The City of Calgary is banking on customized support for would-be restaurateurs or brewery owners to help ramp up local business.
Beginning in May, the City is making Business Experience Representative Team members available to anyone who is interested in opening a restaurant or brewery in Calgary.
They’ve dubbed it a “one-stop shop” for business applicants by creating “faster and more predictable outcomes” for business owners.
“Healthy businesses are the foundation of a thriving economy, and we want Calgarians to enjoy a streamlined and successful entrepreneurial journey,” said Ulrik Seward, Chief Building Official, Calgary Building Services, in a prepared media release.
“The Business Experience Representatives will provide greater consistency and predictability of service, reducing the permit and licensing timelines for customers.”
Interested applicants can contact a biz experience rep through the city. They can ask questions on licensing, development permits, building permits or other approvals needed prior to opening a business.
The city said it used feedback from ongoing work with the local food and beverage industry to build the program.
“Our goal is to make it faster and easier to get your restaurant or brewery business open,” said Seward.
In addition to the in-person support, the city has put together web content, including pre-recorded webinars, and waived fees for business licensing until March 16, 2023.
More information can be found on the city’s website.
