Celebrating Entrepreneurs
& Small Business Owners in Cochrane, Alberta.
HOSTING PARTNERS

Small Business Week 2024 is brought to the community through a new, collaborative team who are individually and collectively focused on entrepreneurs, business leadership, growth and sustainability in Cochrane. 

The Cochrane Community Innovation Team (C.C.I.T) is focused on supporting entrepreneurs, startup companies, business owners and innovators from ideas for business to growth or scaling of a business. 

Get to know the team!

HOST LOCATION

THE STATION AT COCHRANE CROSSING, 360 RAILWAY ST. W.

ABOUT COCHRANE SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

Cochrane Small Business Week – October 21 to 25, 2024 is an annual celebration dedicated to recognizing and supporting the vital contributions of entrepreneurs and small businesses within the Cochrane community, and learning along the way. Held in October, this week-long event provides a platform for local entrepreneurs and business owners to showcase their products and services, network with peers, and gain valuable insights through events focused on leadership, new ideas, business sustainability, growth and innovation.

The theme for the week is Sustainability – looking at the sustainability of leadership and our founders, the sustainability of business models and plans, the sustainability of technology and innovation and of course, the sustainability and growth of Cochrane as a thriving community.

By participating in Cochrane Small Business Week, community members can learn about sustainability and innovation, discover unique local offerings, meet new people and support the hardworking individuals who contribute to the town’s dynamic and thriving business landscape .

Join us!

OUR MAIN FOCUS FOR THIS YEAR'S EVENT
Sustainability in Business

Small Business, Big Impact. Celebrating and supporting entrepreneurs, leaders and small business owners, while inspiring, equipping & advocating for businesses in Cochrane, Alberta.

Connecting People

While offering networking and learning opportunities for the week, we hope to help many Cochrane business owners connect.

Please register for all sessions you'd like to attend by visiting the link in each drop down. Thank you.

Kick-off Small Business Week 2024 in Cochrane with Mayor Jeff Genung and then tackle a day of sessions themed around “Wellness & the Entrepreneur”.

As an entrepreneur, your well-being is crucial to your success. Taking time to learn about and explore wellness resources —both physical and mental—can empower you to thrive. Prioritize self-care by dedicating time to recharge and discover practices that nurture your mind and body.

Remember, investing in yourself isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential for sustainable growth. Make time for you and watch how it transforms your business!

Please register for all sessions you’d like to attend.
Thank you.

DATE & TIME

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024
11:30AM – 12:30PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION AT COCHRANE CROSSING
360 RAILWAY ST W
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Interested in what Small Business Week is all about? Join Mayor Jeff Genung and the Cochrane Community Innovation Team, as we kick off Cochrane Small Business Week 2024!
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024
12:30PM – 1:30PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION AT COCHRANE CROSSING
360 RAILWAY ST W
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – $15 for lunch provided

DESCRIPTION:
Led by Greg German from LifeCraft, this event offers business owners a unique opportunity to reframe and release self-limiting beliefs, reduce stress, and build resilience in managing life’s challenges. Participants will gain tools to stay grounded, navigate change effectively, and connect with a deeper sense of purpose in their work, leading to increased fulfillment and long-term success. Fence and Post will provide salads and sandwiches, and Explore Cochrane will provide dessert and beverages.
 
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024
3:30PM – 5PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION AT COCHRANE CROSSING
360 RAILWAY ST W
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Led by Rachel Murray with LifeCraft, discover how nourishing your body with the right foods can fuel your focus, energy, and productivity. This session explores practical nutrition strategies tailored for busy business owners, empowering you to optimize your health and achieve peak performance during Small Business Week and beyond.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

MONDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2024
6:30PM – 7:30PM MDT

LOCATION

ROUTE 22 ARTISTS COLLECTIVE
18, 312 FIFTH AVENUE
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Join Route 22 Artist Colective to unleash your creativity in this 1-hour creative collage session, participants will use words and images to craft a personalized response to a shared theme relevant to Small Business Week. Each will then briefly share their reflections, promoting new perspectives and mutual respect. The final product will be a unique visual piece to keep as a personal or professional memento.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
Please register for all sessions you'd like to attend by visiting the link in each drop down. Thank you.

Do you know your business inside and out but feel like you’re missing some core management or operational skills?

