What We Heard – Summary of Key Findings

This document captures insights from 44 agri‑businesses and industry enablers across Southeast Alberta, gathered as part of the Regional Agriculture and Agri‑food Investment Strategy. The engagement was designed to better understand the region’s strengths, opportunities, and barriers to growth within the agri‑food sector. Participants highlighted Southeast Alberta’s strong foundation in irrigated agriculture, commercial‑scale production, and proximity to applied research and development environments. Further opportunities were identified along with the potential to apply advanced technologies - such as automation, testing, and sensor technologies - to solve practical agricultural challenges.

Business Retention and Expansion - Industry Specific

Also known as BREIS, marks a departure from traditional business retention and expansion assessments. Instead of taking a broad approach, we're diving deep into one industry at a time. Our intention with BREIS is to gain a deeper understanding of the current state of key sectors in our region by gathering data through surveys and business visitations as we aim to build relationships and stronger ties with our business community, cultivate industry specific benchmarking and actionable data, and develop projects that will help support the industry’s sustained growth and success over the long term.

Local Labour Market Profiles

The City of Medicine Hat, in partnership with other municipalities and organizations in the region, is conducting an employer survey for Medicine Hat and the surrounding area. Applications Management Consulting Ltd. has been contracted to conduct the employer survey on behalf of the City. The purpose of this survey is to collect pertinent, up-to-date, and precise labor market information from diverse organizations within the region, focusing on their employment practices, challenges, and needs.

Southeast Alberta Economic Opportunity Strategy

As part of a 2024 Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) grant, the City of Medicine Hat, along with partner municipalities the Village of Foremost, the Towns of Bow Island and Redcliff, the County of Forty Mile, and Cypress County, were awarded with $200,000 to secure funding to develop a comprehensive, five-year regional economic development strategy. Our goal is to align the efforts among municipalities, stakeholders, and partners, optimizing business attraction, retention, and expansion opportunities across our region.

Try Our Navigator Service Program

Whether you're launching a startup, expanding operations, or exploring investment opportunities, our Navigator Service is your first stop. We connect entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors with the right resources, people, and programs to help move ideas forward. With personalized guidance, access to local expertise, numerous partners, and substantial community connections, our Navigator Service economic development experts will help ensure you start your journey with clarity and confidence.