We’re excited to welcome businesses and organizations from across our community to join us for our upcoming fall training sessions!

These sessions are a great opportunity to learn, grow, and network with fellow entrepreneurs and community leaders. We’re proud to bring in high-quality speakers and industry experts who are ready to share their knowledge, insights, and tools to help set you up for success.

Whether you’re a new entrepreneur, an established business, or an organization looking to grow, there’s something for you!

More details and to Register go to our Event Page

Alberta's Emergency Response Planning Toolkit

Wildfire season is part of life in the Crowsnest Pass, and a few simple steps can help local businesses stay prepared. Community Futures Crowsnest Pass encourages all business owners to take time this summer to review their readiness measures and ensure key items are in place.

Practical actions include:

• Back up essential business records off‑site or in the cloud
• Keep printed copies of critical documents accessible during an evacuation
• Create a short staff and supplier contact list for quick communication
• Ensure equipment and vehicles can be moved or secured without delay
• Walk through your workspace to identify what can be relocated or protected
• Prepare a printed checklist, so your team knows what to do under pressure
• Review insurance coverage for wildfire‑related protections
• Store basic emergency supplies such as masks, chargers, and flashlights

A little preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow. Community Futures Crowsnest Pass continues to support local entrepreneurs and business owners with resources, guidance, and programs that strengthen long‑term resilience in our region.

Community Futures Crowsnest Pass — Building resilient local businesses.

We’re excited to welcome Koral Lazzarotto to Community Futures Crowsnest Pass as our new Business Analyst!

Recently stepping into the role of Business Analyst at Community Futures, I’m excited to work alongside local entrepreneurs and business owners as they build and grow their businesses. Being born and raised in the Crowsnest Pass, I genuinely care about supporting the people and businesses in our community.

As a business owner myself, I understand the day-to-day realities of running a business — the challenges, the hard work, and the rewards. I also bring over 15 years of experience handling financial reporting and bookkeeping for a variety of organizations within the community.

Having once been a client of Community Futures, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable the right support and guidance can be. That experience gives me a unique perspective and motivates me to help others feel supported and encouraged throughout their own business journey.

Outside of work, I enjoy life on our acreage with my husband Mitch and our three children, where we stay busy with animals and enjoy the rural lifestyle. You’ll often find me on the golf course, exercising, volunteering, or simply spending time with family and friends.

Welcome to the team, Koral!

Last Thursday evening, May 7, 2027, we celebrated the incredible women in business in our community. The night was filled with meaningful conversations, plenty of laughter, delicious food from Onemore Restaurant, inspiring insights from Brenda Robinson, and stunning professional headshots by Wild M Photos.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening truly memorable. We’re already looking forward to the next one!

Our Trades on Tap night in partnership with K & M Custom Homes Ltd., Tanrock Homes and The Pass Beer Co was packed with real practical insights from the front lines of development, construction and permitting. Here's what stood out to us:

- Incomplete permit applications are the biggest cause of delays, double check your information and make sure everything is filled out. Communication and organization go a long way in keeping projects moving smoothly.

- Timelines are tighter this time of year, so setting clear expectations early helps reduce frustration for everyone.

- Your reputation begins long before the first call, customers are researching you online. A great experience gives them something worth sharing. A poor one does the same.

- We’re a close-knit community that takes pride in supporting one another. Instead of competing for every opportunity, we find ways to collaborate and grow together, something you don’t often see in larger communities.

Until next year

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RAYEC 2026 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

At RAYEC, campers ages 13-15 will learn all about marketing, creating business plans, managing finances, and running their own business with real money!

The week wraps up with "Business Day," where you'll get to sell your product to family, friends, and visitors, and put your business to the ultimate test.

Plus, you’ll enjoy awesome recreational activities at the beautiful Eagles Nest Ranch. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn, grow, and have a blast!

Application deadline: May 15th

*Please note all applications will be reviewed after the deadline.

Apply here: https://rotary5360.ca/page/rayec

Questions? Reach out to us!

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Congratulations, Randi Lynn with Puzzleneck, for being recognized as an AWE30 Entrepreneur!

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
AWE30 spotlights the trailblazing women entrepreneurs who are building extraordinary businesses, leading with purpose, and defining success on their own terms.
Randi Lynn is the creative mind behind Puzzleneck, a Southern Alberta-based facility that has transformed from a mere concept into a thriving, unique production hub in just 20 months.
Specializing in hand-chosen and personally designed puzzles, Puzzleneck focuses on the "small wins", celebrating every satisfied customer and every leap in manufacturing efficiency as a vital step toward a sustainable future.
Beyond production, Puzzleneck has become a cornerstone of community engagement through its highly sought-after Speed Puzzle Events. Having hosted over 15 successful gatherings, many of them sold out, they bring together "puzzlers" of all ages while simultaneously supporting local small businesses and non-profits, such as the Royal Canadian Legion. This dual focus on quality craftsmanship and community connection has established them as a knowledgeable leader in their niche.
As they look toward the future, Puzzleneck is focused on expanding its digital footprint to reach a broader Western Canadian audience. Believing the possibilities for custom puzzles are endless, they continue to prove that success is measured not just by the bottom line but by the joy, enthusiasm, and community spirit they build one piece at a time.
Congratulations, Randi Lynn, for being recognized as an AWE30 Entrepreneur!
https://www.puzzleneck.com/

Community Futures Crowsnest Pass is seeking a part-time Business Analyst to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses through coaching and developmental lending. This is an opportunity to advance your career while making a direct impact in your community. In this role, you’ll focus on client advisory services and lead our developmental lending program.

WHAT YOU’LL DO
• Meet with entrepreneurs to understand their business model, objectives and key challenges.
• Provide practical guidance on business planning, market positioning, cash flow management, and financing options.
• Coach clients through start-up and growth stages by assessing opportunities, identifying risks, evaluating downside scenarios, and challenging assumptions to support         informed decision-making.
• Lead the developmental lending process, including loan intake, financial analysis, due diligence, risk assessment and client monitoring.
• Contribute to workshops, training sessions, and small business resources.
• Build strong relationships with clients, partners, and community stakeholders while promoting Community Futures programs.
• Maintain accurate client records in TEA and support reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with colleagues and contribute to a positive team environment.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
• Post-secondary education in business, finance, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strong understanding of small business operations, financial management and cash flow dynamics.
• Experience analyzing financial statements, projections, and business viability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Suite and comfort with databases and financial tools.
• Strong communication and coaching skills with the ability to both support and challenge clients constructively.
• Sound judgment, critical thinking and the ability to assess opportunities and risks using incomplete or evolving information.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to balance supportive client service with objective analysis and professional skepticism.
• Ability to travel within the region as required; access to reliable transportation is necessary.

WHY JOIN US?
At Community Futures Crowsnest Pass, you will make a direct impact on local entrepreneurs in our community while developing expertise in small business and lending. You’ll have access to mentorship, professional development opportunities, and the satisfaction of helping businesses succeed.

Apply by March 31, 2026, with your resume and cover letter to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.