2SLGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurship

Your business belongs in the Bow Valley.

SMARTstart

SMARTstart is a eight-month entrepreneurial training program offering tools, mentorship and business planning. It is all about providing real-world business skills and access to the tailor-made advice you need to help set your business up for success.

SMARTstart consists of three components: online learning, in-person workshops, and mentorship. The program is for anyone within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community with a business idea, or new business owners in their first three years of operation, seeking to base their business in the Bow Valley. Bow Valley Pride Network covers all program costs for Queer participants.

Key Program Dates

Applications Open
June 01

Application Deadline
September 05

Selection Process & Interviews
August 22 - September 08

Applicants Notified
September 09

Program Launch
September 11

Workshops & Online Learning
September 2025 - April 2026
Draft Plan Submission Due

Second Draft Plan Submission Due

Final Plan Submission Due
April 2026
Program End and Graduation Event
April 2026

2SLGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurship

The Bow Valley Pride Network is dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ business owners and entrepreneurs within our diverse tourism landscape. Our aim is to provide 2SLGBTQIA+ business owners and entrepreneurs the resources and training needed to start, scale, grow, and maintain their businesses, adapting to new economic realities. Through peer-to-peer programming and mentorship we’re striving to create a stronger, interconnected community of 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and allies, enhancing collaboration and mutual support. Nurturing a thriving, diverse business community that contributes to the unique and vibrant tourism landscape of the Bow Valley.

The Mentorship Program

SMARTstart Mentorship is an opportunity for experienced business owners to connect with and guide the next generation of Bow Valley business owners. The goal is to increase the likelihood of success for local aspiring entrepreneurs by providing mentoring and guidance over a six-month timeframe. Being a mentor is an incredibly rewarding experience. Our mentors often find that working with new business owners reinvigorates their own entrepreneurial spirit.

Remember when you were just starting out in business? Your enthusiasm, the long hours, and just how much you wished you had someone to bounce your ideas off? SMARTstart is your chance to give back to the Bow Valley business community and share your expertise with entrepreneurs who are just getting into the game.

Mentor applications are open year-round. Apply now!

Learning

Online learning

MasterClass at Work

  • Modules to complete on your own time

  • Short video lessons – plus downloadable e-book, worksheets and quizzes

Workshops

In-person/virtual small group sessions

  • 11 sessions (1.5 hours each), alternating between lunch and evening sessions to accommodate work and personal schedules

  • Topics include financing, marketing, taxation, networking and more

  • Delivered by local experts

  • Plus two to three fun Peer-to-Peer sessions where you share ideas with fellow participants and mentors in an informal setting

Mentorship

Each entrepreneur is paired with an experienced local business owner (volunteer mentor)

  • Mentors share their experiences and effective small business management practices

  • Mentors provide guidance to entrepreneurs as they develop their plan

Eligibility & Commitment

SMARTstart is designed for for individuals in an early stage of business, who can meet the demands of the program.

Time commitment

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Program runs over eight months, with two intakes:
    September 2025 - April 2026
    September 2026 - April 2027

  • Entrepreneurs spend about 40 hours completing online and in-person training

  • Workshop times alternate between lunch and evenings to accommodate work and personal schedules

  • Participants must be self-motivated and have the time necessary to complete their plan

  • Time with mentors is agreed upon and scheduled between the entrepreneur and the mentors. Mentors commit to spending about 30 hours assisting their entrepreneur.

  • We estimate SMARTstart takes about 10 hours a month

Entrepreneurs truly get out of SMARTstart what they put into it!

Who is eligible?

  • People with an idea for a business

  • New business owners that have been in operation for less than three years

  • Bow Valley residents (or entrepreneurs who have/will have a business located within the Bow Valley)

  • 18 years of age or older

Businesses from any industry are welcome. SMARTstart is designed for entrepreneurs who have a desire to grow/expand their business.

Representatives from multi-level marketing companies are not eligible for the program. Independently owned and operated franchises are eligible to participate in SMARTstart.

Program cost

With the support of the CGLCC, the Government of Canada and program sponsors, SMARTstart is FREE to all 2SLGBTQIA+ participants.

The value of the SMARTstart program is calculated at well over $1,000!

Application & Selection Process

To join SMARTstart, you much first apply and be accepted into the program. Each year there are up to 20 spots available.

A committee made up of business advisors, mentors, and program organizers review all applications. Applications are evaluated on criteria, not first come first serve. In some cases, applicants are interviewed.

Due to the popularity of SMARTstart, not all applicants are accepted into the program.

SMARTstart Success Stories