Cochrane’s newest Certified Community Innovator’s have graduated!
COCHRANE, AB June 12, 2025 – Innovate Cochrane, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at the community level has now graduated 14 local organizations from the Community Innovation Ecosystem (CIE) Program!
The graduation event was held at Flores & Pine in Bearspaw.
Launched in 2023, these 14 organizations have been through a unique 7 month program offered by Innovate Cochrane in collaboration with Unbounded Thinking, designed to support leadership development and organizational growth.
Our most recent graduates include Alberta Metalworks, Flores & Pine, Found Books & Shop, Pink Wand Cleaning Services and Quirk Social. These companies join local organizations Align Developments, the Cochrane Public Library, Helping Hands Society of Cochrane, Osprey Integrity, Route 22 Gallery & Artist Collective, Two Pharmacy, Wazin Ichinabi Ti House of Oneness, the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary and the Town of Cochrane in earning their certificate of innovation.
This program, offered in conjunction with partner Unbounded Thinking, brings together custom monthly learning modules, 1-1 coaching, peer-peer roundtable sessions and key performance measurement tools to support each organization as they look to grow in Cochrane and beyond. This is an example of true community focused innovation as we support our local businesses, organizations and the Town of Cochrane and prepare them to navigate their future.
Innovate Cochrane Board Chair Nathan Klassen says “this program has been incredibly impactful on our community - from small businesses through to non-profits and the municipality”. By supporting innovation in leadership, process and the ability to look forward, these organizations have the tools and knowledge to continue to thrive in Cochrane.” Unbounded Thinking’s founder Shannon Phillips is amazed at the commitment that Cochrane has shown to support leadership development and organizational growth. It’s a true testament to the community’s goals to grow and thrive in often uncertain environments.
The next cohort of the CIE Program starts in September 2025. Interested candidates should contact Innovate Cochrane to see if there is a fit!
CIE is supported by Prairies Economic Development (PrairiesCan) and the Northern Regional Economic Development (NRED) programs, in addition to the Calgary Innovation Coalition and the Town of Cochrane.
About Innovate Cochrane:
Innovate Cochrane is a non-profit organization based in Cochrane, Alberta, dedicated to supporting and accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship within the local community. Through events and unique programs, Innovate Cochrane aims to create a thriving ecosystem where new ideas can flourish and contribute to the economic and social well-being of the town.
About Unbounded Thinking:
Unbounded Thinking is a Calgary-based firm focused on human-centric innovation. Through unique programs like the Community Innovation Ecosystem Program, UBT is helping companies all over Canada build their capacity for success.
Media Contact:
Kimberley Neutens, Executive Director, Innovate Cochrane
kimberley@innovatecochrane.com
innovatecochrane.com
