Eleven Airdrie entrepreneurs kick off 2026 SMARTstart training program

AIRDRIE, ALBERTA – A new cohort of local entrepreneurs took their first steps toward launching or growing their businesses as the 2026 SMARTstart entrepreneurial training program officially kicked off on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

“Entrepreneurship is full of possibility and SMARTstart ensures no one has to navigate it alone,” says Jessica Williamson, SMARTstart Program Coordinator. “By connecting entrepreneurs with mentors, training and a supportive community, the program helps turn great ideas into successful local businesses.”

This year’s 11 entrepreneurs make up the 13th SMARTstart cohort. The launch event paired participants with their volunteer mentors through an energetic “speed connecting” session designed to spark early relationship-building.

Since launching in 2014, SMARTstart has supported 166 local entrepreneurs at the idea or early business stage. Of those participants, 34 new businesses have opened in Airdrie and 46 businesses have expanded their operations or services.

Over the seven‑month program, entrepreneurs will complete online learning modules, participate in interactive workshops and work one‑on‑one with a mentor to develop a business, feasibility, or strategic plan.

The program’s mentor team is made up of experienced Airdrie business leaders who volunteer their time and expertise. SMARTstart is also strengthened by numerous local business and non-profit partners who contribute as sponsors and workshop facilitators.

SMARTstart is an award‑winning program developed by Airdrie Entrepreneur Common (AEC), a non-profit society providing resources, training and mentorship to support the start-up and growth of Airdrie small businesses. Locally, the program is delivered in partnership by City of Airdrie Economic Development and Community Futures Centre West.

Although SMARTstart runs once a year, AEC offers several additional programs for entrepreneurs throughout the year. The Cashflow Canvas helps businesses build profitable budgets and includes a spring session tailored for startups. Mentor Meetup provides new businesses with a brief introduction to mentorship, while AdvanceSMART offers team-based mentorship for high-growth Airdrie companies.

2026 SMARTstart participants:

Entrepreneurs with an idea:

  • Joel Rodda, Lazy J Gin Beverage
  • Oksana and Pavlo Vasylkov, Coffee/drinks cozy place with D&D and tabletop games

New business owners (in operation less than three years):

  • Catherine Greenwood, Young Engineers Airdrie
  • Dietrich Tiessen, Tiessen Construction Inc.
  • Fil Rodriguez, Airdrie Laundromat
  • Heather Campbell, Legacy Health
  • Jocelyn Cromwell, Envision OT
  • Kristina Cameron, Sprawl Boxing Inc.
  • Serhii Shalimov, Impexpro Ltd.
  • Stephanie Warner, Embodied Wisdom Counselling and Somatics

2026 SMARTstart one-on-one mentors:

  • Ankur Goklaney, CIR Realty
  • Darcy Forbes, Vitreous Glass
  • David Barchard, Micro Acres
  • Heather Harke, former owner Shoplift Deals
  • Jennifer Benner, former owner Benner Database Designs
  • Jo-Anne Yau, Miles Davison LLP
  • Kelly Paisley, The I.T. Company
  • Lindsey Cybulskie, Thorlakson Feedyards Inc.
  • Michelle Tennant, LochSmith Consulting
  • Tara Pickford, Ambition Performing Arts
  • Tracy Goodbrand, Irricana Kountry Kennel

2026 SMARTstart mentors at large:

  • Brent Park, Liquid Amber Landscape Management Ltd.
  • Gary Manocha, Condor Integrity CPA
  • Kari Lines, Budget Blinds of Airdrie
  • Melanie Beingessner, Blessingways Family Wellness
  • Melody McClain, MJ McClain CPA
  • Shelley Bitz, BMO
  • Sid Van der Meer, former owner Northwest Equipment Ltd.
  • Tia Callaway, Sonic Coaching

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

  • Seminar Sponsors: 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)