I DO BUSINESS. South Western Ontario Regional Summit 
Strategies for Aboriginal Success 
May 29-30, 2014

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Keynote & Guest Speakers

Sandi Boucher
Is an entrepreneur, a published author, and a much-loved and passionate motivational speaker with a vision – a world where every man, woman and child is empowered through her company, “Traditionally Speaking.ca, Speaker’s Network” she works diligently to accomplish that goal. Sandi knows the challenges, having acquired her wisdom through real life experiences including personal and familial poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence. With her Ojibwe teachings as the base, she now assists others through her books, workshops and motivational seminars to find their strength as they overcome their own personal and professional challenges.
Mary Spencer 
Made her Olympic Games debut in 2012 and finished tied for fifth in the middleweight (75kg) category. As a three-time world champion and five-time Pan American champion, Spencer carried much responsibility as a role model and national ambassador as women’s boxing made its debut on the Olympic program in 2012. Training out of the Windsor Amateur Boxing Club under the renowned tutelage of Olympic coach Charlie Stewart, Spencer is a proud Ojibway athlete originally from the Cape Croker First Nation. She has been named ‘one to watch’ for The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport, and Physical Activity’s Most Influential Women list and is a Member of Motivate Canada’s GEN 7 Aboriginal role model initiative. She was also chosen by Proctor and Gamble as a CoverGirl for 2012.

Presenters and Workshops

John Anagnostou, London Small Business Centre
John is responsible for supporting new start-ups and existing businesses by responding to inquiries, providing one-on-one advisory assistance as well as group instruction on business feasibility, business sustainability and planning. Committed to extending his community's economic development to new citizens in London Ontario Canada, in the early 90’s he created a comprehensive course on starting and managing a small business.
John joined the Small Business Centre in August of 2007. Small business and entrepreneurship has always been his passion and has extensive hands on experience starting and working in small business.

Creating a Business Plan
What does a successful business plan look like?
 The London Small Business Centre is a not-for-profit organization that has provided thousands of entrepreneurs with the training and support necessary to start and grow successful businesses. At this workshop, participants will get the opportunity to work with a professional who will discuss how to create a successful business plan. From concept, through start-up and early growth stages of business, this workshop is a one-stop source for information, guidance and professional advice on starting and running a successful business.
John Kor, I DO BUSINESS. Inc.
John is a social entrepreneur with a passion for Aboriginal business development.  As a bilingual French-Canadian, John has worked with people from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds across the country to create successful business marketing initiatives. John contributes innovative concepts to provide value for partners and sponsors through lasting brand experiences.

Growing Your Business through Power Marketing & Social Media
Join us for a fast paced workshop moving at the speed of Social Media. How does marketing impact your life and business? Learn how you can get started with social media and power marketing, with social media expert Korri McLinton from I DO BUSINESS. and marketing guru and CEO - John Kor. You’ll walk away with ideas you can do now and will cost from little to nothing. Tease your brain and get your marketing on the move.
Korri McLinton, I DO BUSINESS. Inc.
Korri graduated from Georgian College in the three year Graphic Design program. She has a thirst for knowledge and is eager to put her energy towards new tasks. She is proficient in photo manipulation, page layout and is well versed in all versions of the Creative Suite programs. She is easy going and brings her fierce drive to every job she does. Korri has brought fresh ideas and perspective to the team, she handles the social media department with ease and creativity. Her organization skills are a huge asset to the team.
Growing Your Business through Power Marketing & Social Media
Anthony Blair, Public Works and Government Service Canada
Anthony  graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science degree. He has been working for the federal government for more than 16 years. During this time, Anthony has worked in various branches occupying different positions. For example, he has worked for Canada Revenue Agency in their Business Window section and with Public Works and Government Services in their procurement section. Anthony’s current position is Engagement Officer with the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises. His role is to ensure that Small and Medium Enterprises are aware of the many opportunities available to them to do business with the Government of Canada.

