We offer programs, workshops, and other opportunities to support our business community. Browse our current and upcoming Economic Development programs below, and check back frequently as we periodically add additional programs to respond to local needs.
For workshops, visit our Community Calendar.
SMARTStart
SMARTstart is an entrepreneurial training program with three components: online learning, in-person seminars, and mentorship. Town of Canmore Economic Development is pleased to offer SMARTstart to our community, in partnership with the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce. The program is delivered over 8 months, with one intake per year. The program is for anyone with a business idea, or new business owners in their first 3 years of operation, seeking to base their businesses in Canmore.
Program Information
Applications for the class of 2025 will open April 1.
To learn more about the program, see below and visit the SMARTstart website.
| Information Sessions |
Apil. 15 from 12 - 1 p.m. (Virtual) |
| Student Applications Open |
April 1, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | June 1, 2025 |
| Selection Process & Interviews |
Begins June 16, 2025 |
| Applicants Notified |
June 27, 2025 |
| Program Launch |
Sept. 11, 2025 |
| Workshop Seminars |
Sept. 25, 2025 - Feb. 26, 2026 |
| Online Learning Sessions |
Oct. 1, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026 |
| Draft Plan Submission Due |
Jan. 31, 2026 |
| Second Draft Plan Submission Due |
Mar. 22, 2026 |
| Final Plan Submission Due | Apr. 23, 2026 |
| Program End and Graduation Event | Apr 24, 2026 |
SMARTstart Mentorship is an opportunity for experienced business owners to connect with and guide the next generation of business owners. The goal is to increase the likelihood of success for local aspiring entrepreneurs by providing mentoring and guidance over an eight-month timeframe. Our mentors often find that working with entrepreneurs at the start of their business ownership journey reinvigorates their own entrepreneurial spirit.
Remember when you were just starting out in business? Your enthusiasm, the long hours, and just how much you wished you had someone to bounce your ideas off? SMARTstart is your chance to share your wisdom, business expertise, and lessons learned with entrepreneurs who are just getting into the game.
Digital Economy Program
The Town of Canmore is pleased to be a part of Alberta’s new Digital Economy Program: providing free digital support for your small business.
This FREE program is funded by the Government of Alberta in conjunction with Business Link and Digital Main Street. The program will be delivered by Community Futures Centre West in partnership with local municipalities – City of Airdrie, Town of Canmore, Town of Cochrane, Town of Crossfield, Kananaskis Improvement District, and Rocky View County.
To access free one-on-one assistance for digital strategy development and execution, apply today. You’ll be matched with a Digital Service Squad (DSS) member who will assess your needs and put together a work plan.
Grow Your Digital Skills
The Digital Economy Program aims to help you grow your digital skills – skills that are essential to succeed in today’s competitive environment.
Throughout the project, training opportunities will be provided by Business Link. Check their calendar for upcoming events.
Set up or improve digital tools, such as:
• Social media strategy
• Website, online booking or e-commerce store
• Google My Business
• Content creation
• Search Engine Optimization support
• Setting up digital and social media ads
• Email marketing
• And more!
1) Check eligibility
a. Your business is registered in Alberta
b. You have 0-49 employees
c. You are not a non-profit, charitable trust, franchise business or a multilevel marketing company
2) Apply for the program
3) Meet your DSS member to assess your needs and put together a work plan