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Cochrane is home to a variety of businesses. While business of all types find success in Cochrane, the following sectors are standouts.
Information and communications technology
Alberta’s frontier spirit has found new life through the new technology, innovative industrial solutions and entrepreneurship coming from Cochrane. The knowledge economy here is well-positioned to take advantage of the qualities of our community. This includes access to a skilled workforce and partnerships with local and regional organizations focused on innovation. According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Cochrane and area ranked first among Canada’s top entrepreneurial cities
Home-based businesses
Independent creators are of high value in the current economy. Efficient, affordable travel and global connectivity has allowed professionals to work from anywhere. This has drawn engineer, designers, programmers and other innovators to choose to work from Cochrane.
Retail and professional services
As a smaller town, Cochrane has found ways to balance its charm with the desire for the convenience offered by large cities. Major regional and local retailers have established locations in Cochrane, creating a vibrant downtown.
Many professional service providers have selected Cochrane as the centre of operations. Accountants, management consultants and lawyers based in Cochrane support local businesses, helping their clients. manage and improve operations. This sector helps Cochrane attract and maintain a vibrant business community.
Cochrane's residents are among the best educated and highest income earners in Alberta. Residents offer a combination of skilled labour, high disposable income, entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic. This combination makes Cochrane a place where creative ideas can become a reality.
There are six post-secondary institutions within 30 kilometres of Cochrane, contributing to our high education rates. Cochrane has the lowest proportion of residents holding only a high school diploma or less compared to other communities in the Calgary area.
Post secondary institutions within 30 kilometres of Cochrane include:
- Alberta College of Art & Design
- Bow Valley College
- Mount Royal University
- Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
- University of Calgary
- University Research Park
Additionally, 70 per cent of Cochrane’s residents aged 25–64 have completed some form of post-secondary education, according to Statistics Canada 2006 Community Profiles. This is three per cent above the Calgary average and 10 per cent above the provincial average.
Cochrane’s location in Southern Alberta, just outside of Calgary, makes it a great place for your commercial operations. There’s a variety of commercial spaces available, so you’ll have no issue finding your ideal space.
Available commercial spaces include warehouses, manufacturing floors and offices of all sizes. The warehouse district is home to historic buildings, while newer office parks have spaces for larger teams.
Many spaces offer impressive views of the Rocky Mountain or the Bow River. No matter the space you decided on, you'll be within minutes of shopping, dining and residential neighbourhoods.
If you would like assistance finding your new space, contact Business Development.