OUR EVENTS
We Innovate Together.
Innovate Cochrane’s events focus on opportunities to learn and connect within the community. Often, events include the telling of stories (the good, the bad and the ugly) from our local leaders and entrepreneurs. Events always provide an opportunity to meet new people.
GROWTH AND CONNECTION
Innovate
Cochrane Events.
Regular events include the Community Innovation Speaker Series, Start-up Cochrane and Founders Coffee. In 2024, Innovate Cochrane was also involved in Cochrane’s Small Business Week.
EMPOWER BUSINESS LEADERS
Partner Events.
Innovate Cochrane partners with many organizations to provide Cochrane and area business leaders and entrepreneurs with information and access to a variety of events to support learning, networking and making community connections. Follow us on social media for the most up to date information on partner events.
Cochrane & District Chamber of Commerce 2026 Trade Show
Join us on May 2nd & 3rd at the Cochrane & District Chamber of Commerce 2026 Trade Show from 10am to 4pm at the SLC Centre.
With over 100+ vendors, a Kids Fun Zone, fashion show, live entertainment, and daily prizes, there’s something for everyone!
Admission
Kids 12 & Under: FREE 13 & Up: $3/day
Bring the whole family and enjoy the best Cochrane has to offer.
Founders Coffee - MAY 5, 2026
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
Founders Coffee - MAY 19, 2026
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
START UP COCHRANE - MAY 2026
WHEN: Join us on the FOURTH Tuesday night of each month, 7 PM – 9 PM at The Corner Coworking on Railway Street E in Cochrane, AB.
NOTE: EACH MONTH WE WILL UPDATE IF THERE WILL BE A TOPIC OR PRESENTER.
COST: Free
What can I do? How do I get involved?
For these events to be a success, and to grow the local #startup community, we need entrepreneurs at all stages of the startup & launch phases.
-Got a new idea?
-Have a concept you are curious about?
-Ready to pitch for funding?
-Looking to grow an existing business?
PLUS
-Have you launched a new business already?
-Are you an investor?
-Been involved in startups before? (Successful & less successful)
-Just plain curious?
START UP COCHRANE - APRIL 2026
WHEN: Join us on the FOURTH Tuesday night of each month, 7 PM – 9 PM at The Corner Coworking on Railway Street E in Cochrane, AB.
NOTE: EACH MONTH WE WILL UPDATE IF THERE WILL BE A TOPIC OR PRESENTER.
COST: Free
What can I do? How do I get involved?
For these events to be a success, and to grow the local #startup community, we need entrepreneurs at all stages of the startup & launch phases.
-Got a new idea?
-Have a concept you are curious about?
-Ready to pitch for funding?
-Looking to grow an existing business?
PLUS
-Have you launched a new business already?
-Are you an investor?
-Been involved in startups before? (Successful & less successful)
-Just plain curious?
Founders Coffee - APRIL 21, 2026
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
Community Innovators - APRIL 2026
Our Community Innovators Spotlight Series is -
Join us for a special evening of stories, insights, and perspectives on what community growth, connection, and innovation means in Cochrane!
Every month, join host Nathan Klassen with new guests as they discuss and explore unique ways they are driving community growth and innovation.
You don't want to miss their unique perspectives on community collaboration.
Wednesday, APRIL 15, 2026.
Topic:
Neurodivergent Innovation:
Creating Space for Every Mind
Featuring:
Joanne McGilvray - Board President, Take A Bow Community Theatre
Register:
Tickets are $5 per person and they are limited!
Location:
Found Books & Shop - 206, 1st Street W.
Time: Doors open at 6:30pm, with the discussion starting at 7pm.
Founders Coffee - APRIL 7, 2026
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
START UP COCHRANE - MARCH 2026
WHEN: Join us on the FOURTH Tuesday night of each month, 7 PM – 9 PM at The Corner Coworking on Railway Street E in Cochrane, AB.
NOTE: EACH MONTH WE WILL UPDATE IF THERE WILL BE A TOPIC OR PRESENTER.
COST: Free
What can I do? How do I get involved?
For these events to be a success, and to grow the local #startup community, we need entrepreneurs at all stages of the startup & launch phases.
-Got a new idea?
