Lacombe County council received a presentation on a regional initiative to support business growth, workforce development and stronger local supply chains at its Oct. 8 regular council meeting.

Sandra Blyth of Central Alberta First outlined the organization’s Taking Action for Business Across Central Alberta initiative, which brings municipalities, businesses and other regional partners together to address shared economic challenges.

The initiative includes a Business Retention, Expansion and Workforce Development strategy, known as BREWD, developed using feedback from more than 700 central Alberta businesses.

According to the presentation, the research included 698 completed business surveys, 41 interviews with key employers and 101 job-seeker surveys. Seventy-seven volunteers helped conduct business visits.

That work produced a regional strategy and seven community reports, identifying 27 potential projects, with approximately eight prioritized for action.

The community reports examine industry strengths, opportunities for growth and barriers facing businesses. Central Alberta First reported strong similarities between local and regional findings, supporting a coordinated approach to economic development.

A related project, called C3, focuses on identifying key industries, strengthening connections between businesses and suppliers and turning those opportunities into investment and expansion.

The organization’s proposed outcomes include stronger regional supply chains, reduced dependence on imported goods and services, new opportunities for local companies and job creation.

The presentation also outlined the Regional Business Support Network, which provides free, confidential business advisory and digital services.

Support includes business coaching, strategic planning, financing and grant guidance, market research and succession planning. Digital services include website assistance, social media content and business promotion.

Figures presented for December 2025 showed the network had provided 394 business advisory services, completed 238 business visits and produced 292 promotional videos across 14 communities. It also reported $7 million in lending referrals.

Blyth’s presentation outlined three ways organizations can participate in Central Alberta First.

A steering committee partnership requires a $10,000 annual contribution and includes a voting seat. An advisory partnership costs $5,000 annually and allows participation in committee discussions in an advisory role.

Organizations can also collaborate on specific projects without an annual financial contribution, providing expertise, resources or industry connections.

Council received the presentation as information.