BREWD — Business Retention, Expansion & Workforce Development

The Town of Westlock is launching a proactive program to visit, listen to, and support every business in our community.

Westlock's businesses are the backbone of this community. They employ our neighbours, support our families, and generate the tax base that funds the services we all rely on. Research shows that 80% of local job creation comes from businesses that are already here — not new arrivals. Yet too often, those businesses face challenges quietly — struggling to find workers, access financing, or navigate permits — without anyone stepping in to help.

BREWD changes that. For the first time, the Town of Westlock is building a systematic, proactive program to visit every business in town, understand what they need, and connect them to real support — financing, workforce programs, land, training, and partners — before small problems become big losses.

This is not a one-time survey. It is an ongoing commitment. What we hear from businesses will directly shape the programs Council approves, the investments the Town makes, and the partnerships we build. Every year, we will publish a public report showing exactly what we heard and what we did about it.

In the video below, Mayor Kramer explains what BREWD is, why it matters, and what Westlock businesses can expect.

Your Input Shapes What We Do Next

Tell us about your business — your plans, your challenges, your needs.

  • Business Visitation

    We are coming to you.

    The Economic Development Officer is now actively visiting businesses across the Town of Westlock.

    Each visit covers six things: how your business is doing right now, your plans for the next one to two years, your workforce and hiring challenges, your experience with the local business environment, your facility and infrastructure needs, and whether there is anything the Town or our partners can help with immediately.

    Every business in the Town will be reached within 90 days.

    Email dprizgintas@westlock.ca to book your visit.

  • Business Survey

    Your voice. Your business.

    While the EDO is visiting businesses in person, the Business Survey is your opportunity to be heard on your own time, at your own pace.

    Every question is tied to a specific outcome — a program decision, a Council priority, or a direct follow-up. Your answers help us understand jobs at risk, workforce gaps, barriers to growth, and investment priorities.

    It takes 20-30 minutes. All responses are strictly confidential, results are reported as community-wide trends.

    Complete the survey below.

BREWD Business Survey

Completing the survey enters you into a draw for a free business license for the next 3 years or $500 towards marketing support.