“Small businesses are the backbone of Alberta’s economy, driving innovation, creating jobs and enriching our local communities.
“Small businesses make up about 95 per cent of all businesses and employ almost 35 per cent of all private sector employees across the province, a testament to the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of Albertans.
“Almost 19 per cent, or one out of every five Albertans, are starting or have recently opened a business. The impact of small businesses is far-reaching. Their contributions matter deeply to their neighbours, families, friends and communities who support them.
“Small Business Week gives us all the opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our entrepreneurial community. They employ hundreds of thousands of hard-working Albertans across the province and their ingenuity, hard work and creativity spurs new economic opportunities for Alberta. The simple fact is: when small businesses thrive, so does Alberta.
“In honour of Small Business Week, I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to shop local, support Alberta’s entrepreneurs and celebrate the business landscape that makes our province so unique.
“Working alongside our business community, we can build a more prosperous future for our province.”