Located in Carseland, Equine Connection: The Academy of Equine-Assisted Learning strives to positively impact people's lives through working with horses. Their carefully designed programs aim to empower individuals, prioritizing both personal growth and the well-being of the equine. Read further as Kari Fulmek, the owner of this business, tells her story.

The idea for my business originated from a childhood dream of owning horses and living on an acreage. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, including divorces and financial struggles, I never gave up on my dream. Eventually, with the support of my soulmate, Sid, we found the perfect piece of land and built our dream home. This sparked my desire to work with horses in a non-traditional way, leading me to discover Equine Assisted Learning (EAL).

The next stop on our celebratory road trip is Strathmore Pawn and Collectables Ltd. founded and run by Tanya Anderson. Offering a unique blend of pawn services and antique treasures, the business has become a cherished fixture in the community, providing both financial assistance and nostalgic discoveries to its patrons. Tanya became a Community Futures Wild Rose client in 2003. Here is her story:

Driven by a passion for antiques, I sought an entrepreneurial opportunity in Strathmore. Believing the community couldn't sustain a standalone antique store, I identified a need for a pawnshop, given the absence of one within 50 km. Combining these ideas, Strathmore Pawn and Collectables emerged, aiming to be a welcoming presence in our community.

Three Hills Motor Products Ltd stands as a cornerstone of automotive excellence within the tight-knit community of Three Hills, Alberta. Owned and managed by a dedicated father-son team, this family-run business combines a rich tradition of service with a comprehensive range of offerings. From retail sales to a plethora of automotive services including brakes, air conditioning, tire maintenance, engine tune-ups, and more, Three Hills Motor Products Ltd. caters to the diverse needs of its clientele. They ensure top-notch quality in both their products and services, all underscored by their unwavering commitment to exceptional customer care.

This father-and-son business became a Community Futures Wild Rose client in 2007. Here is their story as told by Doug:

Meet Theresa Zerr, the passionate mind behind Down To Earth Garden Design, and another successful Community Futures Wild Rose client.

Serving Calgary, Wheatland County, and Rocky View County, Down To Earth Garden Design is dedicated to transforming ideas into tangible, breathtaking gardens. Theresa's services encompass landscape consultations, landscape design, plant consultations, and instructional demonstrations. From assessing sites to troubleshooting issues and selecting the perfect flora for optimal growth, Theresa's expertise lies in crafting vibrant, thriving gardens. Engaged within esteemed organizations like the Calgary Horticulture Society, Alberta Native Plant Council, Alberta Horticulture Association, and the local garden club, Theresa is committed to fostering a blooming community. Delve deeper into Theresa's inspiring journey as she shares her story…

Since 1998, Stanley and Debbie Andrus have been longstanding clients of Community Futures Wild Rose (CFWR). Initially, they embarked on their journey with CFWR while managing Buffalo Jump Canyon Ranch. Over the years, we have had the privilege of accompanying them from their ranching endeavours to their present focus on the trucking aspect, as seen in their current enterprise, S & D Andrus Trucking. Continue reading to delve into their story, narrated by Debbie herself.

In 1993, Stanley and I, (Debbie), found ourselves at a crossroads after being laid off from CIBC due to reduced hours. Following career counselling, a letter suggested I explore a guest ranch vocation. During a stint at Wild Rose Business Development in Rockyford, Glenda and I were tasked with promoting tourism. In Trochu, we met Frank Vanderkley, who suggested contacting Bob Beal to advertise his trail riding and camping business. Bob, at 80 years old, welcomed us, and conversations unfolded about his ranch, which he was considering selling due to age.

Creating a Family Legacy

Nestled in the friendly town of Three Hills, Alberta, Ken and Laura Lee Cunningham's entrepreneurial journey with Bigfoot & Co. Inc. unfolds as an inspiring tale of success. Their vision to provide excellent quality agriculture/truck supplies and service to Three Hills and surrounding areas drove the founding of Bigfoot & Co. Inc., a company committed to its community.

In the 1980s, Ken Cunningham worked with his father and brother grain farming. He also worked off the farm as a mechanic in the agriculture industry. In 1990, Ken built his first shop on the farm for extra income. It turned out to be the start of a successful business. Customer service was his strength and the business grew.

Thirty years ago, a shift from the oil and gas industry led my parents and me to venture into the creative realm by acquiring a sign and decal company in Calgary. This marked the birth of Indus Graphics, later incorporated as Indus Graphics Inc. Following my father's passing 11 years ago, I assumed leadership, with my husband, Todd, joining the venture four years ago. An opportune move to Langdon allowed us to seamlessly transition to a home-based setup just two weeks before the onset of COVID.

An impactful moment in my entrepreneurial journey came during a business conference where I was confronted with a pivotal question: 'Are you building a corporation or a lifestyle?' The revelation shifted my perspective, alleviating the pressure to conform to a corporate model. Opting for a lifestyle-oriented approach, I found a renewed focus on delivering quality products and excellent customer service.

Established in September 1986, the East Side Tae Kwon-Do Club, a not-for-profit organization based in Beiseker, operates entirely on volunteer instruction. Offering diverse classes for all ages, from Junior and Advanced Tae Kwon-Do to Junior Kickboxing and Cardio-Kickboxing. The club also caters to seniors with a Chair-Cardio program.

Originally founded in Calgary and later relocated to Beiseker in 1996, the club faced challenges accessing martial arts training locally. In response, the founder opened Beiseker's first martial arts club in 1996, growing from a shared rental space to the current #3-223 6th Street location in 2006. With over 27 years of teaching martial arts to the Beiseker community and beyond, the club boasts a current membership of nearly 50 students.

In the rhythm of diesel engines and the pulse of construction sites, Bill Josephison's journey from trucker to business owner unfolded. Surrounded by towering rigs with 64 wheels, and mastering the art of handling hoes and dozers, Bill felt a stirring desire for autonomy. The whisper of "do my own thing" echoed in his heart, a call answered by the decision to buy his own equipment.

Amidst the grind, a pivotal moment shaped Bill's path. Refined excavations for TransAlta Utilities, long before daylighting was a term, became his niche. The touchy, fussy work spoke to his soul, defining the trajectory of his entrepreneurial journey.