Expert Panels & Workshops
What an exciting line up of Expert Panels & Workshops! Attendees got the chance to LEARN, NETWORK and DO BUSINESS for three full days, and have many fresh ideas and new connections that can put to use immediately. Attendees energized the way they DO BUSINESS with new ways to address their most challenging issues. The National Summit Program provided countless ideas and solutions that translate into improved efficiency, productivity, quality and competitiveness.
Expert Panels:
Panel Title: Financing Your Business
Summit Theme: Financial Literacy
Target Audience: Emerging and Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives: Money. In small or large amounts, it’s needed to start or grow your business. At this workshop, financing experts will discuss the key strategies you can use to fund your business, explain the differences between debt and equity financing, and identify what lenders will look for when you apply for loans. Opportunities for questions and group discussion will be incorporated into this panel session.
Scheduled: March 5th 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Panel Experts: Stewart Anderson, Vancity; Barry Eisenhauer, Ulnooweg Development Group; Stephen Fay, Aboriginal Banking, BMO; Catherine Roque, BDC Moderator: Kirstine Baccar, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
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Panel Title: Successes and Challenges of Entrepreneurship
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives: Panel participants will share their stories of successes and failures as Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. The Panel will discuss what success means for them, what business challenges they faced, how they overcame major obstacles, business traps they fell into and how to avoid them. Time will be provided for all participants to ask questions and discuss ideas.
Scheduled: March 5th 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Latash Nahanee, Seven - Your Indigenous News Source; Jason Jenkins, Going on Dreams; Helen Ward-Wakelin, Helen's Pool & Garden Supply Centre; Orene Askew, DJ O Show; Robert Bernard, Diversity Management Group
Moderator: John Kim Bell, Bell & Bernard Limited
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Panel Title: Exploring Best Practices to Support Business Development
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Supporting Organizations, Corporations and Government. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
A panel of leading experts in supporting business development, from a variety of locations and contexts, will answer questions regarding best practices in supporting business development for entrepreneurs. Discussion topics will include how to be a good business coach, the use of business incubators, creative ways to deliver services to remote areas, problem solving with clients, building long-term positive relationships with clients, and understanding the needs of entrepreneurs. While the panel will lead the discussion, audience members will have opportunities to contribute and ask questions.
Scheduled: March 5th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Stewart Anderson, Vancity; Bruce Lacroix, CCAE The Aboriginal BEST; Bill Stirling, NALD; Charles Harn, JEDI; Sheila Isaac, The Coady Institute;
Moderator: Kristin Kozuback, Spiritlink Communications
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Panel Title: Ministry Panel
Summit Theme: Financial Literacy
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Addressing current information regarding Aboriginal Entrepreneurship.
Scheduled: March 4th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Summit Theme: Financial Literacy
Target Audience: Emerging and Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives: Money. In small or large amounts, it’s needed to start or grow your business. At this workshop, financing experts will discuss the key strategies you can use to fund your business, explain the differences between debt and equity financing, and identify what lenders will look for when you apply for loans. Opportunities for questions and group discussion will be incorporated into this panel session.
Scheduled: March 5th 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Panel Experts: Stewart Anderson, Vancity; Barry Eisenhauer, Ulnooweg Development Group; Stephen Fay, Aboriginal Banking, BMO; Catherine Roque, BDC Moderator: Kirstine Baccar, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Panel Title: Successes and Challenges of Entrepreneurship
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives: Panel participants will share their stories of successes and failures as Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. The Panel will discuss what success means for them, what business challenges they faced, how they overcame major obstacles, business traps they fell into and how to avoid them. Time will be provided for all participants to ask questions and discuss ideas.
Scheduled: March 5th 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Latash Nahanee, Seven - Your Indigenous News Source; Jason Jenkins, Going on Dreams; Helen Ward-Wakelin, Helen's Pool & Garden Supply Centre; Orene Askew, DJ O Show; Robert Bernard, Diversity Management Group
Moderator: John Kim Bell, Bell & Bernard Limited
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Panel Title: Exploring Best Practices to Support Business Development
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Supporting Organizations, Corporations and Government. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
A panel of leading experts in supporting business development, from a variety of locations and contexts, will answer questions regarding best practices in supporting business development for entrepreneurs. Discussion topics will include how to be a good business coach, the use of business incubators, creative ways to deliver services to remote areas, problem solving with clients, building long-term positive relationships with clients, and understanding the needs of entrepreneurs. While the panel will lead the discussion, audience members will have opportunities to contribute and ask questions.
