Business Training & Programs In Highwood

Want to expand your skill set? We offer a wide range of business training programs and upskilling opportunities, from health and safety training to quick-start business intensives.

Learn how to market your business, understand basic accounting, and explore how to attract and retain talent as a rural business.

Our small business programs provide training and support for rural businesses across Highwood. Our goal is to help your company thrive by offering you access to specialized services like accounting workshops, marketing seminars, and so much more. We're here for entrepreneurs just like you - take advantage of our programs today and learn the skills you need to succeed.

Starting and running a small business can be tough. Studies show that only 35% of new businesses survive in the first five years.

SMARTstart’s purpose is to provide real-world business skills, access to tailor-made guidance and create a support network to increase the chance of new businesses surviving those first crucial years.

Mentorship, online learning, in-person seminars and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs will help with ensuring your businesses success.

For more information about SMARTstart, please click here.

Open to young people aged 13-15, this one-week youth entrepreneurship camp empowers the next generation of business owners to learn everything from how to brainstorm a business idea to launching their business in a fun team setting.

Each year, Community Futures Highwood sends six youth from our region. Camper scholarships are sponsored by local businesses and organizations Youth applicants are required to submit an essay outlining why they would be a good candidate for the camp and are expected to contribute some volunteer hours with the sponsoring company/organization.

For more information about the Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp, please click here.

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program (EDP) was created to provide enhanced small business development support to people with disabilities in rural Alberta. Self-employment can be a great way for persons with a disability or an ongoing medical condition to get back into the workforce.

This specialized program includes:

• Business training
• Assistance with drawing up a business plan
• Mentoring
• Affordable, flexible business loans to establish a new business, purchase an existing business, or expand or upgrade an existing business

To be eligible for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program, you must:

• Have a self-declared disability or ongoing medical condition
• Live in rural Alberta
• Have a viable business idea
• Be able to contribute in some way to your business

To learn more about this program, please contact us.

Our Foothills Business Incubator has 10 fully furnished private business offices provided as transitional temporary space while businesses are expanding or starting up.

Youth and Student Business Loans:
Why work for someone else if you can work for yourself? If you want to turn your passion or hobby into a business - your options are endless!

Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp:
The Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp (RAYEC) is a one week business planning camp for youth aged 13-15 designed to improve business, academic and life skills through entrepreneurship. Held at Eagles Nest Ranch in the Cypress Hills, Alberta, this one week entrepreneurial-based camp combines the education of business training with a summer camp atmosphere.