Planning with Pride: Why Every Bow Valley Business Needs a Strategic Roadmap
In a region as unique and dynamic as the Bow Valley, running a business often means reacting to the season, the weather, and the unexpected. But while flexibility is essential, so is strategy. That’s why the Bow Valley Pride Network recently hosted a strategic planning workshop for 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and small business owners, to reframe business planning as a tool for empowerment, not pressure.
Whether you run a guiding company, a salon, a non-profit, or a market stall, a business plan isn't about predicting the future, it's about preparing for it with clarity and confidence.
Why Planning Matters in the Bow Valley
Living and working in the Bow Valley comes with incredible opportunity and some real challenges. Our local economy is deeply tied to tourism. Housing and staffing can shift with the seasons. Entrepreneurs are often juggling multiple roles just to keep things running.
A good business or strategic plan helps you move from reactive to proactive. It does more than check a funding box; it sets a direction, anchors your team, and helps you measure progress.
Here’s what a strategic plan can do for you:
Clarify your vision for the next 1–5 years
Identify market opportunities unique to our region
Set achievable goals with concrete tactics
Prepare for change, whether it's a new competitor or a staffing gap
Track your success through KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
What Goes Into a Strong Plan?
The March 2025 workshop, led by facilitator Michelle Gurney, walked participants through key building blocks of a business or strategic plan. Here are some of the essentials:
Company Overview: What have you achieved so far? What do you offer? Who do you serve?
Mission, Vision & Values: These are more than words. They shape how you lead, hire, and grow. For many local queer-owned businesses, values like community building, intersectionality, and inclusive hospitality are at the core.
Market & Competitor Analysis: Understanding your place in the Bow Valley means knowing your competitors, suppliers, and customer base. Tools like SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) and Porter’s Five Forces can help.
Goal Setting: Great goals are challenging but achievable. The best ones have clear tactics and timelines—and they leave room to adapt.
12-Month Action Plan: This breaks your big ideas into next steps. Who’s doing what, and by when?
Financial Plan: Know your costs, revenue, and break-even points. Even a basic financial snapshot helps you make smarter decisions.
The Real Work is in the Doing
As Michelle reminded participants, “What matters most is implementation.” Many entrepreneurs stall at the planning stage because the process feels overwhelming. But planning doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful.
Instead of waiting for the “right time,” consider this: What’s one goal you can set today? Then list five actions you could take this year to move toward it.
Free Tools to Get You Started
Looking to dive in? Check out BDC’s Strategic Planning Toolkit for templates and guidance.
The Bow Valley Pride Network is also here to support 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs through mentorship, business development, and connections with other inclusive organizations across the region.
Ready to Turn Your Vision into Action? Start with SMARTstart.
If you’re a 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneur in the Bow Valley—or an ally building a more inclusive business—the SMARTstart program is here to support you. Led by the Bow Valley Pride Network, this free, locally tailored program offers practical business workshops, community mentorship, and peer support to help you confidently grow your business or idea.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to solidify your foundation, SMARTstart will help you:
Build your first (or next) business plan
Learn about marketing, finances, and inclusive business practices
Connect with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs
Set clear goals and stay accountable through monthly check-ins
Navigate the unique challenges of running a business in Banff or Canmore
Applications are now open for the Fall 2025 cohort.
Spots are limited, and preference is given to 2SLGBTQIA+ residents of the Bow Valley. Allies are welcome to apply and will be considered as space allows.
Learn more and apply at: pridenetwork.ca/smartstart
Let’s build a future where queer-owned and inclusive businesses thrive, right here in the Rockies.
