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Catalyst Incubator

PROJECT ROLES

Project Manager, Program Facilitator & Coach

"I feel so fortunate to have been able to be a part of this program! Every week was filled with valuable information and connections. Suzanne and Cathy were a wealth of knowledge and resources and really pushed me to keep going and because of them I feel like my product has been launched forward more steps then if I kept struggling on my own!" - Incubator Student (Winter 2025)


"The CARIN Incubator was exactly what I needed when I didn't even know I needed it. The program gave me the skills, confidence, and laser sharp focus to accelerate the growth of my business and work towards becoming profitable. I can not thank this program, and all the facilitators and guest speakers that brought forward invaluable insight and skills that I will carry forever. I would recommend that if you're thinking about the incubator, don't wait until you're ready. Hop in, and you'll be surprised at how ready you are." - Incubator Student (Fall 2024 Cohort)

Project Sponsor

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Catalyst Incubator

August 2021 to March 2026


Objectives

The Catalyst Incubator Program, developed alongside Community Futures Central Alberta has a robust list of objectives.  

  • Foster innovation and validate new ideas 

  • Build community connections 

  • Promote economic resilience in Central Alberta 

  • Support start-up businesses through training, coaching, and entrepreneurship.  

  •  to grow resiliency and prosperity for the future of our Alberta economy. 


Summary of Work Done

In 2021 the 8-week program was developed and over the years each of the original objectives of the program has been refined, enhanced and improved upon. The original objectives included:

  1. Worked with the Community Futures Central Alberta and the Central Alberta Innovation Network (CARIN) to define and create a STARTUP Incubator.

  2. Developed and execute a Marketing and Communication Strategy that increases the awareness of the program and its partners.

  3. Developed two cohort incubators comprised of 5 to 7 industry focused companies’ incubators that includes weekly programmed sessions, market and customer validation assignments, coaching, mentorship, network building and a celebration event.

  4. Brought in industry experts from the community and eco-system to help strengthen the entrepreneurs’ business ideas,

  5. Created a community/network that connects entrepreneurs with other entrepreneurs, companies, and organizations and provides access to experts in emerging technology so the companies can start to think about how to apply emerging technology to their idea.

  6. Worked with partners organizations and Platform Calgary to build on and develop early‐stage entrepreneur. The curriculum will be developed to ensure consistent training across the province and streamline the execution and delivery.

  7. Developed key evaluation and feedback criteria for the project, the program, and the entrepreneurs.

 

The Catalyst Incubator Program has successfully launched multiple cohorts, focusing on sectors such as Manufacturing, Agriculture, Technology, and Energy Innovation. Each cohort receives 8-weeks of intensive training, coaching, and mentorship. This program continues to facilitate critical connections between entrepreneurs and key stakeholders in the community and industry. Throughout program participation, entrepreneurs are guided through the process of validating their business ideas and developing viable business plans. This has included coaching around market research, resource gathering, and strategic planning.



Outcomes and Benefits

The Catalyst Incubator Program has contributed to the economic resilience and prosperity of Central Alberta by nurturing new businesses and promoting strategic development.


Project Contributors

Each Cohort of the Catalyst Incubator is connected to 40 to 50 relevant connections in the community.  

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