2026 entrepreneurs graduate from SMARTstart program, strengthening Airdrie’s small business community

AIRDRIE, ALBERTA – Eleven local entrepreneurs representing 10 new and growing businesses are poised to make their mark on Airdrie’s economy after graduating from SMARTstart, a seven-month business training and mentorship program delivered by the City of Airdrie in partnership with Community Futures Centre West.

The 2026 cohort completed a comprehensive program designed to equip entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge and connections needed to launch and grow successful businesses. Participants represented a wide range of industries, including healthcare, education, construction, professional services, fitness and food and beverage.

Since launching in 2014, SMARTstart has supported more than 165 entrepreneurs while helping strengthen Airdrie’s small business community through mentorship, practical business training and peer networking opportunities.

Throughout the program, participants worked alongside experienced local business mentors while developing customized business, strategic or feasibility plans. They also explored topics including marketing, finance, taxation, networking and business growth strategy.

“I started the program with the intention to understand how to run a business because they don’t teach that in school,” said Stephanie Warner of Embodied Wisdom Counselling and Somatics. “What I came out with was so much more. My idea grew exponentially, from being just myself to expanding my business, and realizing there are endless possibilities for what that could look like. The program truly brought a whole new awareness to the ins and outs of running a successful business. The biggest surprise was discovering the business community here in Airdrie. I didn’t expect so much support to exist for my work, or for businesses in general. It really is a community effort to help entrepreneurs succeed.”

“SMARTstart helps entrepreneurs move from ideas to action,” said Jessica Williamson, Program Coordinator. “Participants gain practical business knowledge, build valuable relationships and leave with a roadmap for growth. The impact extends beyond the individual entrepreneur because every successful business contributes to a stronger and more resilient local economy.”

Graduates will now join SMARTstart Encore, a community of alumni and mentors who continue to support one another through ongoing learning and networking opportunities.

Applications for the 2027 SMARTstart program open on October 19, 2026, with space for up to 20 entrepreneurs. Preference will be given to those who have completed the Discover program, a six-session pre-accelerator that helps validate business ideas.

For more information, visit airdriecommon.ca.

2026 SMARTstart participants:

  • Catherine Greenwood, Young Engineers Airdrie
  • Dietrich Tiessen, Tiessen Construction Inc.
  • Fil Rodriguez, Airdrie Laundromat
  • Heather Campbell, Legacy Health
  • Jocelyn Cromwell, Envision OT
  • Joel Rodda, Lazy J Gin Beverage
  • Kristina Cameron, Sprawl Boxing Inc.
  • Oksana and Pavlo Vasylkov, Neighbours’ Hub
  • Serhii Shalimov, Impexpro Ltd.
  • Stephanie Warner, Embodied Wisdom Counselling and Somatics

2026 SMARTstart mentors:

  • Ankur Goklaney, CIR Realty
  • Brent Park, Liquid Amber Landscape Management Ltd.
  • Darcy Forbes, Vitreous Glass
  • David Barchard, Micro Acres
  • Gary Manocha, Condor Integrity CPA
  • Heather Harke, former owner Shoplift Deals
  • Jennifer Benner, former owner Benner Database Designs
  • Jo-Anne Yau, Miles Davison LLP
  • Kari Lines, former owner Budget Blinds of Airdrie
  • Kelly Paisley, The I.T. Company
  • Lindsey Cybulskie, Thorlakson Feedyards Inc.
  • Melanie Beingessner, Blessingways Family Wellness
  • Melody McClain, MJ McClain CPA
  • Michelle Tennant, LochSmith Consulting
  • Shelley Bitz, BMO
  • Sid Van der Meer, former owner Northwest Equipment Ltd.
  • Tara Pickford, Ambition Performing Arts
  • Tia Callaway, Legacy Place Society
  • Tracy Goodbrand, Irricana Kountry Kennel

The program is made possible with support from the following sponsors:

  • Seminar Sponsor: BDC, MNP
  • Media Sponsors: Airdrie City View, airdrielife, Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • Encore Sponsor: ATB
  • Entrepreneur Sponsors: Blessingways Family Wellness, NWEL Holdings Ltd. (Sid Van der Meer)