Two people shaking hands, one wearing a yellow top, within a circular frame with yellow accents.

OUR STORY

Community Focused.

Many innovation-driven organizations focus on for-profit businesses, technology and scalability.  At Innovate Cochrane, we prioritize community innovation–creating a foundation for stable, growth-oriented businesses, as well as social and municipal organizations and infrastructure that support a thriving, connected community.

Our Approach

  • Innovate Cochrane has community building at its heart.

    Innovate Cochrane’s vision is to support the creation of a vibrant, connected and diverse community in Cochrane where people can live, work, play, create and prosper. 

    Innovation, defined as a ‘novelty or the introduction of something new’, is essential for growth that meets the needs of our growing community.  Together with like-minded community organizations, government, our schools, investors, entrepreneurs and experts, we are striving for a thriving, diverse, inclusive community - socially, culturally, and economically -  with a lens for innovation in all forms.

    As one of the fastest growing communities in Canada, Cochrane is full of entrepreneurial spirit and action, and our goal is to be a catalyst for economic and social growth that supports our unique geographic position in the Bow Valley and our history of western hospitality and small town charm.

    • Catalyst for entrepreneurial growth.

    • Engagement with individuals, government, industry, education.

    • Connector for actors and resources in a complex system.

    • Community-focused education & training.

  • Innovate Cochrane envisions a future where a vibrant, connected community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and business leaders drives economic prosperity, making Cochrane a top choice for future generations to live, play, and work. Through education, collaboration, and the celebration of local entrepreneurial journeys, we foster a community that elevates the quality of life for all.

  • Innovate Cochrane is a signatory to the Rainforest AB Social Contract, and espouses the values set within.

  • Our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan outlines six key priorities to support the growth and development of our entrepreneurial ecosystem with a community focus.

    • Programs & Events

    • Collaboration

    • Communication & Engagement

    • Governance

    • Financial Sustainability

    • Measurement & Metrics

    These priorities are interconnected and mutually reinforcing. Strong governance, financial sustainability, and effective measurement provide the foundation for successful collaboration, communication, and the delivery of impactful programs and events.

Discover the leaders
driving our vision.

  • Man in a black shirt sitting and smiling against a brick wall background.

    Nathan Klassen

    Founding Member and Chair of the Board of Directors

    BIO
  • Man in black shirt sitting against a brick wall

    Mark Eaton

    Founding Member and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors

    BIO
  • A woman in a dark cardigan and light-colored pants sitting in front of a brick wall.

    Samantha Nickerson

    Founding Member and Treasurer of the Organization

    BIO COMING SOON
  • Person wearing a denim shirt standing in front of a brick wall.

    Jessie Pepin

    Secretary of the Board of Directors

    BIO
  • Smiling person in black shirt against a brick wall

    Juli Rohl

    Director

    BIO
  • Placeholder image with text 'Photo Coming Soon' on a blue background.

    Eric Mohun

    Director

    BIO

be part of something bigger.

We are expanding our Board of Directors group and welcome individuals with nonprofit or corporate board experience.

Join us in shaping the future of Cochrane.

Partners

Collaborations and partnerships are key to Innovate Cochrane’s success as a community-focused organization.  Key partnerships include the Town of Cochrane, PrairiesCan and the Calgary Innovation Coalition - organizations that provide financial and in-kind support for events and programs that support entrepreneurs as well as leadership and business development. 

In addition, Innovate Cochrane has led the creation of the Cochrane Community Innovation Team or CCIT, a group of local organizations that share an interest and passion for organizational and leadership development, support for entrepreneurs and early stage companies and of course, connecting those within the community.

 

Members of the CCIT include the Cochrane Business Incubator, the Cochrane & District Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Centre-West, Explore Cochrane, the Cochrane Business Network and the Town of Cochrane (Economic Development).

Volunteers

Like many non-profit organizations, we’re always looking for volunteers to support our events, programs & overall, helping Innovate Cochrane

Innovate with Us.

We’re exploring ways to share information, engage with local entrepreneurs, and uncover gaps in processes, systems, to better assist entrepreneurs and business leaders in Cochrane and the surrounding area.

Got any suggestions, issues or concerns?

Connect with us

Stay ahead of the curve on innovation in Cochrane!

We’d love to hear from you!