Connect With People In Cochrane Who Can Help You Move Forward

Sometimes you know you need support, but you're not sure exactly what kind. Connect one-on-one with someone who can help you talk through where you're at, what you're working toward and which next steps make sense for your business. Community Futures Centre West Business Advisory offers one-on-one guidance for entrepreneurs at any stage. It's a good place to start when you're not sure which program, resource or service is the right fit. Connect with a Business Advisor →

Starting, relocating or making changes to your business? Find the municipal information you need to understand the licences, permits and other requirements that may apply to your business. Town of Cochrane provides information about local business licensing and requirements for operating in Cochrane. Explore Business Licensing →

BizPaL can help you identify municipal, provincial and federal permits and licences that may apply based on what you plan to do. Check Your Requirements →

Starting, purchasing or growing a business can require financing. Community Futures Centre West provides flexible financing for eligible entrepreneurs, along with business advisory support.

Not sure whether you're ready to apply? A Community Futures Business Advisor can talk through your financing needs, business plan and readiness before you decide what comes next. Explore Business Loans & Advisory →

Sometimes the right next step is having someone alongside you. Cochrane has several mentorship programs designed for different stages, goals and types of businesses:

SMARTstart - Build your business with confidence
For idea-stage entrepreneurs and businesses in their first three years who want to build a strong foundation through one-on-one mentorship, practical learning and accountability. Explore SMARTstart →

The Engine Room – Grow your business with systems and structure
For early-stage businesses with early revenue, looking for structure, accountability and expert guidance to grow and scale. Ideal if you are coachable, ambitious and ready to engage in a peer community, implement systems and access professional workspace. Explore the Engine Room →

Community Innovation Ecosystem (CIE) – Grow through innovation
For businesses and organizations operating for 3+ years that are ready to explore new ideas, strengthen capacity and unlock their next phase of growth. Explore CIE →

Chamber of Commerce Peer Mentoring Mastermind – Strengthen yourself as a business leader
For owners with a proven business model who want strategic discussion, peer accountability and an opportunity to learn and grow alongside other business leaders. Ideal if someone is looking to improve communication, strengthen leadership and build a business that can thrive beyond its owner. Explore Peer Mentoring →

Tourism Mentorship – Create unforgettable visitor experiences
For tourism and hospitality businesses developing or redesigning a tourism product or experience, with support around ideation, sustainability, operations, pricing, marketing and travel trade distribution. Explore Tourism Mentorship →

Whether you're building the fundamentals or strengthening an established business, find learning opportunities that fit what you're working on right now. Community Futures LaunchPad offers practical business learning focused on four key areas: Finance, Business Planning, HR & Teams and Marketing. Explore LaunchPad →

Looking for something more in-depth? Contact us to learn more about SMARTstart, the Engine Room and CIE to determine which program might be the best fit based on your stage of business. Connect with a Business Advisor →

Want to see what's coming up across the community? The Pathfinder Events Calendar brings local and regional business workshops, training, networking and other opportunities together in one place. See What's Happening →

Build relationships, learn from other entrepreneurs and become part of Cochrane's business community. Cochrane & District Chamber of Commerce offers networking, Lunch & Learns, workshops, member benefits and business advocacy. Explore the Chamber →

Innovate Cochrane brings entrepreneurs, business and community leaders together through events focused on connection, collaboration and innovation. Explore Innovate Cochrane Events →

Looking for professional workspace and growth support? The Engine Room combines workspace with a 12-month program of mentorship, structured programming and peer community. It's a strong fit for businesses with early revenue that are actively focused on growth and/or looking for professional workspace. Explore the Engine Room →

Looking for workspace without joining a business program? Explore additional coworking, office and flexible workspace options available in Cochrane. Check out The Corner Coworking (Railway Street) or Evolve Work Studios (1st Ave).

Explore Cochrane supports businesses developing or redesigning a tourism product or visitor experience, including support with ideation, sustainability, operations, pricing, marketing and travel trade distribution. Explore Tourism Programs →

Have a business idea or want to learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Explore hands-on opportunities designed specifically for young people. Lemonade Day gives young entrepreneurs ages 4-18 the opportunity to learn the basics of planning, starting and running a small business. Explore Lemonade Day →

RAYEC (Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp) combines entrepreneurship learning with a hands-on camp experience where youth develop business, leadership and teamwork skills. Explore RAYEC →

Whether you're exploring the purchase of an existing business or starting to think about your own next chapter, connect with support to make informed decisions and prepare for what's ahead.

Not sure where to begin? A Community Futures Business Advisor can provide a neutral conversation about your goals, readiness, financial considerations, financing and the support you may need along the way. Connect with a Business Advisor →

Planning a transition? Exit Navigator supports business owners beginning to think about succession, sale or what's next for their business. Explore Exit Navigator →

Some entrepreneurs may benefit from support designed around their individual circumstances. Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) provides specialized business development support for eligible rural entrepreneurs with a disability or ongoing health condition. Access EDP →