Scheduled: March 5th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Stewart Anderson, Vancity; Bruce Lacroix, CCAE The Aboriginal BEST; Bill Stirling, NALD; Charles Harn, JEDI; Sheila Isaac, The Coady Institute;
Moderator: Kristin Kozuback, Spiritlink Communications
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Panel Title: Ministry Panel
Summit Theme: Financial Literacy
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Addressing current information regarding Aboriginal Entrepreneurship.
Scheduled: March 4th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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Special Activities & Workshops:
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Activity Title: Soaring Eagles' Nest - The BEST of the BEST Dragons' Den Style Business Plan Competition
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Aboriginal Entrepreneurs from various backgrounds have been selected through to give a brief business pitch to a panel of Canadian business leaders. The panel will determine which Aboriginal Entrepreneur wins the 1st Place Award and prizes for the winning business pitch. Prizes and awards are also provided to the 2nd and 3rd place winners, and certificates of achievement are provided for all competitors.
The audience and competitors will have an opportunity to observe different sales presentation styles and learn about inspiring creative business ideas being pursued by other Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. In addition, they will observe how established business leaders assess the potential of a business idea to succeed. Judging panel includes Dr. Marie Delorme, Stewart Anderson, and Orene Askew.
Scheduled: March 4th 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Activity Title: NAN's World Cafe: Networking @ the Speed of Business, hosted by Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Summit Theme: Business Development & Marketing
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Mingle, enjoy light finger foods and refreshments, participate in our Speed Meet and Sector Greet.
An evening of progressive networking and fun, held in the I DO BUSINESS. Tradeshow area.
Scheduled: March 4th 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Activity Title: I DO BUSINESS. Tradeshow Hunt & Gather Competition
Summit Theme: Business Development & Marketing
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
All Summit participants will be provided with a Tradeshow Hunt & Gather sheet that contains a series of tasks they need to complete that are related to the Tradeshow. The first 10 participants to complete all of the items on the Tradeshow Hunt & Gather sheet will win a prize. Through this ongoing activity, participants will learn:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Workshop Title: What is Literacy and Why Does It Matter?
Summit Theme: Programs & Services for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs
Target Audience: Supporting Organizations, Government and Corporate Representatives. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
On November 9, 2005 Statistics Canada released initial results of the International Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey (IALSS); 9 million Canadian Adults between 16-65 years, or 42% of the population have literacy skills that are below the level required to function effectively in a knowledge-based economy and society. These levels remain exactly the same as 1994.
From a practitioner’s perspective , this workshop will engage the participants on Canadian Literacy issues and will learn that literacy is more than just being able to read and write. We will discuss Literacy in Ontario and Native Stream Literacy in Ontario, why it matters and what we are doing.
Scheduled: March 4th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Katherine Shine, Kenamatewin Native Learning Centre; Linda Wright, Native Stream E-Channel
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Workshop Title: Why Literacy Matters for Entrepreneurship
Summit Theme: Programs & Services for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs, Business Literacy & Financial Literacy
Target Audience: Supporting Organizations, Government and Corporate Representatives. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Literacy and Essential Skills deficiencies exist in every business in the country. They show up as productivity problems, health and safety issues, product quality defects or other concerns. The underlying causes of many business performance gaps are often related to the literacy and essential skills of people throughout the organization.
This workshop is designed specifically for literacy practitioners, Economic Development Officers (EDOs) and other business and corporate representatives or supporting organizations to explore the relationship between literacy and Essential Skills, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Participants will learn about tools and resources for aligning literacy programming and economic development initiatives to support Aboriginal Entrepreneurs in reaching their business goals.
During this workshop, participants will:
Scheduled: March 4th 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Bill Stirling, NALD
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Workshop Title: Making a Difference While Making a Buck: An Introduction to Social Enterprise
Summit Theme: Programs & Services for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs
Target Audience: Supporting Organizations, Government and Corporate Representatives. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Through a combination of discussion, individual and small group work; this workshop will explore the social enterprise model and why it is a growing trend amongst non-profit organizations and businesses. Social Enterprises are organizations that use market-based strategies to achieve a social purpose. Participants will have the opportunity to identify possibilities for implementing the social enterprise model into their current work, and be given resources to pursue next steps.
