ABOUT US
Innovate Cochrane is a community based non-profit organization serving Cochrane, Alberta and the surrounding area. The organization is focused on events and programs that support entrepreneurs and business leaders to launch and grow their businesses, their teams and themselves while meeting the challenges of an ever changing social, economic and political climate.
What makes us unique?
Most innovation-oriented organizations or programs are focused on for-profit businesses, technology and scalability. At Innovate Cochrane, community innovation is the focus, building a foundation for stable, growth-oriented businesses as well as social and municipal organizations and infrastructure that support the further development of an engaged, connected community.
We’re looking at opportunities to share information, create new opportunities to engage and learn, and figure out gaps in the various processes, systems and knowledge to better serve entrepreneurs and leaders in Cochrane and the surrounding area. Ideas? Challenges? Frustrations? Email: executivedirector@innovatecochrane.com
Our Vision
Our vision is to support entrepreneurs and innovators to develop solutions to societal challenges, creating opportunities for skilled employment opportunities and economic growth in our community.
Our Mission
We will support entrepreneurs and innovators in our community through meaningful educational programming, fostering connections amongst people and resources and the storytelling of those on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Our Founders Board
Innovate Cochrane was founded in 2022, and is overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors who bring a wealth of experience as entrepreneurs, change-makers and community builders to the organization.
Left to Right: Nathan Klassen - Chair, Mark Eaton - Vice Chair,
Samantha Nickerson - Treasurer
Innovate Cochrane is building out the Board of Directors group and is seeking Directors and Committee members. Are you experienced on NFP Boards? Corporate Boards? Interested in joining this amazing community-oriented organization?
Email executivedirector@innovatecochrane.com and we can chat!
PARTNERS
Collaborations and partnerships are key to Innovate Cochrane’s success as a community-focused organization. Key partnerships (as of 2024) 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 6 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).
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Iyarhe Nakoda Nations, Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina, and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 4.