Business in Strathcona County

Strathcona County is a place where your businesses can grow, innovate, and thrive. Existing local supports are designed to help you as a business owner, build a strong, resilient company in a community that values economic diversity, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. Whether you're launching a new venture, expanding an existing operation, or exploring new opportunities, the focus is on helping your business succeed through tailored resources, connections, and growth‑oriented services.

The following highlights the advantages of opening or growing your business in Strathcona County. For greater detail, check out the economic statistics and demographics page.

A leading industry hub

• Home to Canada's largest petrochemical processing area with over 15 world-class facilities and a founding member of Alberta's Industrial Heartland Association (AIHA)

• Growing industries focussed on agriculture and food, supply chain and logistics, advanced manufacturing, hydrogen and petrochemicals

• 7,490+ hectares of industrial land development and valued infrastructure

A supported business environment

• Home to thousands of businesses and an active Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce. See how businesses are supported by reading the positive results from the 2024 public engagement survey report

• A growing and supported region of small, medium and large businesses

• Over 4.4 million square feet of retail, office and commercial space

• A responsive team of experts to provide personalized services

A connected region with modern infrastructure

• Less than 30 minutes from the Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and less than 20 minutes from downtown Edmonton

• Serviced by Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) and Anthony Henday Drive (Highway 216), Queen Elizabeth II Highway, Highways 14, 21 and 16. Secondary highway access: Highways 630, 824, 829 and 830. As well as a extensive public transit (commuter, local, mobility bus) system. Learn more about local transportation and roads.

• Rail services by CN and CPKC

A strong and educated workforce

• Over 44,600 local highly-skilled graduates available from the University of Alberta, NAIT and MacEwan University

• Over 925,000 workers in the region

Valuable market area

• Regional market of over 1.5 million consumers

• $6.7 billion household spending power

Affordable to do business

• No business tax

• No business registration fees

• No provincial sales tax

• Alberta has one of the most competitive tax systems in North America

• Lower land tax rates

Testimonials of what local businesses are saying