Olds College’s new Canadian Institute for Rural Entrepreneurship will provide education and research for small and medium sized business in rural Alberta.
The site will include a hotel and conference centre worth between $12 and 14 million and is expected to be in place by 2012.
“Many of the things that we will do are things we have already done but this will give them a home within our institution,” said college vice-president Bob Wilson.
Three areas of study are already under consideration to provide extension education in partnership with other schools and government.
The first area includes education on high-end fresh food production and sales through U-pick operations, farmers’ market, organic foods or supply chains that link producers to retailers and food service.
The second is rural hospitality and tourism studies that go beyond learning how to develop farm stays or bed and breakfast operations. It could include those involved in private hunting and fishing opportunities or learning how to build restaurants in rural areas.
The third is rural manufacturing, which could range from handicrafts and artisan work to small factories producing components for other businesses.