During this workshop, participants will:
Panel Experts: Nicole Kovacs, Kovacs Gourp Inc.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Workshop Title: How to Respond and Succeed with Requests for Proposals
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Workshop participants will learn about what a Request for Proposals (RFP) is, where you can find Requests for Proposals, and gain invaluable tips on how to increase sales through this process. Aboriginal businesses have some advantages. Learn how to use them!
Scheduled: March 5th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Flavio Caron, Aboriginal Directions Business Consulting
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Workshop Title: Federal and Provincial Procurement
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
The presentation aims to provide Aboriginal businesses and communities with comprehensive information in order to enhance their opportunities to bid and win contracts with the governments of Canada and Ontario. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and the Government of Ontario have a number of levers, including with the federal Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB) and the Aboriginal Procurement Pilot Program (Ontario) that can be used to enhance Aboriginal business capacity.
How to Do Business with the Ontario Government will provide an executive overview of the competitive procurement of goods and services by the Ontario Government. Illustrating how businesses of all sizes and types can be successful vendors through a brief review of process, procurement landscape, how to respond to a procurement opportunity and how to market to the Ontario government.
Doing Business with the Government of Canada - Understanding the Process the Fundamentals
This seminar will provide you with information on;
Panel Experts: Menelaos Argiropoulos, OSME; John Costa, MAA; Kevin Fox, Ministry of Government Services; Fatima Oliveira, AANDC
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Workshop Title: Business Idea vs. Business Opportunity
Summit Theme: Business Development/ Business Literacy
Target Audience: Emerging Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Many people have good business ideas, but is your brilliant idea also a real business opportunity? Come to this workshop with your idea and we will help you flesh it out to see if it can become a viable business and if you are ready to become an entrepreneur.
Topics to be covered include:
Panel Experts: Jennifer David, Stonecircle Consulting
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Workshop Title: Guerilla Marketing: Low to No Cost Ways to Promote Your Business
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging and Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Is your business on a tight budget? Do you feel like the underdog competing with the big guns? Learn the guerrilla marketing strategy to promote your business products or services for little to no money. Guerrilla marketing relies on time, energy and imagination. Learn how to implement this unconventional marketing strategy to grow your business.
Scheduled: March 5th 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Panel Experts: Bruce Lacroix, CCAE & The Aboriginal BEST
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Workshop Title: Pay It Forward: Become a Community Ambassador at our Community Summits
Summit Theme: Supporting Business Development
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Do you want to share what you have learned with other Aboriginal Entrepreneurs or organizations in your home community? Learn about how you can become a Community Ambassador for I DO BUSINESS. and help to host a Community Summit in your own community. As the Community Ambassador of a Community Summit you will network with other Aboriginal Entrepreneurs and/or representatives of organizations that serve entrepreneurs in your area and share with them many of the amazing skills and resources you have gained during your time at the National Summit. No previous facilitation experience required! This workshop will show you how a Community summit can be held utilizing your local resources. Two part Seminars.
Scheduled: March 4th 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. & March 5th 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Panel Experts: Bruce Lacroix, CCAE & The Aboriginal BEST; Leah Taylor, I DO BUSINESS., WILSON & Associates; Harvey McLeod, Interior Salish Employment & Trainging Society
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Workshop Title: Financial Fitness for Success
Summit Theme: Financial Literacy
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
In this workshop participants will learn what financial literacy is and identify some of their personal strengths and weaknesses at managing money. Key financial literacy terms will be explained, with the focus on keeping themselves and their businesses financially fit. Topics addressed include cash flow, avoiding money traps, how to make a budget work for you, credit cards, and filing tax returns.
Scheduled: March 5th 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Panel Experts: Stewart Anderson, Vancity
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Workshop Title: Demystify Your Banker
Summit Theme: Financial Literacy
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
This workshop will enhance the participant’s understanding of how a potential lender will evaluate your business proposal. Discussion will include; your professional profile, your project’s viability, your ability to meet the financial obligations of the business, and your investment. The objective is to help Entrepreneurs prepare in advance for a productive meeting when seeking financing. We will also discuss sources of financing, types of loans, collateral, financial statements and financial ratios; so that Entrepreneurs have an understanding of some of the terminology that may be used in meeting with lenders.
