I would like to highlight two of the obvious One: Wealth and Prosperity Through Entrepreneurship The entrepreneurial spirit is a catalyst for forward business thinking.
A spirit that is oh so critical in the advancement of all economies.
This in turn adds to the well-being of its residents.
i.
e.
these types of investments bring valuable $$$$'s into the economy.
Dollars in = prosperity, prosperity allows for great infrastructure (mechanical and social) etc, etc, and on and on.
Two: Cultural Infrastructure Adding unique and interesting venues, buildings, and businesses attracts unique and interesting people, which creates its own positive element within the social and cultural infrastructure and therefore well-being of the city.
The Spirit of Entrepreneurship Lives Calgary Aloft Hotel The Aloft Franchise (franchise is my word) Aloft Hotels now nearing completion and set to open very soon in Calgary, is a text-book example of how the entrepreneurial spirit literally shapes the cultural infrastructure of a city.
As in many of the unique cities where the Aloft Hotel concept has been embraced, Calgary will once again benefit from the completion of this hotel, which will act as a conduit to draw new visitors to our city.
These visitors will no doubt be as interesting as the venue in which they have elected to stay, the Aloft Hotel.
Another interesting concept attached to some of the Aloft Hotels is a new trend that allows guest and residents - who may wish to explore the respective areas - the ability to do so on electric scooters.
Scoot as it is called, offers electric scooters for rent.
It is a fun concept developed in the US that is catching on in the lower 48.
Who knows maybe it will come to the Aloft in Calgary as well...
(at least for the 30 days of summer we get).
As a proud supporter of entrepreneurs everywhere, my hat is off to the owners of Aloft Calgary, I know them well and thank them for bringing such an interesting Hotel concept to Calgary.
They are true entrepreneurs and like true entrepreneurs they step up with their hard-earned money to take risks on proven projects and unproven concepts, and not simply for profit either.
Yes profits are an important and a driving force, however, the intangible, the side many don't see is the residual benefits of these ventures, which are equally important to these individuals.
Like the benefit to the city from increased tax revenue, from increased visibility through tourism, from increased corporate awareness, which ultimately attracts like-minded individuals who also bring their own uniqueness and spirit - some entrepreneurial some cultural - but all equally important.
I know we will see more from this group in the future.
For those of us who live in this great city however, I for one hope their vision continues to inspire other entrepreneurs to do the same.
I know it inspires me!