Cochrane's business community has grown significantly in 2021, despite the economic challenges brought on by COVID-19.

For 20 years, Cochrane's population has been steadily climbing. Back in 2002,  just over 12,000 people called Cochrane home, and today Cochrane boasts a population of 32,199 residents.

Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Kelly Carson says there's no doubt that the ongoing pandemic has created many challenges for small business owners, but that didn't stop 100 local entrepreneurs from taking a leap of faith in 2021.

"The pandemic has been tough on businesses for sure But it's remarkable to think that there have been 100 new business licenses in 2021 in Cochrane," explains Carson. "That's that's just phenomenal to think that people are so resilient to come in and start their business and get things going."

Carson says there's been a wide variety of local businesses popping up in town. He explains that Cochrane's business community has expanded by home-based businesses, online as well as adding new storefronts.

There's a whole variety of different things," explains Carson." Some are home-based businesses, we've seen some accountants come to town, massage therapists that have come to town, the Wandering Willow is a Women's clothing store that's up in Fireside and the bakery that's reopened up in Sunset."

According to the 2021 federal census results, Cochrane had the 11th fastest growth rate of all municipalities in Canada and it is the fastest-growing community in Alberta.

Carson says that's not surprising that people want to be part of a community where people step up and support one another. He believes Cochrane is rebounding from the effects of COVID and that both our population and business community will continue to grow.

"I can see us growing by another 100 business licences this year very easily," explains Carson. "the thing we might run out of is retail space but hopefully Greystone will fill that need when it gets up and going and we'll have enough retail space for the new businesses."

Carson says that the Cochrane and District Chamber of Commerce has a community of business leaders to mentor new business owners and help set them up for success.