Scheduled: March 4th 10:00 a.m to 10:45 a.m. & March 5th 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Panel Experts: Catherine Roque, BDC
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Workshop Title: Introduction to Social Media: Facebook, Twitter and Blogging Fundamentals for
Entrepreneurs and Community Leaders
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
The big three! Facebook, Twitter and Blogging are three tools we all need to master. 1 Billion Facebook members, 500 million Twitter accounts and then of course blogs tie all social networking activities together. In this session Shane Gibson will walk you through how to get started right with all of these tools. This session will cover:
Panel Experts: Shane Gibson, Socialized!
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Workshop Title: The Rules of Engagement – How to Profit and Prosper with Social Media
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
It's not who you know but who knows you in today’s hyper-connected marketplace. The crowd and community now own your brand, and in order to profit and prosper from this new dynamic, you need a solid strategy and set of principles to engage the marketplace and community. Nimble entrepreneurs and community leaders armed with social media tools and insights can in many cases now compete for mind-share and wallet-share like never before.
In this fast-paced presentation Shane Gibson co-author of the brand of Sociable! and Guerrilla Social Media Marketing will share with your team:
Panel Experts: Shane Gibson, Socialized!
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Workshop Title: Hire Smart from the Start - Recruitment for Your Small Business
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Every small business owner is at some point faced with the need to hire new staff as they experience a growth in business. Or they need to replace a staff member. Hiring the wrong person for the job is costly and frustrating for the owner. This interactive workshop will teach participants about the process and best practices of recruiting and selecting the right employees for their small business. Special attention will be given to creation of job postings, methods of recruitment, legal issues.
Scheduled: March 5th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Petra Ott, Bluewater HR Solutions
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Workshop Title: Prospecting Leads: The Key to Success
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
As you start your business, finding and securing new customers is without a doubt the most difficult and stressful aspect of entrepreneurship. This interactive presentation will assist Aboriginal Entrepreneurs succeed in the art of prospecting by learning the simple strategies for identifying organisations and individuals who have a potential need for your product or service, making contact with them to see if you can be of service and then generating a client & supplier relationship.
Scheduled: March 4th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Syndi Robitaille-Johansen, Smart Start Solutions
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Workshop Title: Métis 101
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Introduction to Métis culture and the governing structure of the MNO, as well as an overview of the comprehensive suite of programs that the Métis Nation of Ontario's Education and Training branch provides to support employers and qualified Métis individuals across the province.
Scheduled: March 4th 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Panel Experts: Kelly Honsberger, Métis Nation of Ontario
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Workshop Title: Doing Business on Reserve
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
This workshop will discuss some of the key opportunities and challenges that come along with being an Aboriginal Entrepreneur doing business on Reserve Canada. Topics to be addressed include taxation, what you can write off, doing business with government and cities, seizure of assets, and methods to obtain financing.
Scheduled: March 4th 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Panel Experts: Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
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Workshop Title: Marketing Mix FUNdamentals - Take Home 5 Tools in 90 Minutes
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Learn how to put he FUN back into your marketing mix - and get better results by learning these 5 "Take Home Tools." You've all probably heard of the 5 P's of the marketing mix (product, place, price, promotion and people)...but you need to use the "12 P's of the Marketing Mix Chart' to create or update your marketing plan to save yourself time, money and energy. Create a marketing message on-site for your own materials - and submit it to the national platform of the I Do Business Summit. You'll also take home a 'Target Market Test' and a culturally-relevant personality assessment tool. Leave understanding how your target market is made up of people from four main personality types; then you can more easily identify and then meet their needs to create lifelong cheerleaders and customers for your business.
Scheduled: March 4th 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Kristin Kozuback, Spiritlink Communications
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Workshop Title: $100,000 Entrepreneur or $1,000,000 Corporation - It's Your Choice
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
There are pathways to success and we all make choices. When is the right time to incorporate?
At the outset? Later? Never?
Your choices will affect the potential for your personal and business goals to be reached.
Will you be the $100,000 entrepreneur or the $1,000,000 corporation? There is no single right choice - YOU must get all the facts, do all the research - and decide.
How will your decision affect your personal life? Your financing abilities? Your marketing? Your taxes? Your exit plan? Join us to find out.
