Value-Added Incubator Services Throughout Alberta (VISTA)
Impacts Entire Province
RADF Investment: $453,000
Other Investment: $69,017
Total Investment: $522,017
Project Period: January 2008–February 2010
Economic Development
T: 780.422.7774
E: vista@canadabusiness.ab.ca
Project Description
This Edmonton-based project helps rural communities set up business incubators and enhance ones already in place. The Business Link, a province-wide business information service centre, created Value-Added Incubator Services Throughout Alberta (VISTA) to establish rural incubators that match the services, resources, and benefits of those found in large urban centres. VISTA's group of services will allow rural incubators to provide a broad range of services, reduce costs, and adapt more efficiently to regional needs.
Expected Outcomes and Benefits
All projects go through a selection process to ensure they will improve the quality of life for Albertans. This project meets this objective through the following outcomes and benefits:
- Build a network of sustainable rural business incubators across Alberta
- Allow for informed decision-making in incubator planning
- Develop tool kit of support materials for deciding if a local business incubator is right for the user’s community
- Increase the number of healthy rural businesses
- Increase economic well-being in rural communities