-Have a concept you are curious about?
-Ready to pitch for funding?
-Looking to grow an existing business?
PLUS
-Have you launched a new business already?
-Are you an investor?
-Been involved in startups before? (Successful & less successful)
-Just plain curious?
Community Innovators - MARCH 2026
Our Community Innovators Spotlight Series is -
Wednesday, MARCH 18, 2026.
Topic:
INNOVATION THROUGH PLAY
Featuring:
Lea Wiens - Clinical Exercise Physiologist with Meaningful Movement Solutions
Jamila Godfrey - Owner & Coach Village of Play
Tony Millwater - Owner, The Common Works
Register:
Tickets are $5 per person and they are limited!
Location:
Found Books & Shop - 206, 1st Street W.
Time: Doors open at 6:30pm, with the discussion starting at 7pm.
Founders Coffee - MARCH 17, 2026
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
Founders Coffee - MARCH 3, 2026
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
START UP COCHRANE - FEBRUARY 2026
WHEN: Join us on the FOURTH Tuesday night of each month, 7 PM – 9 PM at The Corner Coworking on Railway Street E in Cochrane, AB.
NOTE: EACH MONTH WE WILL UPDATE IF THERE WILL BE A TOPIC OR PRESENTER.
COST: Free BUT RSVP ON EVENTBRITE
What can I do? How do I get involved?
For these events to be a success, and to grow the local #startup community, we need entrepreneurs at all stages of the startup & launch phases.
-Got a new idea?
-Have a concept you are curious about?
-Ready to pitch for funding?
-Looking to grow an existing business?
PLUS
-Have you launched a new business already?
-Are you an investor?
-Been involved in startups before? (Successful & less successful)
-Just plain curious?
Community Innovators - february 2026
Our Community Innovators Spotlight Series is Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Topic: INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY - A FRESH LOOK
This month, join our host Nathan Klassen with Ryan Baum from Cochrane Toyota, Tim Harvie from the Cochrane Foundation, Wanda McGinnis from Big Hill Haven, as they discuss unique ways that financial investments are driving community growth in Cochrane.
You don't want to miss their unique perspectives on community collaboration.
Tickets are $5 per person and they are limited!
Location: Found Books & Shop - 206, 1st Street W
Time: Doors open at 6:30pm, with the discussion starting at 7pm
Founders Coffee - FEBRUARY 17, 2026
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
*just show up!
Founders Coffee - FEBRUARY 3, 2026
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
*just show up! OR let us know on EVENTBRITE!
START UP COCHRANE - JANUARY 2026
WHEN: Join us on the FOURTH Tuesday night of each month, 7 PM – 9 PM at The Corner Coworking on Railway Street E in Cochrane, AB.
NOTE: EACH MONTH WE WILL UPDATE IF THERE WILL BE A TOPIC OR PRESENTER.
COST: Free, but RSVP on EVENTBRITE
What can I do? How do I get involved?
For these events to be a success, and to grow the local #startup community, we need entrepreneurs at all stages of the startup & launch phases.
-Got a new idea?
-Have a concept you are curious about?
-Ready to pitch for funding?
-Looking to grow an existing business?
PLUS
-Have you launched a new business already?
-Are you an investor?
-Been involved in startups before? (Successful & less successful)
-Just plain curious?
Founders Coffee - JANUARY 20, 2026
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
*just show up!
Founders Coffee - JANUARY 6, 2026
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
*just show up!
Founders Coffee - DECEMBER 16
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
*just show up!
Founders Coffee - DECEMBER 2
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
*just show up!
START UP COCHRANE - NOVEMBER
WHEN: Join us on the FOURTH Tuesday night of each month, 7 PM – 9 PM at The Corner Coworking on Railway Street E in Cochrane, AB.
NOTE: EACH MONTH WE WILL UPDATE IF THERE WILL BE A TOPIC OR PRESENTER.
COST: Free, but RSVP on EVENTBRITE
What can I do? How do I get involved?
For these events to be a success, and to grow the local #startup community, we need entrepreneurs at all stages of the startup & launch phases.
-Got a new idea?
-Have a concept you are curious about?
-Ready to pitch for funding?
-Looking to grow an existing business?