Join other local business owners as we dig into essential business topics including finance and marketing to help sharpen your skills as a business owner and equip you with the tools and a new network that you need to grow your business.

Please register for all sessions you’d like to attend.
Thank you.

DATE & TIME

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024
7AM TO 9AM MDT

LOCATION

SUNNY SIDE UP
205, 1ST STREET W
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
An informal meetup of entrepreneurs, startup founders and business owners. Just show up, buy a coffee or breakfast and connect with other entrepreneurs building great businesses. You never know who you’ll meet.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024
5PM TO 7PM MDT

LOCATION

MR. MIKES STEAKHOUSE CASUAL
50 QUARRY STREET W.
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Join us for our monthly Business Afterhours Networking Event, a complimentary event for Chamber Members that is held on the fourth Tuesday of every month!
This is a great opportunity to meet and visit with local Chamber Members and promote your business in a casual atmosphere.

PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024
7PM TO 7:45PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION
360 RAILWAY ST. W.
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Join seasoned entrepreneurs and brand/marketing specialists Afton Brazzoni, Kelly Sinclair and Greg Carmichael as they share hard-earned insights on brand identity, increasing visibility and connecting with your audience.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024
7PM TO 9PM MDT

LOCATION

THE CORNER CO-WORKING & CO-WAREHOUSING
225 RAILWAY ST. E
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Are you thinking about a new business idea? Have you started or launched and are looking for support? Join the Startup Cochrane community to get a sounding board, a storytelling forum and a brand new network!
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024
8PM TO 8:30PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION
360 RAILWAY ST. W
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Join Rebecca Penner (CPA, CGA) as she shares practical tax tips and strategies to effectively manage your taxes and ensure your business is on the path to strong financial health.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2024
8:30PM TO 9PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION
360 RAILWAY ST. W
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Explore potential financing options available for small businesses and other financial considerations when growing your business in a session hosted by former small business owner and RBC Investment advisor Todd Poland.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
Please register for all sessions you'd like to attend by visiting the link in each drop down. Thank you.

Innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a vital force that can propel your business forward. Join us for interactive workshops, a special TEDx Talks style lunch session, and innovation panels designed to spark new ideas and strategies. Discover practical approaches to embrace change and drive growth in your organization.

Let’s transform your vision into reality together!

Please register for all sessions you’d like to attend.
Thank you.

DATE & TIME

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024
12PM TO 1:30PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION
360 RAILWAY ST. E
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
They’ve been there, they’ve done that, and they continue to move forward. Join local entrepreneurs Julia Lutchman from Found Books, Alana Baxter from Fitzba, Kailey Mitchell from The Social Spot and Alannah Jensen from Lannie Rae Gourment, as they share their stories, challenges and overcoming obstacles in a unique TedX style format. Celebrating women in business, paving the way for what’s next!

PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024
4:30PM TO 5:45PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION
360 RAILWAY ST. E
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Cochrane Business Spotlight! Showcasing innovation in markets, business models and managing new ideas with Nathan Klassen, Chair of Innovate Cochrane and our “Certified Cochrane Innovators”, who have engaged in the Community Innovation Ecosystem Program and are paying it forward in our community. Featuring: Georgina de Caigny of Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, Reid Kimmet of Two Pharmacy, Laura McDonald of Helping Hands & Graham Torrie of Align Developments.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024
6PM TO 7:30PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION
360 RAILWAY ST. E
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Curious about how to grow, how to engage your team, manage your systems and prioritize what happens when? Join Industry leader Shannon Phillips from Unbounded Thinking to unleash the fundamentals of Innovation for your small business!
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2024
7PM TO 8PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION
360 RAILWAY ST. E
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Join Explore Cochrane for a panel discussion on social entrepreneurship with industry leaders Kelly Gordon (Alberta Land Based Education), Pamela O’Brien (Route 22 Artist Collective), and Bruce Kay (Ongrowing Works and Early Dawn Farm). Hear firsthand how they use their businesses to create positive community impact and gain insights on how to integrate social good into your own business practices.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
Please register for all sessions you'd like to attend by visiting the link in each drop down. Thank you.

Curious how AI could help your business? Considering how to improve your online presence? Join us for an evening of inspiration as we peek at the future of business and explore practical tools to get started.

