(Image Credit: ID 199948575 © Noipornpan | Dreamstime.com)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Pitch ideas

Central Alberta entrepreneurs take part in Catalyst Incubator program

Apr 6, 2026 | 2:48 PM

Central Alberta entrepreneurs delivered their pitches to business stakeholders and service providers as part of the Catalyst Incubator program.

In late March, a total of 11 first-time entrepreneurs presented their pitches to the audience in hopes of moving their ideas forward into viable businesses.

The Catalyst Incubator program, which is currently in its fifth year, is presented by Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network (CARIN) and sponsored by Community Futures Central Alberta.

The program is cohort based with a focus on helping start up companies in manufacturing, agriculture, technology, energy innovation, and related sectors.

“Catalyst Incubator by CARIN turned my idea into a real, fundable business,” said one Catalyst participant, in a media release. “In eight weeks, I gained a clear problem statement, a practical business education, and direct connections to grants, market data, and community, provincial and federal support. It was intensive, actionable, and led by people truly invested in my success.”

Pitch ideas

Central Alberta entrepreneurs take part in Catalyst Incubator program

1h ago

numerous incidents

QEII Highway very icy Monday morning

5h ago

"unprecedented levels of discrimination"

Ponoka Pride Society dissolves, citing limited resources

5h ago

The program is completely funded by CARIN through Alberta Innovates and is free for eligible entrepreneurs to sign up.

During the right-week program, each entrepreneur goes through over 50 hours of training from a diverse panel of qualified mentors and business coaches.

As a result, they wrap up the eight week program with the participants each giving a six-minute pitch where they provided information on their odea and how investors can support it.

These ideas ranged from equine rider adaptations to renter assistance technologies and secret ingredient soups.

“The Catalyst Incubator is really for anyone who has a business idea and is not sure how to move it forward,” said Cathy Forner, Program and Project Manager for Catalyst Incubator. “If you are an early-stage entrepreneur who wants to discover what problem you are solving, and who your potential customers are, apply today and explore what is possible.”

The Catalyst Incubator program has had nine cohorts and 82 entrepreneurs since its inception. The program also runs twice a year, with a fall and winter intake.

Interested entrepreneurs can apply to the program at https://www.ca-rin.ca/incubator-application.