By rdnewsNOW Staff

Second year

SMARTstart entrepreneurial training program returns for central Alberta

Aug 2, 2022 | 5:19 PM

Community Futures Central Alberta (CFCA) is now accepting applications for the SMARTstart program’s second year, offering support towards entrepreneurs and start-up businesses.

The award-winning entrepreneurship training program includes access to the online, self-guided 100 Essential Small Business Skills™ Program from GoForth, eleven workshops led by local industry experts, three peer-to-peer sessions, and one-on-one mentorship from an established business owner.

The end goal of the program, officials say, is for the entrepreneur to complete a feasibility study, business plan, or strategic plan, depending on what stage of operations the business is at.

The program was originally developed by Community Futures Centre West, the City of Airdrie Economic Development, and the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce in 2014. However, CFCA General Manager Kelly Kierluk says after seeing the impact and benefits of the program, she began working to bring the program to central Alberta.

CFCA officials say that while there were many courses the organization could have offered to entrepreneurs, what set SMARTstart apart from the others was the in-depth nature of the training and the extra support provided through the entrepreneur-mentor relationship.

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“It is often very intimidating to take the leap into entrepreneurship. But having the support of someone who has already completed that part of the journey, and done so successfully, is a value-added benefit to the extensive training and networking opportunities the program provides,” said Kierluk.

SMARTset officials confirm the first year of programming, which took place from September 2021 to May 2022, impacted the local economy by concluding with the creation/maintenance of 13 jobs, the launch of three new businesses, and maintenance of four businesses.

CFCA officials attribute the support received from partner organizations to be a key reason for the early success of the program.

Funding is provided by Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network (CARIN) and the Land and Economic Development department with the City of Red Deer. The program also receives support from Alberta Innovates, Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce, and Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP), meeting regularly to coordinate program marketing, entrepreneur and mentor recruitment and selection activities.

Those interested in applying to the program or serving as a mentor can attend two information sessions in August hosted by Community Futures Central. A virtual session will be on August 11 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. and an in-person session on August 17 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce (3017 50 Ave). Pre-registration is required and can be completed by visiting Eventbrite online and searching Community Futures Central Alberta.

Applications are open to anyone with an idea or businesses that has been operating for three years or less with the deadline on Friday, August 26, 2022.

For more informant on the program visit https://www.smartstartyourbusiness.ca/community/red-deer/

Community Futures Central Alberta is a non-profit organization supporting small business and rural economic diversification since 1986, and now has 267 offices across the country.