The evening kicks off with an Incubator Open House where you’ll meet the founders of local startups currently in the Incubator and SMARTstart!

Please register for all sessions you’d like to attend.
Thank you.

DATE & TIME

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024
6PM TO 7PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION
360 RAILWAY ST. E
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Meet the ambitious startup founders participating in the Cochrane Incubator and SMARTstart programs and learn about the compelling businesses they’re building.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024
7PM TO 7:45PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION
360 RAILWAY ST. E
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Join AI guru Andrew Bartle from AIgility as he explores practical tools and methods to use AI to transform your business by optimizing processes and enhancing the customer experience.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024
8PM TO 8:45PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION
360 RAILWAY ST. E
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Gain actionable strategies from Kelly Sinclair (KS&CO.) and Samantha Nickerson (Urbancasual.ca) on how to improve your online presence, engage with customers and increase your reach.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
Please register for all sessions you'd like to attend by visiting the link in each drop down. Thank you.

Cochrane is poised for a vibrant future, actively supporting economic development and growth through strategic initiatives.

Join us for a key session focused on future-proofing your business and crafting effective exit strategies, designed to empower local entrepreneurs while meeting key leaders from the Town of Cochrane and hear more about the vision.

Take advantage of this opportunity to network with fellow business owners and community leaders, and discover how Cochrane is fostering an environment for innovation and sustainable success.

Together, we can shape a thriving future for our town!

Please register for all sessions you’d like to attend.
Thank you.

DATE & TIME

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024
12PM TO 1:30PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION
360 RAILWAY ST. E
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY, however there is a charge for your choice of lunch.

DESCRIPTION:
Robert Welke is a seasoned business leader with three decades of experience in starting, growing, and selling companies in challenging environments.

Robert has launched five companies in the environmental, financial services, and oil and gas sectors, successfully selling three. Robert understands the importance of exit readiness, especially as 76% of Canadian business owners plan to step back in the next decade, with 800,000 small businesses poised for change. These owners have approximately $1.2 trillion tied up in their ventures, yet fewer than 1 in 10 successfully sell their companies, jeopardizing their retirement and highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures.

Less than 10% of business owners have a solid exit plan, making it increasingly difficult to extract value as more businesses enter the market. Robert’s current mission is to help privately owned businesses accelerate value and prepare for successful exits. His presentations provide a roadmap for understanding buyer expectations and the essential elements that make a business attractive. Attendees will gain crucial insights to navigate these unprecedented transitions, safeguarding their wealth and unlocking the full potential of their entrepreneurial legacy. Let’s get down to business.

The event itself is complimentary, however there is a charge for your choice of lunch.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024
2PM TO 2:30PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION
360 RAILWAY ST. E
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Economic development is not just about attracting businesses; it’s about creating a vibrant community where our residents can thrive, our local businesses can flourish, and our unique identity can be celebrated. We are launching an engagement process that will shape our economic development strategy for our next five years. This strategy will guide our efforts in fostering sustainable growth, enhancing our quality of life, and supporting our small businesses.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024
2:45PM TO 4:15PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION
360 RAILWAY ST. E
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Our focus is community development. How do we embed innovation into our myriad of business practices, policies and practices to support organizations and grow our small business community? Join Shannon Phillips from Unbounded Thinking and Nicole Hannay, Manager, Economic Development for the Town of Cochrane in an interactive workshop focused on the next 5 years of growth and development in Cochrane!
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
DATE & TIME

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024
4:30PM TO 6:30PM MDT

LOCATION

THE STATION
360 RAILWAY ST. E
COCHRANE, AB

FEES / ADMISSION – COMPLIMENTARY

DESCRIPTION:
Join us for a lively evening of celebration, connections and laughter from Comedian Scott Dumas as we wrap up Small Business Week with our Roundup event! This is a special occasion to honour the success stories of our local entrepreneurs, share insights from the frontier of small business, and strengthen our community through networking.

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting on your entrepreneurial journey, this is the perfect event to celebrate your achievements and make valuable connections in a fun, relaxed environment. Enjoy small bites and tastings from our local establishments.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT: REGISTER NOW
Please register for all sessions you'd like to attend by visiting the link in each drop down. Thank you.
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OCTOBER 21 TO OCTOBER 25, 2024