Applications are now open for the 2022 offering of SMARTstart, an eight-month entrepreneurial training program geared towards aspiring or new business owners in Airdrie.
The annual program, which runs from February to October, is being offered by the City of Airdrie in partnership with Community Futures Centre West, a non-profit organization dedicated to building economic diversity in and around Rocky View County.
According to Tara Levick, economic development officer for the City of Airdrie, the partnership began in 2014, when members from both organizations recognized a gap in entrepreneurial training and what was being offered locally for business owners.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our community,” she said. “They really are the shining star in our community and this program helps them hopefully be successful in their business so they can become a legacy business and expand and grow here.
“[Local business owners] are people who are hiring local residents, supporting the sports teams, and donating to every auction.”
She added the program takes entrepreneurs through both online and in-person training to learn the essentials they need to know to run a successful business, with the help of local experts who instruct them on topics such as taxes, marketing, and networking.
Levick said the program has been especially impactful during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With what we’ve been through in the last 18 months, a program like SMARTstart is really, really important to get these business owners the skills and tools, and community backing them, to be successful,” she said.
An additional component of the program includes assigning each entrepreneur a local mentor who can help them develop a business plan for success.
Each participant will leave the program with either a feasibility study, a business plan, or a strategic plan, depending on what stage of business they’re at, Levick added.
“SMARTstart is for entrepreneurs with an idea,” she said. “You’re a really great baker and you think you want to open a bakery, but you’re not really sure if it's feasible, or you have no idea the steps it takes to open a bakery... [it] helps those individuals.”
She added eligible applicants include entrepreneurs just starting out or those who are within the first three years of operating a business, adding it helps to give them a little boost to get going.
Applications are open until Dec. 15, and hopeful participants can attend a virtual info session over Zoom on Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. for additional information on the program. In order to take part, applicants must be a resident of Airdrie or have the intention of opening their business within the city, Levick said.
“We really encourage anyone who’s thinking about joining the program to come to an info session and learn a little bit more about what SMARTstart is and if it would work for you,” she said.
She added once applications are closed, a selection committee will review them and conduct interviews depending on how many applications are received.
For additional information, visit smartstartairdrie.ca
Carmen Cundy, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @carmenrcundy
