Smiling woman holding a pen, dressed in business attire, with another person in the background. Circular yellow graphics surround the image.

OUR PROGRAMS

Live. Learn. Innovate.

Innovate Cochrane has partnered with Unbounded Thinking to design and deliver the Community Innovation Ecosystem (CIE) Program.  This unique program is designed to support local organizations to build their internal capacity for change and growth, while building a network of allies, supporters and friends (which makes leadership a little less lonely!).

Other programs are currently under development. Check back for more information!

OVERVIEW

unlock your growth potential with the Community Innovation Ecosystem (CIE) Program

Are you a Cochrane organization looking to grow, adapt, and innovate? The Community Innovation Ecosystem (CIE) Program is here to help! We're all about connecting small and medium-sized organizations (that's mostly businesses, non-profits, and public services!) with the tools, support, and connections they need to thrive. Our big goal? To help you achieve significant, year-over-year growth – we call these growing organizations 'Gazelles'.

By the end of the CIE Program, your organization will have a clear strategy for innovation and growth, a toolkit of practical skills and resources, and a strong, supportive local network. We use assessments and strategic planning at both the start and end to pinpoint your starting point, identify opportunities, and track your incredible progress.

Plus, graduates earn the prestigious title of "Certified Cochrane Innovators" and become part of our growing alumni network, ensuring ongoing support for years to come.

CIE Program Supporters

The Community Innovation Ecosystem Program is generously supported by PrairiesCan, NRED and the Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC), providing organizations of all sizes and structures to participate and engage at a highly subsidized rate.

  • The CIE Program is designed for organizations of all types – whether you're a non-profit, a public service, or a for-profit business. If you have 3 to 500 employees and have been operating for 3 or more years with consistent monthly revenue, you're likely a great fit!

    We're looking for organizations where leadership is ready to invest in new ideas that offer a clear return, and who are open to coaching and mentorship to reach their growth goals.

    Does this sound like your organization? If so, we'd love to hear from you! Email us at executivedirector@innovatecochrane.com to learn more.

  • Our comprehensive 8-month program is packed with practical learning and personalized support:

    • 6 Interactive Learning Modules: Dive deep into key innovation topics with our custom, tool-based workshops.

    • 6 Peer-Focused Roundtable Discussions: Connect with other local organizations, share insights, and tackle challenges together.

    • Monthly 1-on-1 Coaching: Get personalized guidance and support from program leaders after each session.

    • Innovation Maturity Assessments: We'll help you see where you stand at the beginning and measure your incredible growth in capacity and potential by the end!

    • Strategic Innovation Blueprint: Work with our team to create a flexible roadmap that guides your innovation journey and keeps you on track.

    Our Custom Tool-Based Workshops (Modules):

    • Know Your Employees: Understand your team's strengths and how to work together effectively.

    • Creating Idea Flow: Design how new ideas move and grow throughout your organization.

    • Simplifying Problem Solving: Learn a practical model for tackling even the most complex challenges.

    • Building Capacity for Change: Discover the secret to long-term resilience and staying power.

    • Cultivating a Learning Organization: Build a structure for continuous growth and learning within your team.

    • Strategic Foresight: Equip your organization to anticipate and shape its future.

  • Our next cohort, CIE Cohort III, is set to launch in Cochrane in September 2025!

    September 12

    CIE Program Launch Event


    September 15-19

    CIE Innovation Maturity Assessment Period


    September 22-26

    CIE Strategic Blueprint Sessions

    October 3

    Roundtable + Module 1: Knowing your Employees

    November 7

    Roundtable + Module 2: Creating Idea Flow

    December 5

    Roundtable + Module 3: Simplifying Problem Solving

    January 9

    Roundtable + Module 4: Building Capacity for Change

    February 6

    Roundtable + Module 5: Cultivating a Learning Organization

    March 6

    Roundtable + Module 6: Strategic Foresight

    April

    Graduation Celebration

    Remember: 1-on-1 coaching sessions happen after each Roundtable + Module session.

    All Roundtable + Module sessions are held in person here in Cochrane.


Badge with mountains and diverse people silhouettes, labeled 'Module 1 Know Your Employees' and 'Understand Your People' below.
Logo with a hexagonal green border featuring a mountain and forest scene. The text reads "CREATING IDEA FLOW" with the tagline "Unbounded Thinking" and "Define How Ideas Flow."
Badge with mountains and trees saying "Cultivating a Learning Organization, Module 3." Text below reads "Create a Learning Culture."
Badge with text "Simplifying Problem Solving Module 2" and mountain and thought bubble graphics.
Logo featuring text "Building Capacity for Change, Module 4" with a stylized hammer and mountain design. Below it says "Manage Change."
Circular badge displaying 'Module 5' with mountains and an eye symbol, labeled 'Strategic Foresight 101' with the text 'Equip Yourself for the Future' below.
Scenic river in Cochrane, Alberta winding through a tranquil landscape with suburban houses and trees under a pastel-colored sky.

Curious?

Email -
executivedirector@innovatecochrane.com
to get more information or sign up for the next cohort scheduled for Fall 2025.

Connect with us

Have a question for us? Reach out!