Airdrie Economic Development Receives National Award for The Cashflow Canvas

AIRDRIE, AB – Airdrie Economic Development received the 2026 Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) Business Retention & Expansion Excellence Award for Large Communities.

This award recognizes Airdrie’s implementation of The Cashflow Canvas, an innovative program that helps entrepreneurs strengthen financial literacy, improve cash flow management and make more informed business decisions.

The award celebrates Airdrie's innovative approach to building financial capability within the local business community. The City embedded The Cashflow Canvas into its entrepreneur support pathway and developed a network of Community Champions, including Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs), coaches, mentors and business support organizations, to help entrepreneurs apply financial concepts throughout their business journey.

Since launching the program in 2025, Airdrie has delivered five bootcamps, supporting 61 entrepreneurs and training 22 mentors, economic development professionals and ecosystem partners. Participants reported an 85 per cent increase in financial knowledge, a 35 per cent increase in confidence and a 100 per cent commitment to implementing budgeting practices. Entrepreneurs have used the framework to refine pricing, identify profitability gaps and improve readiness for financing conversations.

"This award recognizes the power of combining practical tools with local expertise," said Jessica Williamson, Economic Development Officer with the City of Airdrie. "By creating a shared financial framework for entrepreneurs and business support professionals, we've built a sustainable model that strengthens business resilience and helps local companies grow with confidence."

The Cashflow Canvas is now a permanent component of Airdrie's entrepreneur support ecosystem and has been recognized for its innovation, collaboration and potential to be replicated in other communities.

Entrepreneurs looking to start, grow, pivot or finance their business are encouraged to register for the next The Cashflow Canvas cohort:

Dates: October 21 and 28, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Inspire, Airdrie
Cost: $59 plus Eventbrite fees

To learn more and register, visit airdriecommon.ca/cashflow-canvas.

Media Contact
Jessica Williamson
Economic Development Officer
City of Airdrie Economic Development
587-449-4737
jessica.williamson@airdrie.ca