Business training and prizes available for Alberta business owners

Times Contributor 

 

Every Southern Alberta business owner who is starting or expanding a business is invited to apply for the Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge (CEC), organized and sponsored by Community Futures. The program offers free training to all registrants.

“One of the fundamental pillars of entrepreneurial success is a solid understanding of all aspects of managing and owning a business,” said Darlene Sinclair, General Manager of Community Futures Lethbridge Region, in a prepared statement. “The CEC program covers everything needed in developing a sustainable business plan.”

After the training, business owners will submit their business plans, and a select group of entrants will be awarded cash and prizes from a total of over $75,000. In past years, the challenge offered one grand prize of $10,000. This year, the program will award an additional grand prize of $10,000, plus runner up prizes, to technology-related businesses.

The additional prizes are available because of additional sponsorship, particularly that of ATB Financial. 

“Community Futures is thrilled to have ATB Financial come on as a platinum sponsor this year,” Sinclair said in the statement. “They are a perfect partner for this competition – our mandates are both focused on supporting rural Alberta through our small and medium sized businesses.”

ATB Financial is just as pleased to join this project. 

“It is the legendary Alberta entrepreneurial spirit that makes this province great,” said Gary Friesen, Managing Director, South Team of ATB Financial, in the release. “We have supported Alberta businesses achieve success for over 70 years and welcome the opportunity to help these entrepreneurs make their dreams come true.”

Registration for the Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge is free and is open immediately. Training sessions will take place Wednesday evenings, Feb. 6 to March 27. They are being held live at the University of Lethbridge. They may also be accessed and viewed online, or in a group setting at the Community Futures office.

After training is complete, business plans are due to Community Futures by April 25. The final awards presentation will be held in June.

See www.chinookchallenge.com or call 403-934-8888 for more information or to register.