In order to celebrate and support business development in the City of Camrose, the City offers a new business welcome program that provides new businesses with an opportunity to have Council attendance and official recognition of their Grand Opening within 6 months of the business opening (Council Attendance at Grand Openings Policy).
For a business that has requested the Mayor or Council to attend their Grand Opening, the City will provide a congratulatory plaque, large scissors for a ribbon cutting, and a photo opportunity with the Council Members in attendance. The City will post photos of the Grand Opening on their Social Media channels as appropriate.
A Grand Opening is an amazing way to get the word out about your new business; the scope of the event is up to you to decide, it can be as simple as hosting the ribbon cutting or involve special promotions, decorations, and other festivities. Explore the frequently asked questions or reach out to Kevin Johnson, Business Development Coordinator: kjohnson@camrose.ca.
Who can host a Grand Opening?
If you've just opened, bought an existing business or moved your business, you can qualify to host a grand opening. You must:
- Have a business license from the City of Camrose (no home-based businesses)
- Be a businesses that opened (or moved) within 6 months
- Plan the Grand Opening
How to host a Grand Opening
When you are planning a Grand Opening, it is important to reach out as soon as possible and at least 2 weeks prior to the event to ensure Council availability. Contact Kevin Johnson, Business Development Coordinator: kjohnson@camrose.ca. Please share the following information with him:
- The date, time, and location of your Grand Opening;
- The spelling and name you would like on your congratulatory plaque.
The Grand Opening is your event. You can keep it simple or have an extravagant gathering. Some opt for just the ribbon cutting ceremony, others bring in balloons, light refreshments, and promote the event ahead of time. Some run special promotions and prize draws. The opportunities are endless!
Who to invite to your Grand Opening
The Grand Opening is your event and the invite list is up to you, but you may consider inviting:
- Customers, friends, family
- Mayor and Council (email kjohnson@camrose.ca at least 2 weeks prior to the event)
- The Booster (email adan@camrosebooster.com or phone 780.672.3142)
- The Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce, if you're a member (email admina@camrosechamber.ca or phone 780.672.4217)
What is the cost of hosting a Grand Opening
The cost of inviting the Mayor and Council to your Grand Opening is completely free. The large scissors, ribbon cutting, photo opportunity with Council Members in attendance, and congratulatory plaque is all included!
