporation that supports small business by funding, investment and advising.
The Industrial Research Assistance Program of the National Research Council of Canada supports Canadian businesses by funding, investment and advising.
Emissions Reduction Alberta funds and facilitates projects that will reduce carbon emissions in Alberta and beyond.
Business
Business Link is a nonprofit organization that helps Alberta entrepreneurs start their businesses.
The Calgary Chamber networks and advocates on behalf of the Calgary business community.
Startup Calgary networks and facilitates Calgary startup companies.
ATB BoostR is a reward-based crowdfunding platform and support network for Alberta entrepreneurs.
University of Calgary
The Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary is the home of the Business Venture Clinic and many other legal initiatives.
The Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation supports entrepreneurial initiatives at the Haskayne School of Business, and the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking runs programs across the university.
Legal Organization
Different legal structures for businesses, and some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Allocating Shares
Allocating shares in a startup, and some tax issues to consider before issuing shares (part 1 of 2).
Allocating shares in a startup company, and some structuring considerations (part 2 of 2)
The Board
The importance of a good board of directors, and what to consider when putting together a board.
Employees
Considerations and what to include in employment agreements.