A room where people can build safely.

Where this applies

This code applies to everyone taking part in Innovate Chestermere: founders, mentors, volunteers, speakers, partners, guests and the founding team. It covers Founders Night and every other event, mentoring conversations, introductions, our group chats and social media, and the website assistant.

What we expect

• Respect everyone. People arrive at every stage, from a first idea to a growing business, and from many backgrounds, cultures and languages. Every question is welcome.
• Keep ideas confidential. What a founder shares about their business stays with you unless they say otherwise. Do not repeat, copy or post another person's idea, numbers or plans without permission.
• Give before you ask. Founders Night is for learning and connection, not for selling. Share what you know freely, and offer your services only when someone asks.
• Ask before you record. Ask permission before taking photos, video or audio of anyone, and respect a no.
• Be honest. Represent yourself and your business truthfully, and never suggest that Innovate Chestermere, or any other organization, endorses you when it does not.
• Look out for each other. If someone seems uncomfortable or left out, include them, or let an organizer know.

What is not acceptable

• Harassment, intimidation or discrimination of any kind, including on any ground protected by the Alberta Human Rights Act.
• Unwanted physical contact, attention or follow-up after someone has said no.
• Offensive comments, jokes or images, in person or online.
• Pressure selling, unsolicited pitches, spam, or adding people to mailing lists without their consent.
• Sharing someone's personal details, or recording them, without permission.
• Disrupting talks or conversations, or attempting to misuse the website or its assistant.

Mentors and volunteers

• Introductions made through Innovate Chestermere are always free; never charge a founder for one.
• Tell the founder and an organizer about any conflict of interest, for example a business relationship with a service you recommend.
• Stay within what you know, and suggest professional advice for legal, tax or financial questions.

Raising a concern

If something happens that makes you or someone else uncomfortable, speak to any organizer at the event, or write to hello@innovatechestermere.ca. We will listen, keep your report as confidential as we can, and follow up with you. You never need to confront anyone yourself.

What happens next

Depending on what happened, organizers may speak with the person involved, ask them to leave an event, or remove them from future events and online spaces. In an emergency, call 911.

Read our Terms of Use and Privacy policy. We will review this code with legal counsel once the society is registered.