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SMARTstart Program
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
- Mentorship
Application Process
To join SMARTstart, you must first apply and be accepted into the program. Each year, there are up to 20 spots available for entrepreneurs and 20 spots available for mentors. Be sure to complete all sections of the online application form. Be as descriptive and thorough as possible. It is encouraged to provide supporting materials such as a resume, business plan draft, market research, 2-minute pitch video, etc. Please see the SMARTstart application questions that can help you prepare you for your application.
The program is for people with a validated business idea and owners who have been in business for less than 3 years. The deadline to apply is March 31.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY!
Program timeline
| Applications Open | Monday, February 3, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Virtual Information Sessions | |
| In-person Information Session | |
| Application Deadline | |
| Selection Process & Interviews | Tuesday, April 1 – Friday, April 11, 2025 |
| Applicants Notified | Monday, April 14 - Friday, April 18, 2025 |
| Program Launch | Mid April 2025 |
| In-Person Workshops | May 2025 to November 2025 |
| Online Learning | May 2025 to November 2025 |
| Draft Plan Submitted | July 2025 |
| Final Draft Plan Submitted | November 2025 |
| Program Ends/Celebration Event | December 2025 |
Learning
Workshops
- In-person/virtual small group sessions
- 11 sessions (1.5 hours each), alternating between lunch & evening sessions to accommodate work and personal schedules
- Topics include financing, marketing, taxation, networking and more
- Delivered by local experts
- Plus 2-3 interactive Peer-to-Peer sessions to 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
Learn more about being a mentor
Online learning
- Through MasterClass at Work
- Modules correspond with core competencies covered during workshops
- Downloadable playbooks with exercises to practice and apply learning
- Access for approximately 1 year
Plan creation
Having a plan is what SMARTstart is all about.
Each entrepreneur walks away from SMARTstart with a plan they have created to set their business up for success.
- One of three plans are completed: a business plan, feasibility study or strategic plan
- Mentors and program organizers provide tools and support
The creation of a plan is foundational to SMARTstart. It is expected all participants complete or update a plan by the end of the program.
Eligibility
- People with an idea for a business
- New business owners that have been in operation for less than 3 years
- Spruce Grove residents (or entrepreneurs who have/will have a business located within Spruce Grove)
- 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.
Time commitment
- Program runs over 8 months, from March to November
- Entrepreneurs spend about 40 hours completing online and in-person training
- 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
Entrepreneurs truly get out of SMARTstart what they put into it!
Selection Process
A committee made up of business advisors, bankers, and program organizers review all applications. In some cases, applicants are interviewed.
Due to the popularity of SMARTstart, not all applicants are accepted into the program.
Program Cost
This program costs $295, which provides valuable tools, mentorship, and business planning over 8 months to help entrepreneurs succeed.
Questions?
Want more information? Contact Monique Pelletier at mpelletier@sprucegrove.org or at (780) 962-7634 Ext. 519.
Thank you for your support!
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