WHAT MAKES CALGARY A GREAT PLACE TO DO BUSINESS?
Entrepreneurs share what their local community has to offer
“Calgary is a great place to do business because of the resilience of our community. This resilience is clearly demonstrated in light of the current challenges facing our provincial economy, our population has a wealth of skill and a drive to evolve and innovate. We are seeing this a lot in our accounting practice, in small business start- ups that are being founded by former oil and gas folks. They are making a place and purpose for themselves in the Calgary business world and laying foundations for success by planning their organizational start- up well and positioning for future growth.” Richard Presland, president and founder of The Entrepreneur’s Accountant, preslandcorp.com
“There’s a very encouraging and positive entrepreneurial energy here in Calgary. I wasn’t an entrepreneur when I first moved here, and I’m not sure if I would have followed this path if it weren’t for living in this city and having the opportunity to meet so many business people and entrepreneurs. There’s such a lively networking community here of people who want to support each other and help each other’s businesses grow. Calgary truly is a great place to do business.” Kamea Zelisko, owner of MKT Communications, mktcommunications.ca
“The spirit, as hokey as that might sound. I can go anywhere in this city and talk to anyone. Peers share insights and resources even when we seek similar clients ... and even when times are tough there is an undercurrent of ‘ let’s get this done’. Calgary is a city that moves forward.” Mark Dawson, founder of Inrol Custom Simulations and Training Services, inrol.ca
“Calgary is a thriving business community with an enviable entrepreneurial culture and attitude. You can feel the energy when you reach the downtown core, it’s bursting with energy and possibility. It’s no surprise Calgary is a great place to do business as a result of its people, a diverse business and start- up community, networking platforms, local programs and entrepreneurial culture that breeds opportunity for dreams to become realities.” Monica Kretschmer, founder and CEO of Canadian Business Chicks, canadianbusinesschicks.com
“In my role as a business broker, I’ve been fortunate to meet a lot entrepreneurs over the years. These small business owners have a passion for their community and a level of energy that acts as a driving force for our entire city. I believe a lot of this can- do attitude stems from our pioneer roots, with the belief that hard work and a powerful vision can create incredible things. Just 100 years ago, Calgary was a dusty little town in the middle of nowhere. One look around shows us the ‘ spirit of Calgary’ has been here all along and is stronger than ever.” Ryan Jorden, managing partner at VR Business Brokers, vrcgy.com
“I love the strong entrepreneurial spirit amongst Calgarians. When you combine that spirit with a strong sense of community, openness, and the cultural diversity we have in this city, it creates a lot of opportunities for everyone.” Quan Ly, partner at McRally Accountants & Advisors, mcrally.ca