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

Community Innovation Ecosystem (CIE) Program

The Community Innovation Ecosystem Program is a dynamic in-person intensive program designed for owners and leaders from growth-oriented businesses and organizations in and around Cochrane. The goal for all participants is to elevate capacity for innovation in processes, practices, partnerships and programs that allow for opportunities for personal and professional growth, social and commercial impact and partnership development.

Graduates of the CIE Program earn the title “Certified Cochrane Innovators”, and we continue to build an alumni network to support organizations throughout the program. 2024 Graduates include Cochrane and area organizations including Align Developments, the Cochrane Library, Helping Hands Society, Two Pharmacy, Osprey Integrity, Route 22 Artist Collective Gallery, The Town of Cochrane, Wazin Ichinabi Ti - the House of Oneness and the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary.
The Program involves 6 learning Modules, 6 peer-focused roundtable discussions, monthly 1-1 coaching and importantly, a pre and post-program Innovation Maturity Assessment - designed to see where you’re at at the beginning, and how you and your organization have grown in terms of capacity, potential for growth and expansion, and often, actually realizing growth and expansion in only a few short months.
There is also a Strategic Innovation Blueprint - designed with you and our program leadership - which is a foundational (but flexible) document to help guide and keep you on track.
View Program Outline
CIE Pilot Cohort II is underway November 2024 - May 2025.
CIE Cohort III is scheduled for Fall 2025.
This program is generously supported by PrairiesCan and the Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC), providing organizations of all sizes and structures to participate and engage at a highly subsidized rate.