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.
Browse the events below or visit our Full Events Calendar to register. Most sessions are free to attend, and where a fee applies, it’s clearly noted. Space is limited and fills up fast—register early to secure your spot!
Small Business Week Registration is NOW Open!
Full Calendar of Events CLICK HERE
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
Interested in what Small Business Week is all about? Join Community Leader Reid Kimmet and Mayor Jeff Genung as we kick off Cochrane Small Business Week 2025! Free Event – Limited to 30 participants. Reserve your spot today!
Discover how community and networks fuel growth in our engaging panel discussion. We are exploring the power of collaboration, shared purpose, and connection as an amplifier for impact, progress, and resilience. This session examines the power of moving forward with the support of community. $10 – Includes Lunch. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on moving forward—together. Register today!
BUSINESS RESOURCE EXPO • 2:30pm - 4:30pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Interested in learning more about services, events & programs for entrepreneurs and business owners? Curious about networks and mentorship programs? Join us at the Station for our first Business Resource Expo and get connected! Admission is complimentary. Reserve your spot today!
Are you new to Cochrane? Are you making a career transition? Learn from our panelists about the benefits of mentorship in our community and walk away with ideas as to how to find your next mentor. Free Event – Limited to 30 participants. Reserve your spot today!
In today's fast changing business landscape, leadership is about more than driving results - it's about building trust, fostering collaboration and leading with purpose. Whether you are running a small business, managing a team or shaping community impact, success comes from connection, clarity and courage. Join Maria Martiniello a in a discussion about community engagement, leadership and networking. Following Maria, Noble Lord Arjan Streutker turns inspiration into connection with an experiential networking event - a guided wine tasting. This elegant experience invites attendees to unwind, reflect and connect - transforming professional networking into something memorable and meaningful. $30 – Wine & Cheese – Limited to 40 participants. Reserve your spot today!
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
An informal meetup of entrepreneurs, startup founders and business owners. Just show up, buy a coffee or breakfast and connect with other entrepreneurs building great businesses. You never know who you'll meet. Free event – Limited to 15 participants. Reserve your spot today!
START UP SUCCESS - Cochrane Pitch Party • 11:00am - 1:00pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Step into the spotlight! Entrepreneurs can pre-register to deliver a fast-paced 3-minute pitch to our panel of judges and live audience. Judges will crown a winner, the crowd will choose a People’s Choice, and 8–10 bold ideas will compete for exciting prizes. Refreshments provided. Lunch Included $10 Limited to 30 participants. Register today!
Join the experts from Prospect Employment Services and get a head start on building your resume and preparing for a successful interview. Free event – Limited to 30 participants. Refreshments provided! Register today!
RISKY BUSINESS • 7:00 - 9:00pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Your business is often your largest asset. Is it protected? Are you protected? What about your staff? Your systems? Join local experts in law, finance, accounting and IT to learn more about how to protect your bottom line. Free event, register here! Limited to 30 participants. 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.
Join our local experts including Reid Kimmet of Two Pharmacy, Ryan Baum of Cochrane Toyota for "This Is How We Do It" and discover the hyper-local, unique marketing tactics that actually drive brand awareness and sales right here in our community. $10 includes lunch. Limited to 30 participants. Register today!
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. Free event - Limited to 30 participants. Register today!
Join Afton Brazzoni of Scribe National and Cerys Thompson of CT Communications for an engaging session on the power of strategy in marketing. Learn how thoughtful planning and clear direction can help you focus your efforts and maximize the impact of your marketing. Free event, Register Here - Limited to 30 participants. Refreshments provided.
MARKETING TIPS YOU CAN USE TODAY • 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. Free event, Register Here - Limited to 30 participants. Refreshments provided.
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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.
Step away from the boardroom and join us for a fresh-air networking experience. Lea Wiens from Meaningful Movement will help us kick start the 4th day of Small Business Week a morning stroll through downtown Cochrane. Think of it as a walking meeting with new friends: a chance to connect with fellow 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 a coffee and light snacks while we share ideas on creating a culture of wellness in the workplace. We will notify of any changes due to weather via email by 7 am on the day of the walk. Weather dependent. Wear comfortable weather-appropriate clothing and shoes! Free event, Register Here - Limited to 20 participants. Refreshments Provided.
Stop guessing and start thriving with this intensive workshop that uses the proprietary Organizational Readiness Assessment (ORA) to diagnose your business’s health and build lasting resilience across seven key areas. Free event, Register Here - Limited to 30 participants. Refreshments Provided.
WOMEN ROCKING IT - Ted Talk Cochrane Style • 12:30pm - 2:00pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
They've been there, they've done that, and they continue to move forward. Join local entrepreneurs Nancy Etcheverry from Tim Hortons & Firehouse Subs, Leithe Holowaity from Shoppers Drug Mart, Jamila Godfrey from Village of Play and Amanda Tulk from West Valley Chiropractic as they share their stories, challenges, and overcoming obstacles in a unique Tedx style format. Celebrating women in business, paving the way for what's next! $10 Lunch Included. Limited to 30 participants - Reserve your spot today!
COCHRANE 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! Register Here!
AI FOR SMALL BUSINESS - Getting Started • 7:00pm - 8:30pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Running a business with limited time, people and resources? Discover how AI can work for you. AI gurus Andrew and Jaco will share practical AI tools and examples you can start using today. Free event - Limited to 30 participants. Refreshments Provided. Register Here!
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.
A roadmap to Cochrane's 10-year Economic Development Strategic Plan. Join us to listen, learn and connect on Cochrane 2050. Limited to 30 participants. Free to attend, with refreshments provided! Register Here!
Your business is your legacy—don't leave its future to chance. Join top financial, legal, and operational experts at Mastering Your Business Transition, the essential conference for owners ready to plan their next chapter. This isn't just about selling; it's about maximizing value, minimizing tax burden, and ensuring a smooth, successful transition for yourself, your employees, and your customers. Limited to 30 participants Free to attend, with refreshments provided! Register here!
SPEED NETWORKING BINGO LUNCH • 12:00pm - 2:00pm • The Station at Cochrane Crossing
Hosted by Stacey Scott & Cerys Thompson, this speed networking will be sure to lead you to new connections! Mix, mingle, and make connections fast in this fun, interactive networking lunch. Limited to 18 participants. $10 admission includes lunch! Register Here!
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!
Limited tickets available till October 17th!
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR GALA TICKETS TODAY
*All event program is subject to change. We hope to see you at Small Business Week!