As of 2025, Calgary has emerged as one of the most dynamic cities in Western Canada for entrepreneurship. With a diversified economy, a rapidly growing tech ecosystem, and strong government support, the city offers a fertile environment for launching new businesses. Below is a list of the top businesses to consider opening in Calgary in 2025, covering a variety of industries and suitable for different backgrounds and startup budgets.
1. Digital Services and Remote Work
Online Education & Tutoring
With continued growth in remote learning, online tutoring remains in high demand. Subjects like English, French, coding, and music are especially popular among children and adult learners. These businesses have low startup costs and can scale quickly using platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.
Social Media Management
As small businesses increase their digital presence, many seek professionals to manage their social media accounts. If you understand algorithms, trends, and content creation, you can build a profitable business with minimal overhead.
Virtual Assistant Services
Remote work has created a growing need for virtual administrative support. Services like scheduling, data entry, email management, and bookkeeping can be offered flexibly and profitably by individuals with strong organizational skills.
2. Health, Wellness & Fitness
Personal Training
With greater awareness of physical health, personal trainers are in demand. Whether it's in-home sessions, virtual training, or mobile fitness, this business offers flexibility and a strong income potential for certified trainers.
Personalized Meal Prep
Busy professionals and health-conscious families are looking for convenient, healthy meal solutions. Starting a personalized meal prep service or small catering operation is a viable option, especially if you offer delivery or pickup.
3. Pet and Household Services
Pet Services
Dog walking, grooming, pet sitting, and boarding are popular services in a pet-loving city like Calgary. These businesses are relatively easy to start with low upfront investment and appeal to animal lovers.
Home Cleaning & Handyman Services
With busy schedules and an aging population, demand for home services like cleaning, yard work, painting, and minor repairs is on the rise. These services offer steady cash flow and repeat customers.
4. Green Economy & Sustainability
Clean Energy Consulting
As Calgary transitions toward a greener economy, there's growing demand for solar panel installation, energy efficiency audits, and EV charging station consulting. Entrepreneurs with an environmental or technical background are well-positioned here.
Eco-Friendly Product Retail
Sustainable products such as zero-waste home goods, reusable containers, or plastic-free packaging solutions are increasingly popular. You can sell online or through local markets with a clear eco-conscious brand message.
5. Tech & Innovation
Software Development & IT Support
Custom app development, website design, and IT services for small businesses are in high demand. Calgary’s growing startup and tech scene offers opportunities to collaborate and scale.
Cybersecurity Consulting
As cyber threats increase, so does the need for cybersecurity services. Small and medium-sized businesses need protection against data breaches, and cybersecurity specialists can offer assessments, software, and ongoing support.
6. Creative & Cultural Businesses
Local Artisan & Handmade Goods
Support local artisans by selling handmade crafts, art, jewelry, and decor through pop-up shops, Etsy, or physical storefronts. Calgary’s creative community and tourism market support this type of business well.
Language & Cultural Exchange Services
With Calgary’s diverse population, there is demand for ESL programs, translation services, and cultural workshops. This type of business is ideal for bilingual or multicultural entrepreneurs.
7. Real Estate & Urban Development
PropTech Solutions
There’s growing interest in tools that simplify property transactions—like virtual tours, online contract signing, and listing platforms. Launching a real estate tech startup could be a promising path.
Short-Term Rental Management
As tourism rebounds, property owners increasingly need help managing Airbnb and other short-term rentals. Services like check-in coordination, cleaning, and guest communication are in high demand.
Calgary's 2025 business landscape is diverse and full of opportunity. Whether you're tech-savvy, passionate about wellness, love pets, or want to promote sustainability, there's a business niche for you. Align your strengths and passions with market demand, and you'll be well-positioned to succeed in this thriving entrepreneurial hub.