NEW 'LEVEL UP' PROGRAM TO HELP ALBERTA BUSINESSES DIVERSIFY TRADE AND GROW GLOBALLY

CALGARY, AB, Sept. 22, 2026 /CNW/ -- As businesses navigate ongoing trade disruptions and growing uncertainty in the global economy, Calgary Economic Development (CED) and the Government of Alberta have launched Level Up, a new trade capacity-building program. The free province-wide program is designed to help Alberta businesses pursue international growth opportunities and diversify into new markets.

Delivered through a combination of on-demand online learning, expert-led workshops and one-on-one mentorship, Level Up provides Alberta companies with market intelligence and tailored support to help them navigate global markets with confidence.

Funded by the Government of Alberta, and delivered by Calgary Economic Development, Level Up builds on the success of the Trade Accelerator Program, which helps businesses assess their export readiness and develop an export plan. While TAP provides the foundation, Level Up helps companies take the next step by offering deeper market-specific knowledge, sectoral expertise and guidance for entering new complex markets.

The program also helps business navigate Alberta's trade ecosystem more efficiently. Through a single platform, companies can access resources from various government and organizational partners in the trade ecosystem, reducing the complexity of finding support as they grow internationally.

The launch comes at a critical moment for Alberta businesses. Recent global trade volatility has reinforced the importance of building relationships with customers around the world. By reducing reliance on any single market, companies that expand into multiple markets are better positioned to manage risk, unlock new opportunities and realize long-term growth.

Alberta businesses have already demonstrated an appetite to reduce reliance on any single market. According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Calgary recorded the largest increase in exports to non-U.S. markets among major Canadian cities between 2024 and 2025, highlighting the city's growing role as a driver of Canada's trade diversification efforts.

In 2025 alone, businesses supported through Calgary Economic Development's trade services secured 45 trade deals generating $60 million in trade revenue across 21 countries on six continents – with the lowest share of trade deals in the U.S. on record for CED.

Level Up is available to Alberta businesses across all sectors, and is supported by partners including the Business Development Bank of Canada, Jori Logistics, Alberta Chambers of Commerce, Make More Creative and Top Draw. Learn more about the initiative at www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com/levelup 

QUOTES

"Businesses today are being asked to navigate a much more complex trade environment than they were even a few years ago. Level Up was built to give Alberta companies a clearer path forward to accelerate their international expansion – which also strengthens our economy here at home. When local businesses secure new customers, enter new markets or grow their exports, that translates into new investment, stronger revenues and more jobs in our community." 
- Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development and CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund

"Alberta competes on the global stage, and it is thanks to the innovation, expertise and ambition of entrepreneurs who call our province home. Our government wants to see these businesses succeed because they are the job creators who keep Alberta the best place to live and work. That's why we are investing in programs that help Alberta businesses reach new markets, grow their exports and unlock new opportunities. Thank you to our delivery partner, Calgary Economic Development, for helping businesses across Alberta take their next step toward global growth."
- Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, Government of Alberta

"Building industry-leading indoor location technology right here in Calgary was only half the battle. Earning the trust of a plant manager on the other side of the world was the other half. The Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) opened doors in Europe and Asia, helping us reach international customers faster than we could have on our own. Today, our technology runs on factory floors in more than 40 countries. Level Up is an exciting program that will help more Alberta companies bring local innovation to the global stage."
- Matthew Lowe, CEO & Founder, ZeroKey

"Level Up reflects Edmonton Global's commitment to working alongside ecosystem partners across Alberta to deliver consistent, high-quality trade support. Through targeted sector programming, practical tools and expert-led training, the program gives local companies a clear path to scale into international markets."
- Daryn Edgar, CEO, Edmonton Global

"Bumby Wool has served customers across six continents, and a significant part of that growth traces back to programs like these. Through TAP and Level Up, Alberta entrepreneurs get access to each other, to education, to real tools for connecting and communicating, and to a team that genuinely shows up."
- Stephanie Gross, Founder & CEO, Bumby Wool

"The Alberta Chambers of Commerce is proud to partner with Calgary Economic Development on the Level Up initiative and welcomes the investment from Alberta's government into the program. Alberta businesses thrive when they have access to the right connections, resources, and opportunities to grow beyond their local markets. Together, we are strengthening pathways for businesses to expand across provincial borders, develop new partnerships and access new markets. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting Alberta businesses as they grow, flourish, and contribute to a stronger and more connected Canadian economy."
- Shauna Feth, President & CEO, Alberta Chambers of Commerce

ABOUT CALGARY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Calgary Economic Development is an opportunity-maker, helping to spark and fuel Calgary's growth. Our job is to connect people with resources that can help them grow their careers or businesses, thrive in new locations or markets and feel at home in our community. We steward the economic strategy, Uplook: An Action Plan for Our Economy with the mandate to position Calgary for long-term economic success by supporting the expansion, retention and acquisition of companies, capital and talent. We offer a wealth of information to help everyone succeed and we tirelessly promote Calgary, in Canada and around the world. For more information, visit www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Calgary Economic Development
Grace Fullerton, Communications Manager
Media Line: 403 880 7040 | [e-mail]

Government of Alberta
Hunter Baril, Press Secretary – Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration
780-619-5774

SOURCE Calgary Economic Development Ltd.