To celebrate the backbone of the local economy, Cochrane’s business community is preparing to host a series of events for Small Business week From Oct. 16 to 22.
Through six different programs and activities planned between Oct. 18 and 20, local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to network, learn, and collaborate with other businesses in the area.
The joint effort is being organized by Town of Cochrane Economic Development, Cochrane Business Network, Cochrane Tourism, The Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce, and Entrepreneur School KS&Co.
In addition to the series of networking events, the programming will take place in the new innovation space inside The Station, the new Town building located on Railway Street. The 2,000-square-foot area will be open to businesses and groups as part of programming that will be developed over time.
Kelly Carson, the executive director of the Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce, says small business week is a time that brings committed members of the local business community together.
“So, what we want to do from the chamber’s standpoint is to get those people in a room, networking, and allow each other to exchange ideas and talk about the good things and trials and tribulations,” Carson said.
Small Business Week is celebrated across Canada to acknowledge the businesses that benefit the economy and employ millions of Canadians.
Through the local events scheduled for the week, Carson hopes to demonstrate the importance it has for Cochrane.
“It’s an integral part of what goes on and you only have to live in a town like Cochrane to find out how important the small business community is,” he said. “When you walk downtown and see the small mom-and-pop businesses, and how important that is, to employ people and keeping the town functionable.”
Carson looks forward to the planned events and meeting all the new business owners in town. He added the networking opportunities the events offer will benefit everyone, and he is amazed by the collaboration between the organizers to pull everything together.
“Doing this kind of stuff together really shows our communities that we are united…and I am really proud of that,” Carson said.
Taking part in some of the events and addressing attendees for the official welcoming ceremony at The Station on Oct. 19, at 9 a.m., Mike Korman, interim director of planning and development services with the Town of Cochrane, said he looks forward to seeing members of the local business community in the new space to share new opportunities and resources, and bounce ideas off of each other.
“Using the innovations space for what it’s meant to do, to bring businesses together, and to provide opportunities – I think that’s what I’m looking forward to,” Korman said.
