SMARTstart 2025 kicks off
AIRDRIE, ALBERTA – The 2025 SMARTstart entrepreneurial training program officially started on Wednesday, Feb. 26 with a dynamic group of local entrepreneurs working to launch or expand their businesses.
“Starting a business can be a lonely and challenging endeavor and this program helps participants build a strong entrepreneurial community and skillset, ultimately establishing successful businesses,” says Jessica Williamson, SMARTstart Program Coordinator. “Support is imperative, as one third of new businesses in Canada do not survive their first five years.”
The 12 entrepreneurs in this year’s program make up the 12th cohort of SMARTstart participants. At the launch event, participants and mentors were introduced through a “speed connecting” session to help them get to know each other.
Launching in 2014, SMARTstart has assisted 154 local entrepreneurs with their new business or business ideas. As a result, 29 new businesses have opened their doors and 43 businesses have expanded their operations or services.
Over the course of seven months, the entrepreneurs will complete online learning, participate in workshops and work with a mentor on the completion of a business, feasibility or strategic plan.
The mentorship group is made up of volunteers from the Airdrie business community whose background and knowledge is a key part of the experience for entrepreneurs. The program is rounded out by many businesses and non-profit organizations that support the program with generous sponsorships and expertise via facilitation of workshops.
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 needs of Airdrie small businesses. Locally, the program is delivered by City of Airdrie Economic Development and Community Futures Centre West (CFCWest).
While the SMARTstart program is delivered just once a year, there are many other AEC programs to support Airdrie entrepreneurs. Discover launches May 6, 2025 and helps entrepreneurs to test new business ideas. The Cashflow Canvas supports businesses to build a profitable budget and has multiple sessions open for registration this spring. Mentor Meetup provides a taste of mentorship for those in a business growth phase and AdvanceSMART is a mentorship program for Airdrie businesses experiencing high growth.
2025 SMARTstart participants:
Entrepreneurs with an idea:
- Vicki Drysdale, Victorious Express
- David Marck, DealFinder.ca
New business owners (in operation less than three years):
- Charlie Beaulieu, Tidal Accounting
- Erin Belley, Magnolia Tattoo Collective
- Kerri Conway, Bodhi Balance Holistic Health
- Dafne Hunt, MaramHub
- Craig Johnson, PreventX Inc.
- Lindsey Leicht and Tracy Wright, Glitch Gaming Lounge
- Karl Louder (Associate), Lees Chiropractic
- Paul Tait, Better Call Paul Fabrication and Design
- Amanda Williams, Sweet Williams Company
2025 SMARTstart one-on-one mentors:
- David Barchard, Micro Acres
- Melanie Beingessner, Blessingways Family Wellness
- Jennifer Benner, Benner Database Designs
- Tia Callaway, Sonic Coaching
- Darcy Forbes, Vitreous Glass
- Ankur Goklaney, La Capitale Financial Security
- Tracy Goodbrand, Irricana Kountry Kennel
- Heather Harke, former owner Shoplift Deals
- Dawnie McElligott, At Dawn Wellness
- Kelly Paisley, The I.T. Company
- Brent Park, Liquid Amber Landscape Management Ltd
- Mark Quintin, Kaizen Insurance & Financial Services
2025 SMARTstart mentors at large:
- Shelley Bitz, BMO
- Kari Lines, Budget Blinds of Airdrie
- Gary Manocha, Condor Integrity CPA
- Tara Pickford, Ambition Performing Arts
- Michelle Tennant, LochSmith Consulting
- Jo-Anne Yau, Miles Davison LLP
The program is made possible with support from the following sponsors:
- Seminar Sponsors: BDC, MNP
- Media Sponsors: Air 106.1 / Discover Airdrie, Airdrie City View, airdrielife
- Encore Sponsor: Beckie Ryan
- Entrepreneur Sponsors: Blessingways Family Wellness, NWEL Holdings Ltd. (Sid Van der Meer)
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