Entrepreneurship starts with an idea, and it grows when you’re surrounded by people who want to see you succeed. Welcome to the 2026 SMARTstart program, a launchpad for Airdrie’s newest innovators and business builders.
Since 2014, SMARTstart has helped more than 165 entrepreneurs gain the skills, confidence and clarity needed to build strong, sustainable businesses. This made‑in‑Airdrie program is designed for those with validated business ideas or early stage businesses operating for less than three years.
Participants take part in a mix of in‑person learning, virtual workshops and practical tools covering planning, marketing, finances, taxation and more. Each entrepreneur is paired with a dedicated mentor — an experienced business owner who offers real‑world guidance, encouragement and accountability.
One of the program’s greatest strengths is the community behind it. Participants gain access to a network of seasoned business owners and alumni who have been there, done that and are eager to share what they’ve learned. Because entrepreneurship is better (and far less lonely) when you don’t walk the path alone.
In this issue, meet five (Tiessen Construction Inc., Embodied Wisdom Consulting and Somatics, Envision OT, Young Engineers Airdrie, and Impexpro Ltd.) of the ten entrepreneurs and the mentors supporting their journey in 2026.
Come back in the Fall issue to meet the rest!
