A number of regional economic development agencies exist in the region and assist individuals and businesses.  These agencies include:

• Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs).  CFDCs deliver a variety of services ranging from technical and advisory services, start-up and small business loans, and community economic development planning.  There are four CFDC offices in the SouthGrow Region.  
• Alberta Women Entrepreneurs provides women entrepreneurs with advisory service, training, networking opportunities, business loans and referrals to complementary services.  
• The Business Link is a partnership of the federal and provincial governments that provide a single, seamless gateway for business development.  
• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) 
• Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) 
• Farm Credit Canada (FCC) 

There are a number of municipal economic development offices in the area:

• Town of Cardston Economic Development Office
• Economic Development Lethbridge
• Picture Butte Economic Development Initiative
• Coaldale Development Economic Development Committee
• Coalhurst Economic Development Committee
• Raymond Economic Development and Tourism Committee
• Town of Taber Economic Development Office
• Vulcan Business Development and Tourism
• County of Warner Regional Economic Development Committee

In addition, there are a number of industry organizations in the region:

• Chinook Country Tourist Association
• Industrial Association of Southern Alberta
• Southern Alberta Technology Council

There are many Chamber of Commerce organizations and Business Associations in the SouthGrow Region as well:

• Cardston and District Chamber of Commerce
• Claresholm Chamber of Commerce
• Coaldale and District Chamber of Commerce
• Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce
• Milk River Business Association
• Picture Butte and District Chamber of Commerce
• Raymond and District Chamber of Commerce
• Taber and District Chamber of Commerce
• Vulcan Chamber of Commerce
• The Warner Chamber of Commerce

Other agencies/organizations that are often of interest for business and investment are:

• Alberta Agriculture and Food
• Alberta Agriculture Research Institute (AARI)
• Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry
• Alberta First
• Agriculture and Food Council
• Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
• Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR) Technology Commercialization Program
• Alberta Municipal Affairs
• Alberta Research Council
• AVAC
• Canadian Business Gateway: Innovation Resources
• Food Processing Development Centre
• Innovation Alberta
• Techfiles: Alberta’s Technology Industry Directory
• Strategis: Canada’s Business and Consumer Site
• Western Economic Diversification

… Creating Opportunities by facilitating and partnering.