The Agritourism Innovation Challenge is designed to scale up agritourism in the Wild Rose Region east of Calgary, incentivizing existing businesses and/or entrepreneurs to build new exciting businesses.
The businesses will be showcased at a virtual pitch event from March 26th - March 31st! Winners will receive funding to further business development supports and marketing in order to make their big ideas into reality!
Back Story
My husband Ken and I have been running the Rosebud Country Inn since 2009. With its quiet amazing views and country air, the Inn enhances the experience of those who come to see a theatre production at Rosebud Theatre. From the beginning, the values that we have exhibited are integrity, cleanliness, service excellence, respect and laughter (and there is a lot of that!). Our desire has been to build a loyal clientele who come to the Inn to enjoy the quiet, amazing views, country air, a good sleep and great food!
COVID-19 brought about a very challenging scenario. We realized how dependent we were on the theatre. When I had 58 cancellations in one day, I knew that I needed to pivot and come up with another way of introducing folks to the Inn.
10 days later, a friend and I launched the Rosebud Country Market, where folks could order their food online and drive to the Inn for pickup, where we would place their groceries in the trunk. Contact was avoided and a need was met. We even brought in a food truck!
Big Idea
The Rosebud Country Inn is looking at expanding its market into a permanent market in Rosebud where locals and visitors can get fresh local food, supporting local producers and farmers, while enjoying live entertainment and wonderful dining events. The Market will be part of a diversified tourism cluster in Rosebud that builds on the performing arts and local craft retail to include a dark sky community where visitors learn and experience the beauty of the night sky.
Brilliant Ideas BJ and Ken!! Last summer on our visit to the Inn, we sat on the deck late into the night and enjoyed the magnificence of the Milky Way. Now a beautiful memory and we look forward to visiting again soon! 😍
Excellent idea, love your innovation BJ and Ken... Hope to be visiting again soon.
Fantastic idea! We love The Rosebud Country Inn and Rosebud. It offers a wonderful getaway for us that is not far away from home. Can’t wait to come visit again, you have our vote. Looking forward to seeing you this summer. 😍
Wonderful idea and so fitting for its location. Looking forward to visiting Rosebud again. Great memories of our times there.
Great ideas! Love them both. Living in the very populated lower mainland of BC, the idea of a dark-sky community is very appealing, and this partnered with the existing charms of the town with the theatre, inn, and peaceful rolling hills, would be a great attraction. And who doesn't love a fresh market with local produce! You've got my vote.