Fourteen local entrepreneurs, representing 13 new businesses, were recognized Oct. 30 at the 2019 SMARTstart Program’s annual celebration event in Airdrie.
The entrepreneurs spent the last eight months refining their idea for a new business or working to strengthen an existing business through the SMARTstart entrepreneurial training program.
According to SMARTstart organizing committee member Tara Levick, this was the sixth year the program has been offered in Airdrie.
“Each year, we are blown away by the amazing progress made by our entrepreneurs over the course of eight months,” she said in a statement.
Several Airdrie business-owners were recognized, including Chris Lindsey from Leaps N Bounds Inflatables, Chrissie Rozak from Get in the Loop Airdrie, Cigdem Fareed from Distinct Graphics & Software Solutions and Colin Bailey from Evolution Performance.
Others included Danielle Doetzel from Boulevard Home Inc., Kitty Bexson from Things by Kitty, Lindsey Coyle from Airdrie Exchange, Marla Elms from Grounded Natural Cleaning Services, Morgan Sylvain and Kayla McPhail from Smile & Co., Nick Davies from Cowork Space/Cocktail Lounge, Moonliza Menya from Kirabo Fashion & Interiors, Scott Jones from DigiWave Services and Tara Reid from Re’Ferbish Group.
“One of the best things about SMARTstart is the people,” Elms said. “From my mentor, Tracy, the other entrepreneurs and mentors, to the program directors…it’s so great to know that I’ve made lifelong connections and that I have a whole group of awesome people rooting for my success.”
According to Levick, SMARTstart provided the participants with online business skills training, 11 in-person workshops delivered by Airdrie business experts, and a local mentor. Working with their mentor, each participant completed a business, strategic or feasibility plan.
Along with the recognition of local entrepreneurs, the event also celebrated the 14 businesspeople who volunteered as SMARTstart mentors this year.
"The celebration event is truly a celebration of all the hard work made throughout the year,” Levick said. “Everyone gets something different from SMARTstart and that’s what makes the program so special.”
According to Levick, SMARTstart has provided training to 89 local entrepreneurs since 2014, while helping 12 new businesses open.
Applications for the 2020 program are open until Dec. 13. Entrepreneurs with an idea for new businesses – or who own a business that has been in operation for less than three years – are invited to learn more at information sessions Nov. 20 at 12 p.m. or Dec. 4 at 7p.m. The sessions are held at Airdrie city hall.
To learn more, visit smartstartairdrie.ca or e-mail [email protected]
