A community focused partnership is offering “In the Trenches” workshops aimed at providing local non-profit organizations and small businesses with practical skills they need to succeed.
The partners include Bow Valley College (BVC) in Cochrane, the Calgary Regional Partnership (CRP), Community Futures Centre West (CFCW) and Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation (GRPF).
“These sessions follow the successful workshops we offered in partnership with Bow Valley College last year,” said Tara McFadden, Development Officer, GRPF. “We had positive feedback from non-profits that wanted to see more of these programs. Thanks to BVC’s initiative we’ve been able to expand the partnership and offer a broader range of topics.”
“Bow Valley College is proud to be a part of this partnership. Together we are providing a Cochrane created learning experience that will enable our communities to have greater success,” said Shauna Cox, Regional Lead Bow Valley College Cochrane.
The workshops provide a range of practical educational opportunities for non-profits and small businesses. Topics include, Grant Applications, Marketing and Social Media, Business Planning, and Sustainable Tourism.
Past programs were created to meet non-profit needs but Jodie Eckert of Community Futures Centre West (CFCW), saw an opportunity to support both non-profits and local businesses. “A good understanding of business planning is necessary for any project, and we are glad to be a partner in providing the tools for success.”
“The workshops offer a broad range of skills, but as tourism grows in our region, it becomes more important that businesses understand how best to engage the tourism market and provide a balance between environmental and economic concerns. The Calgary Regional Partnership is glad to be a part of this workshop series,” said Bob Miller, Economic Prosperity Lead, CRP.
Program Information
Workshops will be offered over the fall and winter and will be hosted at the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. Each workshop will be a full day session and participants will receive a certificate of completion.
Upcoming Workshops:
• Build Your Business Plan: January 23, 2015
• Sustainable Tourism: March 13, 2015
Workshop fees are $95/each and include lunch. For more information and to register for the programs, visit the GRPF website at www.grpf.ca/inthetrenches.