D.R.I.V.E.
Developing Regional Innovation, Ventures, & Entrepreneurship
NOW is the moment to get involved.
Now is the moment to shape what Red Deer Becomes.
Driving Red Deer's Economic Future
Red Deer is stepping into a new era of bold, business-led economic development.
Red Deer D.R.I.V.E. is an emerging, arms-length, non-profit economic development association built to attract investment, support local business growth, and strengthen the region’s long-term prosperity.
This initiative is powered by collaboration between business leaders, industry innovators, and the City itself, working together to grow Red Deer’s economic momentum.
The Opportunity: Red Deer Needs a Strong Model for Growth
Expert reviews and community feedback are clear:
Red Deer’s current economic development department within the city administration structure cannot keep pace with today’s economic challenges or tomorrow’s opportunities.
While regions invest heavily in business attraction, talent recruitment, and coordinated growth strategies, Red Deer risks falling behind without investing in a unified, professional economic development approach.
This is the catalyst for D.R.I.V.E. Red Deer.
A modern, business-focused organization designed to compete, collaborate, and create results.
The Solution: An Independent, Business-Led Economic Development Association
Red Deer is establishing a new, independent non-profit agency, guided by community best practices from cities such as Calgary and Edmonton, as well as leading economic development organizations across Canada.
Membership that Matters: This agency is designed to be membership-driven.
That means Red Deer’s business community will meaningfully shape this organization's priorities, direction, and impact. As a member, you will:
Have a Voice in Red Deer’s Economic Future
Elect the Board of Directors
Ensure Accountability and Transparency
Influence Investment, Talent, and Growth Initiatives
Join a Network of Leaders Driving Regional Prosperity
Participate in our "Action Committees" with your expertise and interests
Independent
Governed by a diverse board of directors, elected by members, including representation from the Mayor and City Manager.
Accountable
Performance will be measured with clear, rigorous KPIs covering investment attraction, business retention, job creation, and economic impact.
Entrepreneurial
Built to respond quickly, remove barriers, and champion innovative approaches—not tied to municipal timelines or political cycles.
Collaborative
Serving as the central hub that aligns business, government, education, and community partners around shared economic goals.
We Will:
Lead a Unified Brand
Market Red Deer as a premier destination for investment, entrepreneurship, and skilled talent.
Attract & Retain Business
Build and manage a robust investment pipeline, nurture leads, and support local businesses to expand and stay.
Increase Red Deer’s Competitiveness
Support bold public investments ($2–$3M annually) that accelerate growth and strengthen the tax base.
Deliver Measurable Results
Transparent metrics such as:
-
Investment attracted
-
Jobs created
-
Deals closed
-
Companies supported
-
Community growth initiatives delivered
-
ROI on operating investments
This approach strengthens the business sector, helping stabilize and grow the tax base and improve the quality of life for Red Deer.
Become a Member
Red Deer’s economic future is strongest when built together.
Your business has a stake in the direction of our community—and DRIVE Red Deer gives you the platform to influence it.
Become a Founding Member
Become a Founding Member and Help Shape Red Deer’s Next Decade of Growth.
Join the organizations, leaders, and innovators who are stepping forward to shape Red Deer's next decade of growth by building a stronger, more competitive, future-ready Red Deer.
→ Register Your Interest in Membership
→ Get Updates on Launch & Board Formation
→ Become a Driver of Red Deer’s Economic Future
