The Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) and Momentum, a Calgary, Alberta based community economic development (CED) organization, have issued a new brief, Community Economic Development Opportunities in Alberta. BALTA provided input and is a co-sponsor of the brief. The brief is directed to the Alberta government and focuses on three recommendations:
- Investing in a Community and Coop Business Secretariat, supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, and hosted at a community based agency. A focus on technical support and connecting businesses to capital and resources.
- Providing technical, regulatory, and financial support to community-owned start-ups and projects focused on renewable energy development.
- Creating a market exemption for everyday Albertans (unaccredited investors) to invest in local businesses, social enterprises and co-operatives, and ensuring they benefit from the Alberta Investor Tax Credit.
Other co-sponsors of the brief are: Alberta Community and Co-operative Association, Athabasca University, Canadian Worker Co-operative Federation, Edmonton Community Foundation, Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, REAP – Respect for the Earth and All People, Social Enterprise Fund (Edmonton), and Thrive – Calgary’s Community Economic Development Network.
(Photo Credit: Puebla-Alberta Community Service Exchange (PACSE), Augustana Campus, University of Alberta.)
