SMARTstart program celebrates 2025 entrepreneur graduates

AIRDRIE, ALBERTA – Airdrie’s entrepreneurial spirit was on full display this September as the SMARTstart program celebrated the graduation of its 2025 cohort – an inspiring group of emerging business owners who are ready to make their mark on the local economy.

This year, 12 entrepreneurs representing 11 new and growing businesses completed the seven-month training and mentorship program, which is designed to equip Airdrie residents with the tools, knowledge and confidence to launch and grow successful ventures.

Graduates and mentors pose for a photo during the SMARTstart Program Celebration Event at the Town & Country Centre on Thursday, September 25, 2025 in Airdrie.
Britton Ledingham/iEvolve Media

Delivered by City of Airdrie, in partnership with Community Futures Centre West, SMARTstart pairs entrepreneurs with experienced local business mentors and provides a blend of workshops, online learning and peer-to-peer networking. Since its inception in 2014, the program has supported over 150 entrepreneurs, helping to strengthen Airdrie’s small business landscape.

“SMARTstart is more than a training program – it’s a launchpad,” said Jessica Williamson, Program Coordinator. “Each graduate walks away with a customized business, strategic, or feasibility plan and the mentorship they receive is often the catalyst that turns ideas into thriving enterprises.”

The 2025 cohort tackled topics ranging from marketing and finance to taxation and networking. Participants also gained access to MasterClass at Work, enhancing their learning with insights from world-renowned entrepreneurs.

“As a new business owner, I hoped SMARTstart would help me better understand the basics — but it’s provided so much more,” said Karl Louder of Summit Spine Centre. “The breadth of topics covered and their immediate applicability are already helping guide our business into the future. My biggest takeaway has been a shift in mindset: learning to dream big and seeing entrepreneurship as a powerful vehicle to do good at both the micro and macro levels. I feel fortunate to live in a city that champions aspiring entrepreneurs and grateful to have learned from everyone who make this program possible — mentors, presenters, organizers and fellow participants.”

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 2026 SMARTstart program open on October 20, 2025, with space for up to 20 entrepreneurs. Preference will be given to those who have completed the Discover program, an eight-week pre-accelerator that helps validate business ideas.

For more information, visit airdriecommon.ca.

2025 SMARTstart participants:

  • Vicki Drysdale, Victorious Express
  • David Marck, DealFinder Auctions
  • 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, Summit Spine Centre (formerly Lees Chiropractic)
  • Paul Tait, Better Call Paul Fabrication and Design
  • Amanda Williams, Sweet Williams Company

2025 SMARTstart mentors:

  • David Barchard, Micro Acres
  • Melanie Beingessner, Blessingways Family Wellness
  • Jennifer Benner, former owner Benner Database Designs
  • Tia Callaway, Legacy Place Society
  • Darcy Forbes, Vitreous Glass
  • Ankur Goklaney, CIR Realty
  • 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
  • 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:

  • Title Sponsor: BDC
  • Seminar Sponsor: 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)