SMARTstart Airdrie

Looking for fresh ideas, practical advice and connections that matter?

Join us on August 18 for Mentor Meetup, where Airdrie startups connect with experienced business owners and fellow entrepreneurs in a fast-paced, interactive setting.

If your licensed Airdrie business has been operating for less than three years, don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect and grow.

Great conversations. New perspectives. Real takeaways. Free to attend.

Register: https://airdriecommon.ca/mentor-meetup/

We can think of a few SMARTstarters that have completed this Startup Triathlon. Start with Discover on September 1!

Better Call Paul Fab and Design - Mobile Car Audio
Victorious Express
Envision OT

Building a successful business doesn't happen by accident. That's why we've created a step-by-step pathway to help entrepreneurs move from idea to startup with the skills, confidence, and financial knowledge they need to succeed.

💡Discover (Sept. 1 to Oct. 13)
Test and validate your business idea before investing significant time and money.

💰Cashflow Canvas (Oct. 21 and 28)
Build a realistic budget and financial forecast to understand your path to profitability.

📈SMARTstart
Access training, mentorship, and support to launch and grow your venture. Applications for the 2027 cohort open Oct. 19.

Together, these programs provide a clear pathway from concept to company. Whether you're exploring an idea or preparing to launch, we're here to help you take the next step.

🔗Learn more about these programs at airdriecommon.ca

Over the past two years, Dr. Mo Korayem has balanced running a successful orthodontic practice while also growing Ground Press Coffee & Books into a recognizable part of Airdrie's business community.

His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

"Don't be afraid to fail. Failure is fine, but always try to fail as cheaply and painlessly as possible. You wouldn't walk a tightrope over a canyon the first time you try it."

That mindset is exactly what Discover is all about.

Before you commit significant time, money and energy to a new venture, Discover helps you test your assumptions, validate customer demand and determine whether your idea has real market potential.

This six-session program is designed to help entrepreneurs reduce risk, make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.

⚠️ Registration is closing soon. The next cohort starts September 1. www.airdriecommon.ca/discover

"Impexpro was created to help Canadian companies access high quality European industrial and electrical equipment at competitive prices. I saw a clear gap between what businesses needed and what they could access locally, and I knew I could bridge that gap with reliable sourcing and faster procurement."

Learn more about Serhii Shalimov and Impexpro Ltd., in the summer issue of airdrielife magazine.

Thank you to airdrielife magazine for giving back to Airdrie and showcasing our SMARTstart entrepreneurs and their ventures!

Tara Pickford has a message for aspiring entrepreneurs: slow down before you scale up.

As a business owner and mentor, Tara has seen too many entrepreneurs fall in love with an idea before confirming there's a real market for it.

Before investing significant time or money, it's critical to understand whether you're solving a problem customers actually want solved and are willing to pay for.

That's exactly what Discover is designed to help you do.

Through guided market research and customer validation, Discover helps entrepreneurs test assumptions, gather real feedback and gain the clarity needed to move forward with confidence.

Taking the time to validate your business idea today can help you avoid costly pivots, stress, and burnout tomorrow.

Our next cohort starts September: www.airdriecommon.ca/discover

"I’m a lifelong learner and free spirit who believes deeply in the ripple effects of healing. My approach connects body and mind to help people access their own inner wisdom and create sustainable change."

Learn more about Stephanie Warner and Embodied Wisdom Counselling and Somatics, in the summer issue of airdrielife magazine.

Thank you to airdrielife magazine for giving back to Airdrie and showcasing our SMARTstart entrepreneurs and their ventures!

"The idea began with my son who has always loved building. When we discovered Young Engineers, I knew it was something our community needed too."

Learn more about Catherine Greenwood and Young Engineers Airdrie, in the summer issue of airdrielife magazine.

Thank you to airdrielife magazine magazine for giving back to Airdrie and showcasing our SMARTstart entrepreneurs and their ventures!

CPA Marnie Marr works with business owners and their financials every day and she’s seen firsthand what sets successful entrepreneurs apart.

The businesses most likely to thrive are the ones that start with solid market research and realistic cash flow projections. Without those foundations, entrepreneurs can put both their business and personal financial stability at risk.

That’s why Airdrie has two practical tools for aspiring business owners:

🔍 Discover helps you validate your business idea with market research and customer insights.
📈 Cashflow Canvas helps you build financial projections and understand the numbers before you launch.

Protect your future by taking the right steps from the start.

Learn more: www.airdriecommon.ca/discover
www.airdriecommon.ca/cashflowcanvas

SMARTstart’s mentors at large are available to all entrepreneurs throughout their seven months in the program.

Meet Melody McClain, Owner, MJ McClain, CPA

What is the best advice you received from a mentor: Don't confuse busy with effective. Figure out which actions move the needle, write them down, track them, and review results against a few clear measures.

What do you wish you learned at the beginning of your own business journey: Saying no is a growth strategy. When you're clear about where you're headed and selective, you protect your focus, avoid burnout, and make space for the right opportunities to show up.

"I’m driven by freedom, integrity and the satisfaction of seeing clients’ reactions when a project exceeds expectations. My mission is to deliver renovations and builds that stand the test of time, guided by core values of fairness, accountability and lasting quality."

Learn more about Dietrich Tiessen and Tiessen Construction, in the summer issue of airdrielife magazine.

Thank you to airdrielife magazine for giving back to Airdrie and showcasing our SMARTstart entrepreneurs and their ventures!