2SLGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurship
Your future-self will thank you.
SMARTstart
SMARTstart is a made-in-Alberta 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 is an entrepreneurial training program with three components: online learning, in-person seminars, and mentorship. Banff Pride is pleased to offer SMARTstart to our community, in partnership with the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce. The program is delivered over 8 months, with one intake per year. The program is for anyone within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community with a business idea, or new business owners in their first 3 years of operation, seeking to base their businesses in the Bow Valley.
Key Program Dates
Information Sessions
August 13 & 29
Student Applications Open
August 01
Application Deadline
September 06
Selection Process & Interviews
September 09 - 13
Applicants Notified
September 16
Program Launch
October 01
Workshops & Online Learning
October - March
Draft Plan Submission Due
Second Draft Plan Submission Due
Final Plan Submission Due
Program End and Graduation Event
2SLGBTQIA+ Entrepreneurship
The Bow Valley Pride Network is dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ business owners and entrepreneurs within our diverse tourism landscape. Recognizing the importance of diversity in ensuring economic growth, we are proud to deliver the SMARTstart program in partnership with the Bow Valley Chamber of Commerce. 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 Bow Valley.
The Mentorship Program
SMARTstart Mentorship is an opportunity for experienced business owners to connect with and guide the next generation of business owners. The goal is to increase the likelihood of success for local aspiring entrepreneurs by providing mentoring and guidance over an eight-month timeframe. Our mentors often find that working with entrepreneurs at the start of their business ownership journey 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 share your wisdom, business expertise, and lessons learned with entrepreneurs who are just getting into the game.
Mentor applications are open year-round. Apply now!
Learning
Online learning
100 Essential Business Skills™ program
15 classes to complete on your own time
Video lessons – plus downloadable summaries, quizzes and slides
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 not for everyone. It’s designed for a specific stage of business, and for individuals who can meet the demands of the program.
Time commitment
Here’s what you can expect:
Program runs over 7 months, from October to April
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 3 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 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.
