A new Back to Business Resource Centre is finally open in downtown Fort McMurray, giving local businesses and companies a single centralized location where they can find resources and information that they need. The centre was funded by the Alberta province and it is located at 9816 Hardin St. on the first floor of the building. In a press release Minister of Economic Development and Trade Deron Bilous explained that “We want to be there with owners and workers through the challenges ahead and this one-stop-shop will make it easier for them to get tools and support from local organizations who understand their unique needs.” Mayor Melissa Blake stated “We want to thank the Government of Alberta for their generous support. These funds will allow us to make sure our local business owners can get back to a new business as usual.”

The downtown Fort McMurray Back to Business Resource Centre was made possible because of a partnership between many different entities. The provincial government took care of funding concerns, and the centre was coordinated by Wood Buffalo Economic Development. Other partners involved in making the centre a reality included the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce, the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association, Community Futures Wood Buffalo, the Fort McMurray Construction Association, and the Insurance Bureau of Canada. The centre is intended to be a portal which allows local businesses to access resources which can help them return to operation after the fire and evacuation. There are also business specialists who can offer guidance and support as well as business planning help.