A chapter of the United Filipino Entrepreneurs Association  (UFEA) has been launched in Cochrane to inspire and strengthen Filipino businesses in the community.

On May 20, the executive of the third chapter in the province was sworn into office and its creation was celebrated.

honey fe madrid

"We have created this association to help each other," says newly-elected Cochrane chair Honey Fe Madrid, whose local business is in its second year of operation. "It's better when you have an association when you're building your business."

"We're planning to have some community activities related to our businesses in the future," she says.

Currently, there are about 10 Filipino-owned small businesses involved with the organization, and more are expected to join.

Mayor Jeff Genung, who inducted the executive, says he was surprised by the number of Filipino entrepreneurs in the community and saluted their contribution to our community.

"It's incredible to have the diversity in our community. The Filipino community has been so positive and inviting, and I was just honored to say a few words tonight. They're such a vibrant part of our community and our business community. It's great to see."

The association was created in 2021 for medium and small businesses. Its core values are leadership, excellence, and adaptability. 

Other chapters are in Calgary and Red Deer.

Group shot

Several people participated in the celebration.