Canmore’s Largest Entrepreneurship Cohort Yet Includes Everyone From Mountain Guides to Makeup Artists

Canmore’s SMARTstart entrepreneurship program graduated its largest cohort since launching in 2020 this spring, with 19 entrepreneurs spanning industries from mountain guiding to accounting completing the program.

The eight-month program, run through the Town of Canmore’s economic development department, provides mentorship, workshops and business planning support for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners.

“This was our largest cohort to date,” said James Thomas, economic development officer for the Town of Canmore.

Thomas said this year’s cohort included businesses in industries ranging from bridal makeup and landscaping to accounting, mountain guiding and pet grooming.

“The goal of SMARTstart is really to help new and aspiring entrepreneurs in those pivotal first few years of business,” Thomas said. “If we can provide skills and knowledge that help a business owner to avoid closing their doors and make it over that five-year mark that is a huge win.”

The program comes as small businesses continue to make up 95% of businesses operating in Canmore, according to Alberta regional economic data.

Thomas said many participants entered the program with either a business idea or companies that had been operating for fewer than three years.

“By the end nearly all had functional business plans, direction and have made massive strides in their business acumen,” he said.

Thomas said the program, which was sponsored this year by the Bow Valley Pride Network, aims to support local business creation, job growth and mentorship opportunities while helping diversify the community’s business sector.

Among the businesses participating in this year’s cohort was Launchbury Accounting & Bookkeeping Solutions, a Canmore-based accounting and bookkeeping firm founded by chartered accountant Harry Launchbury.

Launchbury said the business was established in New Brunswick in late 2023 before relocating to Canmore, where it expanded its accounting and bookkeeping offerings and began providing fractional chief financial officer services, offering outsourced financial leadership support for businesses.

Launchbury said the program encouraged him to take a broader strategic approach to the business.

“During the program I worked on developing my holistic approach to the firm working on the business instead of just inside of it,” Launchbury said.

With support from mentor Sean Meggs, Owner of The Tin Box Gift Shop, Launchbury said the company developed its first “living business plan” to help guide future operations.

Launchbury said rapid growth forced the company to continually revise its business plan throughout the program.

“Actions that were originally expected to be required in 12 months became imminently required due to growth,” he said.

Launchbury said the business has expanded its client base and staffing levels, adding two bookkeepers while recently interviewing candidates for a certified public accountant position.

Meggs said many entrepreneurs entering the program struggle with the practical and financial challenges of launching a business, including financial analysis, marketing and critically evaluating their business plans.

“Most entrepreneurs have difficulty knowing how to approach creating a business plan,” Meggs said.

Meggs said the participant he mentored gained confidence over the course of the program.

“He knew that the numbers we had developed were good and he had spelled out a path towards his goals,” Meggs said. “He just needed help and encouragement to get there.”

Meggs said mentorship and community support can play an important role for entrepreneurs navigating the uncertainty of starting a business.

“It is a tough place to be when you are putting everything you own on the line to develop your own business,” he said. “A little guidance and encouragement can go a long way.”

Applications for the 2026-27 SMARTstart cohort close June 14.