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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

The Community Innovation Ecosystem (CIE) program is designed for established organizations in Cochrane and the surrounding area that are ready to grow, adapt and tackle real challenges in new ways.

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.

If your organization has a solid foundation and you’re looking to build capacity, strengthen your team, and unlock your next phase of growth, the CIE program provides the structure, support and environment to make that happen.

What to expect

Delivered in partnership with Unbounded Thinking, the program combines hands-on workshops, peer roundtables and one-on-one coaching over eight months.

Together, you’ll work through real challenges - applying practical tools and new ways of thinking to help move your organization forward with a clear strategy for innovation and growth.

By the end of the eight-month program, you’ll have:

A new approach to problem-solving and decision-making
Practical tools and frameworks you can apply directly to real challenges
Greater confidence and capacity to adapt, evolve and move forward
Stronger ways of working that support efficiency, scalability and future growth
A network of peers and collaborators across the local community

The CIE program is designed for organizations who are ready to invest in new ideas, open to learning and committed to making meaningful progress.

How to apply

If that sounds like you, apply today to participate in the next cohort. APPLY NOW!

Or email us at admin@innovatecochrane.com with your questions or to book a complimentary consult call to discuss if this program is right for you.

Moving forward, together

What makes the CIE program different is the environment.

During the program you will work on your own challenges alongside others facing similar opportunities and pressures - creating stronger insight, better ideas and lasting connections that continue beyond the program.

Program mentorship and network opportunities (within and beyond the program) are enriched by our prestigious alumni network, the “Certified Community Innovators”, which includes past program participants and supporters.

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.
April-June 2026: Applications Open
July-August 2026: Application Review & Selection
September 5, 2026: Cohort IV Launch Event
October 9, 2026: Module I (in-person workshop)
November 6, 2026: Module II (in-person workshop)
December 4, 2026: Module III (in-person workshop)
January 8, 2027: Module IV (in-person workshop)
February 5, 2027: Module V (in-person workshop)
March 5, 2027: Module VI (in-person workshop)
Week of March 29, 2027: Cohort IV Graduation Event (TBD)
Organization Size
Small (1 - 49)
Non-Profit - $650
Private - $1000
Medium (50 - 99)
Non-Profit - $2000
Private - $3000
Large (100+)
Non-Profit - $4000
Private - $6000
10% Discount for Cochrane or Bearspaw Chamber of Commerce Members.

Please reach out with any questions regarding participation fees.

Badge with mountains and diverse people silhouettes, labeled 'Module 1 Know Your Employees' and 'Understand Your People' below.

Badge with text "Simplifying Problem Solving Module 2" and mountain and thought bubble graphics.

Badge with mountains and trees saying "Cultivating a Learning Organization, Module 3." Text below reads "Create a Learning Culture."

Circular badge displaying 'Module 5' with mountains and an eye symbol, labeled 'Strategic Foresight 101' with the text 'Equip Yourself for the Future' below.

CIE Program Supporters

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