Cochrane Business Development is getting ready to open its doors to new ideation and pre-seed stage start-ups at The Station at Cochrane Crossing this summer.

The Town of Cochrane’s new Business Incubator will be accepting applications for new businesses starting on April 15, the municipality announced on Wednesday.

The Cochrane Business Incubator will offer dedicated space and programming to help new businesses learn and grow. Aspiring entrepreneurs and full-time founders of pre-seed start ups are encouraged to apply for the program.

Successful applicants will participate in a 24-to-30-month program that includes a variety of workshops and mentorship opportunities, alongside access to a 24/7 office and boardroom resources.

This program intends to provide local start-ups the resources to navigate the early-stage challenges of developments, while learning from professionals and saving on operational costs.

Interim Director, planning and development services for the Town of Cochrane, Mike Korman said that after connecting with various business incubators in Canada, ideas can gain momentum faster when provided a space where the necessary resources to grow are available at a single point of connection.

“The Station at Cochrane Crossing is Cochrane’s place to connect,” Korman said. “As we work to diversify our local economy, nurturing our entrepreneurial climate is essential.

“The Incubator program is a pivotal initiative in this effort, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to turn their ideas into prosperous businesses that drive innovation and fuel Cochrane’s economy and employment opportunities.”

Executive director of development and infrastructure for the Town of Cochrane, Drew Hyndman, said attracting funding and investment opportunities is essential for the growth of new and existing companies in Cochrane.

“Cochrane Crossing, linking Historic Downtown to commercial district south of the railway, is positioned to be Cochrane’s intersection for business and innovation, making the Incubator a hub for developing intentional relationships with partners and investing in innovative solutions to solve Cochrane-specific challenges,” he said.

Alongside hosting the Cochrane Business incubator, The Station is also home to Cochrane Business Development. It will also provide space for the Cochrane Chamber of Commerce, Cochrane Tourism, Innovate Cochrane, Community Futures West, and future partners.

Start-ups and entrepreneurs who are interested in the program are encouraged to apply early. To do so, visit  Cochrane.ca/incubator.