Scheduled: March 5th 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Panel Experts: Flavio Caron, Aboriginal Directions Business Consulting
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Workshop Title: Community, Culture and Business
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Come and explore the discussions that will take place at the “Community, Culture & Business” Workshop where Mi’kmaw entrepreneur, Mr. Robert Bernard of Diversity Management Group (DMG). He will present on some real life experiences of growing up in a First Nations community and experiencing the challenges that Aboriginal people face across the country when it comes to utilizing the strengths found in our cultural teachings as it applies to developing business opportunities. This workshop will offer participants an opportunity to learn about some ways to maximize on creating capacity within your own business structure through research, preparedness, strategic partnership building and developing a quality product that will aim at producing sustainable and meaningful results for your firm.
Scheduled: March 4th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. & March 5th 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Panel Experts: Robert Bernard, Diversity Management Group
Activity Title: Soaring Eagles' Nest - The BEST of the BEST Dragons' Den Style Business Plan Competition
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Aboriginal Entrepreneurs from various backgrounds have been selected through to give a brief business pitch to a panel of Canadian business leaders. The panel will determine which Aboriginal Entrepreneur wins the 1st Place Award and prizes for the winning business pitch. Prizes and awards are also provided to the 2nd and 3rd place winners, and certificates of achievement are provided for all competitors.
The audience and competitors will have an opportunity to observe different sales presentation styles and learn about inspiring creative business ideas being pursued by other Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. In addition, they will observe how established business leaders assess the potential of a business idea to succeed. Judging panel includes Dr. Marie Delorme, Stewart Anderson, and Orene Askew.
Scheduled: March 4th 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Activity Title: NAN's World Cafe: Networking @ the Speed of Business, hosted by Nishnawbe Aski Nation
Summit Theme: Business Development & Marketing
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Mingle, enjoy light finger foods and refreshments, participate in our Speed Meet and Sector Greet.
An evening of progressive networking and fun, held in the I DO BUSINESS. Tradeshow area.
Scheduled: March 4th 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Activity Title: I DO BUSINESS. Tradeshow Hunt & Gather Competition
Summit Theme: Business Development & Marketing
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
All Summit participants will be provided with a Tradeshow Hunt & Gather sheet that contains a series of tasks they need to complete that are related to the Tradeshow. The first 10 participants to complete all of the items on the Tradeshow Hunt & Gather sheet will win a prize. Through this ongoing activity, participants will learn:
- What the key functions of a Tradeshow are
- Why attending or participating in a Tradeshow can be good for business
- How to network at a Tradeshow for business success
- How to select a Tradeshow that is relevant to their business
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Workshop Title: What is Literacy and Why Does It Matter?
Summit Theme: Programs & Services for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs
Target Audience: Supporting Organizations, Government and Corporate Representatives. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
On November 9, 2005 Statistics Canada released initial results of the International Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey (IALSS); 9 million Canadian Adults between 16-65 years, or 42% of the population have literacy skills that are below the level required to function effectively in a knowledge-based economy and society. These levels remain exactly the same as 1994.
From a practitioner’s perspective , this workshop will engage the participants on Canadian Literacy issues and will learn that literacy is more than just being able to read and write. We will discuss Literacy in Ontario and Native Stream Literacy in Ontario, why it matters and what we are doing.
Scheduled: March 4th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Katherine Shine, Kenamatewin Native Learning Centre; Linda Wright, Native Stream E-Channel
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Workshop Title: Why Literacy Matters for Entrepreneurship
Summit Theme: Programs & Services for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs, Business Literacy & Financial Literacy
Target Audience: Supporting Organizations, Government and Corporate Representatives. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Literacy and Essential Skills deficiencies exist in every business in the country. They show up as productivity problems, health and safety issues, product quality defects or other concerns. The underlying causes of many business performance gaps are often related to the literacy and essential skills of people throughout the organization.
This workshop is designed specifically for literacy practitioners, Economic Development Officers (EDOs) and other business and corporate representatives or supporting organizations to explore the relationship between literacy and Essential Skills, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Participants will learn about tools and resources for aligning literacy programming and economic development initiatives to support Aboriginal Entrepreneurs in reaching their business goals.
During this workshop, participants will:
- Gain an understanding of why literacy is important for economic development
- Learn why Aboriginal Entrepreneurs need opportunities to improve their literacy skills
- Identify best practices and opportunities for aligning literacy programming efforts and economic
Scheduled: March 4th 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Bill Stirling, NALD
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Workshop Title: Making a Difference While Making a Buck: An Introduction to Social Enterprise
Summit Theme: Programs & Services for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs
Target Audience: Supporting Organizations, Government and Corporate Representatives. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Through a combination of discussion, individual and small group work; this workshop will explore the social enterprise model and why it is a growing trend amongst non-profit organizations and businesses. Social Enterprises are organizations that use market-based strategies to achieve a social purpose. Participants will have the opportunity to identify possibilities for implementing the social enterprise model into their current work, and be given resources to pursue next steps.
