Town of Didsbury

Congratulations! We are excited that you chose Didsbury for your new, continued or expanded business venture. Your success is our success, and customer service is important to us! If, at any time, you require information about the area or would like access to more resources to help you reach your goals and objectives, we are here to go the extra mile! Below are some of the items to consider when starting or relocating: 

1. Location
2. Do you need a development permit?
3. Do you have a business plan?
4. Explore our website for resources and tools to determine target market & trends
5. Are you connected—are you a member of the Chamber of Commerce?
6. Do you have all pertinent documents to operate your business?
7. Have you utilized all sources available to get the word out, including a sales pitch on the business directory (see Welcoming Program (below) & Chamber of Commerce website)
8. Do you have questions? The answers are just one phone call or e-mail away. The Economic Development Team will walk you through the process, doing their very best to set you up for success by connecting you with pertinent information.
9. If you are renewing your licence, please ensure that your details on the Business Directory are complete and correct and that you have a sales pitch on the directory.
10. If your current business requires any assistance, please contact the Economic Development Team at ecdev@didsbury.ca
    or at (403) 818-1892.

Welcoming Program  

Is your business brand new?  Are you planning a re-opening? Do you have a storefront? 

Let us know your opening day and we will  bring the scissors to help you celebrate your ribbon cutting. Mayor and Council will be invited (pending availability) and Town Administration will also attend. We will take photos and post on all the Town's social media channels. In the event that a ribbon cutting is not possible, we will be happy to post a "Welcome to Didsbury" announcement  via our social media channels, as well as a mention in our quarterly economic development newsletter.

Why is a Business Licence Important?

Businesses owners in Didsbury, or individuals providing a service within the Town boundaries, are required to obtain a business licence as per Bylaw 2012-08. Annual Business Licences are valid from January 1 to December 31, and annual renewals are due  January 1. 

If you are a contractor or a seasonal business, there are other licensing, daily and monthly options available. 

See various business categories and payment schedules below and fill out your business license application accordingly.

A business licence tells your customer that you are legitimate and credible 

A business licence shows to your customers/clients and potential customers/clients that you are legitimate. Your business has met the requirements and you are permitted to operate within our Town limits. Furthermore, as an annual business licence holder, you will be listed on the Town of Didsbury's Business Directory. This is a free advertising opportunity for you, so make sure all details on the directory are correct and that you have a sales pitch in the description!

We will also distribute information to our residents and potential customers regarding our business directory, to help instill confidence in our business sector.

Some businesses operating within the Town of Didsbury may also require a Development Permit or a Home Occupation Permit in conjunction with their business licence application. 

Your money at work—What are the fees utilized for?

The Town uses the fees for various initiatives:

1. Marketing Didsbury, and with that our businesses in the region and beyond
2. Business assistance, connecting businesses to available resources
3. Assistance with business plans, site selection, business retention, and expansion
4. Researching and communicating news, trends and updates; assuring businesses are aware of the current economic environment
5. Developing programs, training, and network opportunities in collaborations with other organizations
6. Developing marketing and promotional material, social media campaigns for #shoplocal and #shopDidsbury
7. Keeping the Town of Didsbury's Economic Development website up to date and driving traffic and customers to Didsbury; Annual business licence holders will be listed in our business directory for free (make sure you have a compelling message to your customer on our directory)
8. Providing an official certificate of your business licence
9. Providing a quarterly Economic Development Newsletter, and the opportunity to advertise and promote your business (additional fees may apply)

Planning on opening a new business?

Check out BizPal for information on everything you'll need to start up, including licences, permits and more! BizPal is a collection of information assembled by the Province of Alberta which tells prospective business owners what information they will need from all levels of government. 

Fees

For new businesses that require a development permit: the Business Licence fee is included in the Development Permit Fee.

Payments for business licences can be made through e-transfer or via e-gov by credit card (Visa or MasterCard). 

Paying online options – your safety is our priority

Option 1. Submit the total payment amount by e-Transfer to bizlic@didsbury.ca. When submitting an e-Transfer, please include your customer number in the ‘message’ section of the transfer form. Keep a screen shot image of your confirmation number for your records.

Option 2.  To pay with MasterCard or Visa, use E-Gov 24/7 Online Service and follow the instructions. 

All business licences are subject to Bylaw 2023-01

NOTE: A Provincial Business Licence does not replace or exclude businesses from obtaining a Town of Didsbury Business Licence.

Business Classification Categories 

Business Licence Forms