PLUS
-Have you launched a new business already?
-Are you an investor?
-Been involved in startups before? (Successful & less successful)
-Just plain curious?
Community Innovators - NOVEMBER 2025
Our Community Innovators Spotlight Series is Wednesday, November 19th - "INNOVATION MEETS COLLABORATION"
The Cochrane & Area Humane Society & the Cochrane Men's Shed is collaborating with Mini Thni to build dog houses for families and their pets.
Listen to our guest speakers discuss how this community initiative will work to support mental health on so many levels, and continue to build positive outcomes for all involved.
Topic: INNOVATION MEETS COLLABORATION
Tickets are $5 per person and they are limited!
Location: Found Books & Shop - 206, 1st Street W
Time: Doors open at 6:30pm, with the discussion starting at 7pm
GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Founders Coffee - NOVEMBER 18
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
*just show up!
Founders Coffee - NOVEMBER 4
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
*just show up!
START UP COCHRANE - OCTOBER
WHEN: Join us on the FOURTH Tuesday night of each month, 7 PM – 9 PM at The Corner Coworking on Railway Street E in Cochrane, AB.
NOTE: EACH MONTH WE WILL UPDATE IF THERE WILL BE A TOPIC OR PRESENTER.
COST: Free, but RSVP on EVENTBRITE
What can I do? How do I get involved?
For these events to be a success, and to grow the local #startup community, we need entrepreneurs at all stages of the startup & launch phases.
-Got a new idea?
-Have a concept you are curious about?
-Ready to pitch for funding?
-Looking to grow an existing business?
PLUS
-Have you launched a new business already?
-Are you an investor?
-Been involved in startups before? (Successful & less successful)
-Just plain curious?
Founders Coffee - OCTOber 21
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
*just show up!
SMALL BUSINESS WEEK 2025
VISIT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS & SCHEDULE
Community Innovators - OCTOBER 2025
Ready to peek behind the curtain of innovation in our community?
This month, join our host Nathan Klassen as he sits down with three incredible local leaders to dive deep into what innovation looks like and the game-changing impact it has on their organizations!
Meet Our Panel:
Courtland Penk, Founder & President of Osprey Integrity Ltd. : Discover innovation in the world of UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles or drones) data collection and asset inspection.
Christine McLeod, Owner/Operator of The Pink Wand Cleaning Services Cochrane: Learn how innovation keeps a local service business sparkling!
Georgina De Caigny, Executive Director of Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary : Explore innovative approaches to wildlife conservation and sanctuary operations.
You don't want to miss their unique perspectives on adapting, growing, and leading!
Topic: INNOVATION IN BUSINESS
Tickets are $5 per person and they are limited!
Location: Found Books & Shop - 206, 1st Street W
Time: Doors open at 6:30pm, with the discussion starting at 7pm
Founders Coffee - OCTOber 7
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
*just show up!
Founders Coffee - september 16
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
*just show up!
Founders Coffee - september 2
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
*just show up!
START UP COCHRANE - JUNE 2025
WHEN: Join us on the FOURTH Tuesday night of each month, 7 PM – 9 PM at The Corner Coworking on Railway Street E in Cochrane, AB.
NOTE: EACH MONTH WE WILL UPDATE IF THERE WILL BE A TOPIC OR PRESENTER.
COST: Free, but RSVP on EVENTBRITE
What can I do? How do I get involved?
For these events to be a success, and to grow the local #startup community, we need entrepreneurs at all stages of the startup & launch phases.
-Got a new idea?
-Have a concept you are curious about?
-Ready to pitch for funding?
-Looking to grow an existing business?
PLUS
-Have you launched a new business already?
-Are you an investor?
-Been involved in startups before? (Successful & less successful)
-Just plain curious?
Founders Coffee - JUNE 17, 2025
Join us for a morning of networking at our FOUNDERS COFFEE event on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at SUNNY SIDE UP in Cochrane, at 7am. This event is free, but you buy your own breakfast or coffee.
Dates: The 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month
Time: 7am to 9am
Where: SUNNY SIDE UP COCHRANE, 205 1st Street W. in Cochrane, AB
RSVP ON EVENTBRITE OR JUST SHOW UP!
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We’d love to hear from you!