During this workshop, participants will:
- Learn about what social enterprise is
- Explore a number of social enterprise case studies
- Identify possible opportunities to incorporate the social enterprise model into their non-profit or business
- Obtain resources to explore next steps for implementing a social enterprise
Panel Experts: Nicole Kovacs, Kovacs Gourp Inc.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Workshop Title: How to Respond and Succeed with Requests for Proposals
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Workshop participants will learn about what a Request for Proposals (RFP) is, where you can find Requests for Proposals, and gain invaluable tips on how to increase sales through this process. Aboriginal businesses have some advantages. Learn how to use them!
Scheduled: March 5th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Flavio Caron, Aboriginal Directions Business Consulting
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Workshop Title: Federal and Provincial Procurement
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
The presentation aims to provide Aboriginal businesses and communities with comprehensive information in order to enhance their opportunities to bid and win contracts with the governments of Canada and Ontario. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and the Government of Ontario have a number of levers, including with the federal Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Business (PSAB) and the Aboriginal Procurement Pilot Program (Ontario) that can be used to enhance Aboriginal business capacity.
How to Do Business with the Ontario Government will provide an executive overview of the competitive procurement of goods and services by the Ontario Government. Illustrating how businesses of all sizes and types can be successful vendors through a brief review of process, procurement landscape, how to respond to a procurement opportunity and how to market to the Ontario government.
Doing Business with the Government of Canada - Understanding the Process the Fundamentals
This seminar will provide you with information on;
- Introduction to key services
- Registering your company
- Searching for opportunities
- Marketing your product or service
- Security Clearance Requirements
- The Canadian Innovation and Commercialization Program (CICP)
Panel Experts: Menelaos Argiropoulos, OSME; John Costa, MAA; Kevin Fox, Ministry of Government Services; Fatima Oliveira, AANDC
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Workshop Title: Business Idea vs. Business Opportunity
Summit Theme: Business Development/ Business Literacy
Target Audience: Emerging Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Many people have good business ideas, but is your brilliant idea also a real business opportunity? Come to this workshop with your idea and we will help you flesh it out to see if it can become a viable business and if you are ready to become an entrepreneur.
Topics to be covered include:
- Am I Cut Out to Be an Entrepreneur?
- Business Planning
- Market Analysis
- Start up Funding
Panel Experts: Jennifer David, Stonecircle Consulting
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Workshop Title: Guerilla Marketing: Low to No Cost Ways to Promote Your Business
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging and Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Is your business on a tight budget? Do you feel like the underdog competing with the big guns? Learn the guerrilla marketing strategy to promote your business products or services for little to no money. Guerrilla marketing relies on time, energy and imagination. Learn how to implement this unconventional marketing strategy to grow your business.
Scheduled: March 5th 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Panel Experts: Bruce Lacroix, CCAE & The Aboriginal BEST
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Workshop Title: Pay It Forward: Become a Community Ambassador at our Community Summits
Summit Theme: Supporting Business Development
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Do you want to share what you have learned with other Aboriginal Entrepreneurs or organizations in your home community? Learn about how you can become a Community Ambassador for I DO BUSINESS. and help to host a Community Summit in your own community. As the Community Ambassador of a Community Summit you will network with other Aboriginal Entrepreneurs and/or representatives of organizations that serve entrepreneurs in your area and share with them many of the amazing skills and resources you have gained during your time at the National Summit. No previous facilitation experience required! This workshop will show you how a Community summit can be held utilizing your local resources. Two part Seminars.
Scheduled: March 4th 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. & March 5th 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Panel Experts: Bruce Lacroix, CCAE & The Aboriginal BEST; Leah Taylor, I DO BUSINESS., WILSON & Associates; Harvey McLeod, Interior Salish Employment & Trainging Society
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Workshop Title: Financial Fitness for Success
Summit Theme: Financial Literacy
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
In this workshop participants will learn what financial literacy is and identify some of their personal strengths and weaknesses at managing money. Key financial literacy terms will be explained, with the focus on keeping themselves and their businesses financially fit. Topics addressed include cash flow, avoiding money traps, how to make a budget work for you, credit cards, and filing tax returns.
