Business and Economy

Business services and information Business and economy

Running your own business is challenging, even at the best of times. We’re here to make it easier for you. Here’s the information you need to enable your business success.

Contact us

Call 311
403-268-CITY (2489) from outside Calgary​

Business licensing and permits
Live chat at calgary.ca/livechat
Call 403-268-5311

Property assessment
Call 403-268-2888

Business inquiry form
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Popular business license applications


How The City of Calgary Can Support Tech Businesses

Held November 16, 2023 to a sold out audience.

During Innovation Week 2023, representatives from The City of Calgary Supply, Living Labs/Smart Cities and Business Approvals answered questions about how businesses can engage with The City in a meaningful way and talked about the programs in place to help business grow and thrive. 

Watch the video

Home & Small Business Webinars

We have a variety of webinars to teach you about home renovations and opening businesses in Calgary. Our webinars are recorded live and posted online afterwards for others to watch. Prior to submitting any permit or licence applications, please take some time to watch any related webinars that we have posted. 

Watch a webinar

Business Experience Improvement Program

Business Approvals file managers guide applicants through the business licencing process. This creates faster and more predictable outcomes.

We work with local entrepreneurs who are interested in opening a business in Calgary. We review your business licence application, make sure the appropriate permits are applied for and ensure that all parts of your application are submitted to get you through the process, faster.  

Contact a Business Approvals File Manager

Home based childcare

On January 1, 2023, the City of Calgary introduced a new business licence for home-based child care providers. This licence ensures minimum standards are in place to protect the health and safety of children in private home-based child care. 

Applications opened December 27, 2022.

Learn more about the new business licence type

Planning Tips

Check your land use

Before you sign a lease or buy a property for your business, check the land use to make sure your business can operate there.

If there is a change in use, you may require a development permit.

Check your land use by contacting the Planning Services Centre.

Small business webinars

We have a variety of webinars to teach you about opening a business in Calgary. Our webinars are recorded live and posted online afterwards for others to watch. Prior to submitting any permit or licence applications, please take some time to watch any related webinars that we have posted. 

Getting a temporary or permanent patio

Webinar

Opening a home-based business

Webinar

Opening a Hair Salon in Calgary

Webinar

Opening a Restaurant and Brewery in Calgary

Webinar

Have you attended one of our webinars? Let us know how we did.

Business news spotlight


We do regular research with businesses to better understand the outlook and viewpoint of the business community. If you are a business owner, leader or manager, join our online business research panel, Business Perspectives.

Partnerships

Partnerships

We're working with our civic partners to support Calgary businesses.

Business Improvement Areas

Business Improvement Areas

We work with Business Improvement Areas to support over 6,000 businesses. They help create some of Calgary's best known and most loved neighbourhoods with a variety of local businesses.