Cochrane will receive up to $953,180 in federal funding over three years through PrairiesCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystems Program. This investment will enable the Town of Cochrane and Innovate Cochrane to deliver programming to entrepreneurs and businesses—including the Cochrane Business Incubator, Community Innovation Ecosystem Program and a number of events offered by Innovate Cochrane to establish Cochrane as a centre for innovation, skilled employment and economic vibrancy.
PrairiesCan is the federal department that diversifies the economy across the Canadian Prairies by delivering programs and services that help businesses, not-for-profits and communities grow stronger. Through its Regional Innovation Ecosystems program, PrairiesCan is making targeted investments in not-for-profit organizations that support businesses in priority sectors to innovate, grow and compete globally.
Cochrane’s successful application to PrairiesCan was submitted jointly by Innovate Cochrane and the Town of Cochrane to deliver business and innovation programs to the community and establish an ecosystem of innovation. Over the next three years, programming will help entrepreneurs launch new businesses, innovate their business models, expand the workforce and grow revenues in the Cochrane area.
“Through intentional relationships with key innovation partners like Innovate Cochrane, our community is becoming a more welcoming environment for new and established businesses,” said Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung. “Continued collaboration is the key to success. We are pleased to have the support of PrairiesCan as our community’s potential as an innovation hub grows with each participant of these innovative programs.”
“Our government is making strategic investments to build on Alberta's solid track record of commercializing products, services, and technologies that the world needs,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister for PrairiesCan in a release. “This investment in the Town of Cochrane and Innovate Cochrane will enable local entrepreneurs to create and bring to market new innovations that compete within Canada and around the world.”
The Town of Cochrane’s Business Incubator Program is a significant driver for this investment. Anchored at The Station at Cochrane Crossing, the Cochrane Business Incubator provides early-stage companies access to downtown office space and amenities, mentorship and programming to help them establish roots and grow their business in Cochrane.
Innovate Cochrane, a local non-profit, sponsored a panel discussion at The Station on Oct.23. Participants included Georgina de Caigny from Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, Reid Kimmet from Two Pharmacy, Laura MacDonald from Helping Hands and Graham Torrie from Align Developments.
“Since launching the Cochrane Business incubator at The Station in late 2023, eight businesses have begun the program,” said Mark Krysinski, director of Community Growth, Town of Cochrane. “Our initial investment into local innovation has encouraged matched financial support from PrairiesCan and allows Cochrane to expand its capacity to improve economic opportunity for all Cochranites.”
Innovate Cochrane hosts monthly Community Innovators Speaker Series events with local leaders to foster connections and knowledge sharing. The organization offers a range of programming, including the Community Innovation Ecosystem Program in partnership with Unbounded Thinking to support innovation and leadership for growth oriented organizations of all kinds.
“Innovate Cochrane now has critical support from PrairiesCan to build programming for the community at large,” said Innovate Cochrane’s Executive Director Kimberley Neutens. “With a strong commitment to community, Innovate Cochrane is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections among entrepreneurs and business leaders, while also highlighting and celebrating the success stories emerging from Cochrane.”
Nathan Klassen, Founder and Board Chair of Innovate Cochrane says, “This grant affirms that vision for community innovation is something Alberta needs, and Cochrane is leading in. I am grateful for the support and recognition of PrairiesCan to seed community innovation in Cochrane and help us attract, launch and grow businesses of all kinds going forward.”
To start an entrepreneurial journey in Cochrane or to learn more about business programs available, visit cochrane.ca/business. For community events programs and networking opportunities contact Innovate Cochrane at [email protected].