Scheduled: March 5th 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Panel Experts: Stewart Anderson, Vancity
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Workshop Title: Demystify Your Banker
Summit Theme: Financial Literacy
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
This workshop will enhance the participant’s understanding of how a potential lender will evaluate your business proposal. Discussion will include; your professional profile, your project’s viability, your ability to meet the financial obligations of the business, and your investment. The objective is to help Entrepreneurs prepare in advance for a productive meeting when seeking financing. We will also discuss sources of financing, types of loans, collateral, financial statements and financial ratios; so that Entrepreneurs have an understanding of some of the terminology that may be used in meeting with lenders.
Scheduled: March 4th 10:00 a.m to 10:45 a.m. & March 5th 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Panel Experts: Catherine Roque, BDC
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Workshop Title: Introduction to Social Media: Facebook, Twitter and Blogging Fundamentals for
Entrepreneurs and Community Leaders
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
The big three! Facebook, Twitter and Blogging are three tools we all need to master. 1 Billion Facebook members, 500 million Twitter accounts and then of course blogs tie all social networking activities together. In this session Shane Gibson will walk you through how to get started right with all of these tools. This session will cover:
- How to set up an effective twitter presence
- Local and global marketing strategies for Facebook and Twitter
- How to launch a blog for under $100
- Facebook marketing fundamentals
- 5 proven ways to gain real Facebook fans
Panel Experts: Shane Gibson, Socialized!
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Workshop Title: The Rules of Engagement – How to Profit and Prosper with Social Media
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
It's not who you know but who knows you in today’s hyper-connected marketplace. The crowd and community now own your brand, and in order to profit and prosper from this new dynamic, you need a solid strategy and set of principles to engage the marketplace and community. Nimble entrepreneurs and community leaders armed with social media tools and insights can in many cases now compete for mind-share and wallet-share like never before.
In this fast-paced presentation Shane Gibson co-author of the brand of Sociable! and Guerrilla Social Media Marketing will share with your team:
- The new rules of engagement in sales and marketing
- How to use social media to connect, attract and grow profitable clients opportunities.
- Guerrilla social media tactics that help you gain market share
- 7 steps to help any entrepreneur or community leader implement social media efficiently
- Free or nearly free social media management tools that turn tools like Twitter and Facebook into business tools and community building tools.
Panel Experts: Shane Gibson, Socialized!
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Workshop Title: Hire Smart from the Start - Recruitment for Your Small Business
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Every small business owner is at some point faced with the need to hire new staff as they experience a growth in business. Or they need to replace a staff member. Hiring the wrong person for the job is costly and frustrating for the owner. This interactive workshop will teach participants about the process and best practices of recruiting and selecting the right employees for their small business. Special attention will be given to creation of job postings, methods of recruitment, legal issues.
Scheduled: March 5th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Petra Ott, Bluewater HR Solutions
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Workshop Title: Prospecting Leads: The Key to Success
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
As you start your business, finding and securing new customers is without a doubt the most difficult and stressful aspect of entrepreneurship. This interactive presentation will assist Aboriginal Entrepreneurs succeed in the art of prospecting by learning the simple strategies for identifying organisations and individuals who have a potential need for your product or service, making contact with them to see if you can be of service and then generating a client & supplier relationship.
Scheduled: March 4th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Syndi Robitaille-Johansen, Smart Start Solutions
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Workshop Title: Métis 101
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Introduction to Métis culture and the governing structure of the MNO, as well as an overview of the comprehensive suite of programs that the Métis Nation of Ontario's Education and Training branch provides to support employers and qualified Métis individuals across the province.
Scheduled: March 4th 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Panel Experts: Kelly Honsberger, Métis Nation of Ontario
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Workshop Title: Doing Business on Reserve
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
This workshop will discuss some of the key opportunities and challenges that come along with being an Aboriginal Entrepreneur doing business on Reserve Canada. Topics to be addressed include taxation, what you can write off, doing business with government and cities, seizure of assets, and methods to obtain financing.
