Calgary, September 24, 2026 – Alberta small businesses confidence dropped 2.5 points in September, falling to 52.3, finds the latest Monthly Business Barometer® by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
Alberta’s long-term optimism index has been trending down since April 2026. Firms trading internationally show lower levels of optimism than businesses active only on the Canadian markets.
The top cost pressures facing Alberta’s small firms this month were tax and regulatory costs, and insurance costs, each causing difficulties for 67% of small firms, followed by wage costs (60%), and fuel costs (55%).
“The renewed tariff uncertainty, along with rising gas and oil prices, are keeping small business confidence in check. That's a tough environment to plan in whether you're hiring, investing, or just trying to keep prices steady for customers,” said Keyli Loeppky, senior director of Alberta and interprovincial affairs. “The province's decision to suspend the fuel tax is a welcome step that will help ease cost pressures for many entrepreneurs.”
More than 670 Alberta small businesses supported CFIB’s petition calling for business relief following the province’s previous energy rebate program.
“While the fuel tax suspension is a positive step, confidence remains fragile and cost pressures remain high,” added Loeppky. “Small businesses need greater certainty and continued efforts to reduce the cost of doing business in Alberta. We encourage the government to keep identifying opportunities to lower costs, reduce administrative burdens, and support business growth.”
Nationally, price plans spiked in September, averaging 3.3%, up sharply from 2.6% in August.
“The Bank of Canada has held interest rates steady this year, but the persistent trade war and high oil prices could push inflation through the broader economy. The odds of a rate hike before Christmas are higher than they were,” said Simon Gaudreault, CFIB chief economist and vice-president of research.
Shortage of skilled labour was the leading growth constraint for half (50%) of Alberta small businesses, while weak demand persisted for 44% of small firms.
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Methodology
September Business Barometer®: September findings are based on 581 responses from a stratified random sample of CFIB members to a controlled-access web survey. Data reflect responses received from September 10 to 16. Findings are statistically accurate to +/- 4.1 per cent, 19 times in 20. Every new month, the entire series of indicators is recalculated for the previous month to include all survey responses received in that previous month. Measured on a scale between 0 and 100, an index below 50 means owners expecting their business’s performance to be weaker over the next three or 12 months outnumber those expecting stronger performance.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 103,000 members across every industry and region, including 11,000 in Alberta. CFIB is dedicated to increasing business owners’ chances of success by driving policy change at all levels of government, providing expert advice and tools, and negotiating exclusive savings. Learn more at cfib.ca.
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