About EmpowRise

"Being part of the 2025 EmpowRise Cohort was a transformative experience. It strengthened my ability to pitch and scale my business, connected me with invaluable mentors and resources, and pushed me to grow beyond my limits both personally and professionally. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity and for the incredible support from Barry, Jane, Holly, and the entire Community Futures team. This program truly empowers entrepreneurs to rise."

"We learn a lot during all the session, different parts of business and all that help us to be ready to win the new part of the market in the new world."

"As a mentor and Board member with Community Futures Grande Prairie, I take great pride in being able to give back to the community that has given me so much. With over two decades of hands-on business experience, I’ve seen the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and mentoring gives me immense satisfaction because it allows me to support others through that same journey. I focus on helping entrepreneurs identify their weak points early, bring clarity to their ideas, and guide them with real-life expectations not just theory. I believe in honest, practical conversations, because that’s where real growth and confidence are built. Being part of the business community in Grande Prairie is something I value deeply, and I see my role as both a mentor and Board member as a responsibility to help shape a stronger, more resilient local economy. I enjoy helping individuals build meaningful relationships, stay grounded, and grow with purpose. For me, mentorship is not about quick success it’s about building sustainable businesses and supporting entrepreneurs in a way that creates long-term impact for our region. If I can help someone move forward with clarity and avoid the mistakes I’ve made along the way, then I know I’m contributing in a meaningful way.”

“This letter is my personal testimony of my experience in the EmpowRise program as a First Nations male from Treaty 8 Territory. I entered this journey unsure of where to begin, carrying fear, self-doubt and the weight of a past shaped by addiction and homelessness. Stepping into unfamiliar territory was one of the hardest challenges I have faced. As the competition unfolded, I realized my original concept wasn’t tangible and although I did not place or win, the disappointment left me feeling shattered and questioning my worth as the program came to an end. Today, as I reflect on the experience, I can say the true success came afterward. Through EmpowRise, I found the strength to develop my idea into a complete 516-page aftercare Generational Trauma Reconnection Facility for First Nations, Metis and Inuit men exiting recovery programs. Now a registered Non-Profit, I am continuing to appy for pitch competitions and speak publicy about the Napichew Program. While prizes are valuable, the real win was discovering my self-worth and belief in my ability to create change. I am deeply grateful to the EmpowRise Program, Grande Prairie Community Futures and their dedicated staff for awakening that belief and allowing me to carry this mission forward, proof that one person can make a difference.”

“As a sponsor, we know that EmpowRise provides participants with a valuable opportunity to start, scale, and grow their business. Economic growth and innovation thrive when founders have access to high-level mentorship and technical skill-building necessary to move their ideas forward. By investing in this program, we are investing in the future of our province’s economy. The ideas and creativity shown during the culminating pitch competition confirms the value of EmpowRise. Watching entrepreneurs develop confidence and prepare and present their pitches is very exciting. We will continue to support a program that doesn't just provide theoretical knowledge but offers a tangible launchpad for BIPOC-led businesses to secure capital, gain visibility, and achieve long-term success. It is a privilege to stand behind these founders as they reshape Alberta’s business landscape.”

“Participating in the EmpowRise program through Grande Prairie Community Futures was a very valuable experience for me as an early stage founder. It provided a supportive and structured environment to better understand how to communicate my business idea and begin shaping it into a more concrete opportunity. One of the most impactful aspects was the opportunity to participate in my first pitch competition, which helped me build confidence and refine how I present my project. The program also offered meaningful guidance and encouragement at a critical stage in my journey. As someone developing a complex, technology-driven project, having access to this kind of support early on made a real difference in helping me move forward with clarity and direction. I truly appreciate the opportunity to have participated and would strongly recommend the EmpowRise program to other entrepreneurs starting their journey.”

“My experience in the EmpowRise program was incredibly valuable. It gave me a strong understanding of how to build a clear, effective, and well-structured business pitch. I was impressed by the level of pitch training from the coaches, along with the tools and expertise they shared throughout. The range of speakers, instructors, and insights from past participants added real-world context, showing how others have grown their businesses through EmpowRise. I really enjoyed the cohort experience, and connecting with a group of like-minded entrepreneurs created a supportive environment where we could learn from each other, gain new perspectives, and strengthen our ideas. Overall, I walked away with the insight needed to build a winning pitch and the confidence to present it. EmpowRise also highlighted the access it provides to business mentorship, expertise, and community, which can be difficult to find in smaller or more rural areas. It brought greater awareness to the support available in Northern Alberta and opened doors for many participants to connect with local organizations like Community Futures and GPRIN. It’s a unique opportunity that many of us wouldn’t otherwise have, and I hope more entrepreneurs continue to benefit from this experience in the future.”

“I can’t express how grateful I am for Barry, Holly, Jane, and everyone at Community Futures. A huge part of my progress and success is because of the support, guidance, and encouragement community futures has given me. EmpowRise has been such a meaningful part of my journey as an entrepreneur. The program gave me practical tools, structure, and accountability at a time when I truly needed it, and it helped me move my business forward with more clarity and confidence. Beyond the content, what stood out most was the encouragement and the community, it genuinely felt like I wasn’t building alone. Connecting with mentors and other local businesses has been incredibly impactful and has helped me feel more supported and more connected as I grow. I’m also deeply grateful to Community Futures for the opportunity and support through the pitch competition. Winning was a huge milestone for me, and it gave me a real boost in confidence and momentum. The support I’ve received through Community Futures has been immense, and I’m truly thankful to be part of a program that invests in entrepreneurs in such a tangible, meaningful way. To anyone considering EmpowRise or any Community Futures program, I’d describe it as a community of people who genuinely want to support you, help you build, and connect you with the right avenues to create a more meaningful and impactful business.”

"Being part of the Shell LiveWire program and ultimately becoming the winner of that cohort will always hold a special place in my heart. The experience gave me more than just recognition; it truly gave me a hand up at a time when I needed it. Through the program, I made a lot of valuable connections and met people who helped point me in the right direction and push my project forward. What made the experience especially valuable for me was that a lot of the learning came not only from the curriculum itself, but also from the conversations with fellow contestants, the guest speakers, and the people involved throughout the process. Those discussions and connections taught me a tremendous amount and helped shape how I have approached building Tradesman’s Hand Grenade as I move forward."