Scheduled: March 4th 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Panel Experts: Deputy Grand Chief Les Louttit, Nishnawbe Aski Nation
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Workshop Title: Marketing Mix FUNdamentals - Take Home 5 Tools in 90 Minutes
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Learn how to put he FUN back into your marketing mix - and get better results by learning these 5 "Take Home Tools." You've all probably heard of the 5 P's of the marketing mix (product, place, price, promotion and people)...but you need to use the "12 P's of the Marketing Mix Chart' to create or update your marketing plan to save yourself time, money and energy. Create a marketing message on-site for your own materials - and submit it to the national platform of the I Do Business Summit. You'll also take home a 'Target Market Test' and a culturally-relevant personality assessment tool. Leave understanding how your target market is made up of people from four main personality types; then you can more easily identify and then meet their needs to create lifelong cheerleaders and customers for your business.
Scheduled: March 4th 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Panel Experts: Kristin Kozuback, Spiritlink Communications
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Workshop Title: $100,000 Entrepreneur or $1,000,000 Corporation - It's Your Choice
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Emerging & Existing Aboriginal Entrepreneurs. Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
There are pathways to success and we all make choices. When is the right time to incorporate?
At the outset? Later? Never?
Your choices will affect the potential for your personal and business goals to be reached.
Will you be the $100,000 entrepreneur or the $1,000,000 corporation? There is no single right choice - YOU must get all the facts, do all the research - and decide.
How will your decision affect your personal life? Your financing abilities? Your marketing? Your taxes? Your exit plan? Join us to find out.
Scheduled: March 5th 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Panel Experts: Flavio Caron, Aboriginal Directions Business Consulting
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Workshop Title: Community, Culture and Business
Summit Theme: Business Development
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
Come and explore the discussions that will take place at the “Community, Culture & Business” Workshop where Mi’kmaw entrepreneur, Mr. Robert Bernard of Diversity Management Group (DMG). He will present on some real life experiences of growing up in a First Nations community and experiencing the challenges that Aboriginal people face across the country when it comes to utilizing the strengths found in our cultural teachings as it applies to developing business opportunities. This workshop will offer participants an opportunity to learn about some ways to maximize on creating capacity within your own business structure through research, preparedness, strategic partnership building and developing a quality product that will aim at producing sustainable and meaningful results for your firm.
Scheduled: March 4th 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. & March 5th 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Panel Experts: Robert Bernard, Diversity Management Group
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Workshop Title: The Alexis Principles - March 6th Full Day - Plenary Session
Summit Theme: Business Development & Forming Business Partnerships
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
During a full-day The Alexis Principles Experience, you will learn how to get to the business table faster by integrating these principles into your everyday business interactions through hands-on learning exercises based upon real business situations, storytelling, and discussion. The Alexis Principles Experience will give you insight into how to utilize your own innate talents and abilities to successfully navigate uncharted cultural territory. You will learn how to make your job easier, be more effective, and appear more professional in cross-cultural business situations.
Over the course of this one-day special event, participants will:
Panel Experts: Tony Alexis, The Alexis Principles & Native Networsk Inc.; John Kor I DO BUSINESS. & Korstrategies; Leah Taylor, I DO BUSINESS. & WILSON & Associates; and Susan Wilson, I DO BUSINESS. & WILSON & Associates;
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Workshop Title: The Alexis Principles - March 6th Full Day - Plenary Session
Summit Theme: Business Development & Forming Business Partnerships
Target Audience: Relevant to All.
Description & Objectives:
During a full-day The Alexis Principles Experience, you will learn how to get to the business table faster by integrating these principles into your everyday business interactions through hands-on learning exercises based upon real business situations, storytelling, and discussion. The Alexis Principles Experience will give you insight into how to utilize your own innate talents and abilities to successfully navigate uncharted cultural territory. You will learn how to make your job easier, be more effective, and appear more professional in cross-cultural business situations.
Over the course of this one-day special event, participants will:
- Learn about culture and how culture impacts business relationships
- Develop a clear understanding of each of The Alexis Principles as a strategy for successful business relationship building
- Explore how to utilize The Alexis Principles in any cross-cultural business scenario
- Develop personal practice plans for using The Alexis Principles in an upcoming business situation
Panel Experts: Tony Alexis, The Alexis Principles & Native Networsk Inc.; John Kor I DO BUSINESS. & Korstrategies; Leah Taylor, I DO BUSINESS. & WILSON & Associates; and Susan Wilson, I DO BUSINESS. & WILSON & Associates;
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See our list of Presenters and read more about our Keynotes Speakers, Mr. John Kim Bell, David Chilton and Dr. Marie Delorme!