Calgary is a city where innovation and inclusivity meet opportunity — and for entrepreneurs like Felicia Smart, it’s the perfect place to grow.
With the ideal combination of location, robust infrastructure and access to cutting-edge technology, the Blue Sky City’s booming agribusiness sector provides fertile ground for innovation, food production and sustainability.
Smart is the CEO and co-founder of AgriAssure, an agtech company that helps agriproducers, agribusinesses and food processors navigate Canada’s complex regulatory landscape. Our conversation with Smart explores Calgary’s unique business ecosystem that offers support networks and critical resources for founders looking to build and scale their companies.
We also discuss the opportunities for equity-deserving and underrepresented groups, and what that means for a prosperous economy in the Blue Sky City.
What made you want to build a life and career in Calgary?
My husband and I moved to Calgary to be closer to his family. He works in energy management for the energy industry, and Calgary is a key hub for that field. Coming from the Caribbean, where nature is abundant, I was drawn to Calgary's proximity to both city life and beautiful natural landscapes like the mountains. It felt like the perfect balance — so we decided to make Calgary our home!
What has been the most rewarding part of growing a business in this city?
I didn’t realize how much the local ecosystem would support me as an entrepreneur. As a tech company, I've benefited greatly from being a member of Platform Calgary and attending events at their innovation hub.
I started my journey with Innovate Calgary at the Social Innovation Hub, where expert mentorship guided me from running a traditional consulting firm to scaling it into the tech industry.
The willingness of people here to step in and help — whether it's through mentorship or introductions — has been incredible. I feel truly supported as an entrepreneur with big dreams in Calgary.
What unique advantages does Calgary offer for entrepreneurs in the agribusiness space?
I’m encouraged by how accessible resources are here. AgriAssure is part of SVG Ventures | Thrive Academy Cohort VI, which hosts many in-person events in the city. SVG Ventures | Thrive has a close working relationship with Alberta Innovates, which provides specific grants for agribusinesses in the tech space that I have access to being based in Calgary. It would be great to see more early-stage support to help businesses like mine reach the necessary milestones to qualify for grants.
I also recently advanced in Startup TNT's Agri-Food Investment Summit, where I’ll be representing Calgary.
I attended a free Trade Talk hosted by Calgary Economic Development (CED), which provided valuable data and guidance on accessing provincial trade missions. This has been crucial for my business, which relies on international trade. Through CED, I then connected with the Trade Commissioner Service to help with market expansion.
The resources here have been incredibly helpful. It's great to have such important opportunities close to home — I’m even able to walk to many of the events, which makes it easy to stay connected while balancing family life.
What's been your experience navigating Calgary's innovation ecosystem?
As a visible minority and female founder, which can be intimidating in a new space, I haven’t encountered obstacles regarding these factors so far. In my experience, when interacting with organizations, entrepreneurs are assessed based on merit and their ability to grow a business or understand a problem. The accelerators and resources available through organizations like Platform have helped me figure out where I can go next to grow my company.
What do you love most about life in Calgary?
One of my favourite things to do in Calgary is take a walk by the river, especially when the weather is nice. It’s amazing how close nature is to the city, and it’s calming to find a quiet spot in the midst of the urban environment. I think I might spend a bit too much time there because I just love it!
Another thing I enjoy is the diversity of restaurants around downtown, particularly on 17th Avenue or Stephen Avenue. As a foodie, it’s great to have so many options close by, and you can really find anything you're in the mood for.
Learn more about Calgary's priority to build inclusive communities that foster vibrancy, and discover more about what it’s like to live, work and play in the Blue Sky City.
