Join us for Small Business Week - five whole days of connection, learning and inspiration! Come along to take part in workshops, hear from engaging panels and speakers, and connect with the people and organizations that make Cochrane’s community strong.
From business owners, organizational leaders and entrepreneurs, to board members, non-profit champions and community builders - each day offers a new focus to help us grow and thrive together.
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Registration will open October 7, 2025. Stay tuned!
Kick off Cochrane Small Business Week by building bridges and forging new partnerships. Our opening day is all about fostering a strong business community through powerful networking, mentorship opportunities, and meaningful engagement. It's where your business story begins to intertwine with others.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS • 11:30am - 12:15pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Kick off Cochrane Small Business Week 2025 with an inspiring launch event featuring Mayor Jeff Genung as keynote speaker, hosted by Reid Kimmet. Discover what Small Business Week is all about and celebrate the entrepreneurs who power our community.
NETWORKS - STRENGTH IN COMMUNITY GROUPS • 12:30pm - 2:00pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Discover how collaboration and networks fuel personal and professional growth. This engaging session features insights on how shared purpose, partnerships, and community support can amplify impact and build resilience. $20 – Includes Lunch. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on moving forward—together.
BUSINESS RESOURCE EXPO • 2:30pm - 4:30pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Looking to grow your business or explore new opportunities? Drop by our first Business Resource Expo to discover local services, events, and programs designed for entrepreneurs and business owners. Learn about networks, mentorship opportunities, and more—admission is complimentary. No registration required—just stop in and get connected!
MENTORSHIP - HOW COMMUNITY MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM MENTORSHIP • 3:00pm - 4:30pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
New to Cochrane or making a career transition? Discover how mentorship can open doors, spark growth, and help you build meaningful connections in our community. Join our panel as they share insights and practical tips to help you find your next mentor. Free Event – Limited to 30 participants. Reserve your spot today!
ENTREPRENEUR'S TOOL KIT - VALIDATION, CONNECTION & GROWTH • 6:30PM - 9:00pm • Found Books & Shop
Elevate your evening with an expert keynote speaker on how to build powerful partnerships and find meaningful advocates alongside a sophisticated wine tasting journey with Arjan Streuker.
Whether you're a new entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, understanding the core principles of business is key. This day is dedicated to the essential knowledge you need to start strong and grow smart—from finance and legal basics to operational best practices.
FOUNDERS COFFEE • 7:00am - 9:00am • Sunny Side Up
Join fellow entrepreneurs, startup founders, and business owners for an informal networking meetup. Grab a coffee or breakfast and connect—great conversations and new connections await!
START UP SUCCESS 1-1 PITCH OPPORTUNITY • 11:00am - 1:00pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Pre-sign-ups for entrepreneurs to give 2–5-minute pitches to a panel and receive feedback. The Judged Winner and People’s Choice awards will be presented. 10–12 pitches. Refreshments provided.
RESUME & INTERVIEW 101 (WORKSHOP I & II) • 3:30pm - 4:15pm / 4:30pm - 5:15pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Boost your job search skills at our Resume & Interview 101 workshops! Learn tips for crafting a standout resume and acing interviews. Free to attend, refreshments provided, and space is limited to 30 participants per session. Two sessions available.
RISKY BUSINESS • 7:00 - 9:00pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Protect What You’ve Built! Your business is your greatest asset—make sure it’s protected! Join our expert panel in law, insurance, finance, and accounting, and get practical tools to safeguard your business. Free to attend, with refreshments and networking included.
START UP COCHRANE • 7:00pm - 9:00pm • The Corner CoWorking
Thinking about a new business idea or recently launched your venture? Join the Startup Cochrane community to share your story, get feedback, and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. Free to attend, with refreshments provided!
Your brand has a story. Today, we'll help you tell it. Join us to learn from local marketing experts who will share strategies, innovative tactics, and the latest technology to help your business stand out and connect with your ideal customers.
MARKETING FOR SMALL BUSINESS • 12:00pm - 1:30pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Different strategies, different tactics, but all focused on unique aspects of marketing. Come learn and engage with our panel of local experts who are making waves marketing in own way!
