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. 

  1. Online learning
  2. In-person seminars
  3. Mentorship

The program is for people with a validated business idea and owners who have been in business for less than 3 years.

Program timeline

Applications OpenMonday, February 3, 2025
Virtual Information SessionsTuesday, February 11, 2025 – 6:00-7:00pm
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 – 6:00-7:00pm
Application DeadlineFriday, February 28, 2025
Selection Process & InterviewsMonday, March 3 – Friday, March 14, 2025
Applicants NotifiedMonday, March 17 - Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Program LaunchLate March/Early April 2025
In-Person WorkshopsApril 2025 to October 2025
Online LearningApril 2025 to October 2025
Draft Plan SubmittedJune 2025
Final Draft Plan SubmittedOctober 2025
Program Ends/Celebration EventNovember 2025
smart-start graphic


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.

Application Process

To join SMARTstart, you much first apply and be accepted into the program. Each year there are up to 20 spots available.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

Thank you for your support!