A program that has helped a number of businesses in Airdrie to get started or further grow their businesses is in need of business mentors for this year's program.

 

The SMARTstart entrepreneurial training program is a joint effort between the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce, Airdrie Economic Development and Community Futures West, and is now in its fifth year.  Sara Chamberlain with Economic Development is one of the organizers of the program.  She explains what the program is all about.  "The SMARTstart program is an eight-month training program that we offer to Airdrie residents and Airdrie businesses who are looking to open a business in Airdrie or to get some skills to assist them with their existing business.  Each year we accept up to 20 business into the program, they do some online training, attend 11 in-person workshops, and they are paired with a local business mentor to help them work on a business plan."

Chamberlain says they've just completed the selection process for the 2018 program which starts on March 1st.  The entrepreneurs will be paired with a business mentor shortly after that.  She says they're starting to see an increased demand for the program.

"We've received about twice as many applications as there are spots right now.  It has become a bit of a competitive program to get into and I think that's just due to the popularity that we've now had close to 70 entrepreneurs go through the program in the four years we've run it and we're seeing some good successes with it."

Chamberlain believes that one of the real strengths of the program is the mentorship aspect of it.  "It really is something that the program has become known for and it's really as a result of the fantastic volunteerism we have in our community."

Chamberlain then explains what they're looking for in a SMARTstart mentor.  "We're looking for business owners who have more than seven years running their own business.  We're looking for people who understand the Airdrie business environment and who are knowledgeable about all aspects of running a business.  We're also looking for someone who has about 30 hours of time to volunteer over the course of the eight-month program."

Chamberlain also hopes the mentors are willing to share their experiences as a business owner and pass on tips and advice on how they've become successful.

An award-winning program, SMARTstart has helped many fledgling businesses succeed while it's shown others that business is not the direction for them.  Chamberlain explains, "I would say over 90 percent of the people who've been through SMARTstart have told us it's helped them.  We've had 11 new businesses in Airdrie started by people who've been through the SMARTstart program but we've also had a handful of people come into the program and realize entrepreneurship isn't for them, and we consider that a success as well because then they're not sacrificing their time and money on a venture that might not work out for them in the long run."

If you're interested in becoming a business mentor with the SMARTstart program you can visit www.smartstartbusiness.ca and click on the "Be A Mentor" tab for information and contact details on the program.  

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