TOURISM - YOUR SECRET BUSINESS POWER • 5:30pm - 6:45pm • Route 22 Gallery
Do you run a small business and want to tap into new revenue streams? Are you curious how tourism could help grow your bottom line? Join us Tourism: Your Secret Business Power and discover how to turn visitors into loyal customers, and unlock fresh opportunities or your business.
MARKETING STRATEGIES FOR SUCCES - ELEVATING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS • 7:00pm - 7:45pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Join our expert panel discussion and get actionable strategies to boost your brand, attract more customers and see real results.
TACTICALLY SPEAKING - MARKETING, TACTICS FOR SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS • 8:00pm - 8:45pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Looking to attract more customers and stand out online? Join a panel of marketing experts, in demand generation, social media and video as they share actionable tips for small businesses and open the floor to an " ask me anything" session to help grow your business.
The business world is always evolving, and so should your business. This day is all about embracing change and exploring new frontiers. Discover how to leverage artificial intelligence, integrate new technologies, and innovate to stay ahead of the curve. Plus, we'll feature insights from some of Cochrane's most inspiring female business leaders.
NETWALK • 8:00am - 9:00am • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Step away from the office and join us for a fresh - air networking experience. Think of it as a walking meeting with new friends: A chance to connect with entrepreneurs and professionals while enjoying the wellness boost that comes from moving your body outdoors. We will start and end at the station. Come dressed and ready for a 30 minute walk, followed by coffee and light snacks.
PROBLEM SOLVING & INNOVATION • 9:30am - 11:00am • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Learn to navigate hurdles, overcome challenges, and identify opportunities across the 7 key areas of business using the UBT Model. Free to attend, with refreshments provided!
WOMEN ROCKING IT - TED TALK & MOVEMENT SNACK WITH LEA WEINS • 12:30pm - 2:00pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Hear from local entrepreneurs as they share their stories, challenges, and lessons learned in a dynamic TEDx-style format. Celebrate women paving the way in business and gain inspiration for your own journey. $20 admission includes lunch.
BUSINESS INCUBATOR OPEN HOUSE • 5:30pm - 7:00pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Meet the ambitious startup founders participating in the Cochrane Incubator and SMARTstart programs and learn about the compelling businesses they're building. Free to attend, with refreshments provided!
Look to the future and set your sights on what's next. This final day is focused on big-picture planning—from understanding the Town's economic development plans to preparing for business succession. We'll wrap up the week with high-energy speed networking and a celebratory evening at the Business Excellence Awards.
WHAT'S UP FOR OUR COMMUNITY? THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN • 9:00am - 10:00am • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
A roadmap to Cochrane's 10-year Economic Development Strategic Plan. Limited to 30 participants. Free to attend, with refreshments provided!
TRANSITION PLANNING: PREPARE YOUR EXIT STRATEGY, THE PLANNING, THE PEOPLE, THE PROCESS • 10:30am - 11:30am • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Learn the key steps, people, and processes involved in succession planning. Discover how to plan effectively and execute a successful business transition. Limited to 30 participants Free to attend, with refreshments provided!
SPEED NETWORKING BINGO LUNCH • 12:00pm - 2:00pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Mix, mingle, and make connections fast in this fun, interactive networking lunch. Limited to 18 participants. $10 admission includes lunch!
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS GALA • 6:00pm • Cochrane Lions Event Centre
Closing out Small Business Week in style. The evening begins with cocktails at 6:00 PM, followed by a delicious roast beef dinner, awards presentations, and live entertainment. This special night is all about celebrating the incredible businesses, entrepreneurs, and leaders who make Cochrane’s community thrive. From innovation and resilience to hard work and vision, the Gala shines a spotlight on the people and organizations driving our local economy forward.
Be part of history. Join us as we celebrate local excellence, spark new connections, and kick off a tradition of recognizing Cochrane’s entrepreneurial spirit for years to come!
*All event program is subject to change. We hope to see you at Small Business Week