Procurement Opportunities with the Government of Ontario
This workshop will help you to understand the procurement process  - why it is important to understand the procurement process and how the information can assist you in marketing your commodity. You'll learn how to Register as a supplier. Plus you will learn about Bidding on opportunity -The adage “nothing ventured, nothing gained”, is apt here. In order to win contracts it's important to bid on opportunities that suppliers are qualified for.
Joe Heil, Ontario Power Generaion (OPG)
Joe has enjoyed a 31 year career at OPG beginning as a Nuclear Operator at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. In 2003 he joined the OPG Aboriginal Relations team serving as a Senior Advisor. In 2010 he was promoted to Director of the First Nations & Métis Relations Division. Joe holds a three-year BA in Native Studies and a BSc (Honours) degree from Trent University. In addition, he earned a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario (UWO). While at university he received a number of scholarships including a graduate scholarship from UWO, the Professor Gilbert Bagnani medal from Trent and the Tom Longboat Scholarship from the Assembly of First Nations. His First Nations & Métis Relations team is currently involved with developing partnerships, settling past grievances, and community relations and outreach with over fifty First Nation and Métis communities in Ontario. Joe is a member of Oneida Nation of the Thames. Joe currently lives in Beamsville, Ontario with his wife Jeannette and their five children.


Self-Employment & Economic Development Opportunities at OPG
During this workshop participants will hear about and discuss some of the great work and relationship building OPG is doing in First Nations and Métis communities across Ontario. OPG is supporting economic development, training, employment and contract opportunities with many Aboriginal communities. This is a unique chance to network and see how you can get involved with OPG.
Brad Brownlee, Tecumseh Community Development Corporation
Brad currently resides in Sarnia, Ontario and has been employed in the position of Business Development Officer with Tecumseh Community Development Corporation since June 1999. Brad brings to the corporation over 40 years business experience with particular strengths in group facilitation, business analysis (financial and organizational), performance based strategic planning, downtown revitalization, community development, and leadership and management development. Prior to joining Tecumseh; Brad delivered organizational development, strategic planning, corporate governance, and leadership development services to a broad base of service, distribution and manufacturing companies throughout Ontario and the United States. Brad is a Certified Small Business Counselor, a Professional Facilitator, and a Certified BR+E (Business Retention & Expansion) Consultant, and has assisted with over 350 business start-ups since joining Tecumseh Community Development Corporation.

Support Services for Aboriginal Entrepreneurs
How can I tell if my business plan will translate into a great business?
If you have ever had a business plan or idea but aren’t sure if it will work in the real world then this workshop is for you. Brad has a wealth of experience owning and operating businesses in South Western Ontario and is also a Business Development Officer for Tecumseh Community Development Corporation. Brad will present some pro’s and con’s when it comes to business planning. He will also go over a list of scenarios demonstrating how business plans and ideas can look very different when they are translated into the real world of business.
Sandi Boucher, Traditionally Speaking.ca
Sandi is an entrepreneur, a published author, and a much-loved and passionate motivational speaker with a vision – a world where every man, woman and child is empowered and through her company, “Traditionally Speaking.ca Speaker’s Network” she works diligently to accomplish that goal. Sandi knows the challenges, having acquired her wisdom through real life experiences including personal and familial poverty, alcoholism and domestic violence. With her Ojibwe teachings as the base, she now assists others through her books, workshops and motivational seminars to find their strength as they overcome their own personal and professional challenges.

Growing Your Business Outside the Box - The Circle of Business
Being a successful entrepreneur means being flexible and open to learning new things.  Through discussion and activities, participants in this workshop will learn how to change their thinking to ensure success as an entrepreneur, how to listen to their business plans and adapt to change at the same time, and how to take advantage of changes in the market. Business is about the client, and this workshop teaches how to provide a great service or product while living your dream.
Catherine Roque, The Business Development Bank of Canada
In her current role as Manager Aboriginal Business Services for Ontario, with BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) Aboriginal Banking, Catherine Roque, encourages new business relationships, engaging Aboriginal entrepreneurs to access BDC’s range of services in financing and management consulting, to achieve their business objectives.
Catherine has a keen interest in building Aboriginal-owned enterprises, devoting efforts to enhancing business networks and promoting the Aboriginal entrepreneurial spirit. Catherine is a member of M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island. She holds a Commerce Degree from Laurentian University, and CAFM designation. She currently lives in Sudbury with her husband and three children.           

Demystify Your Banker
Ready to apply for a business loan?
This presentation will help you to prepare in advance, to understand what will be discussed when you meet with a potential lender to access a business loan. Make it easier for your banker to do business with you by arriving prepared, knowing how much you want to borrow, and demonstrating how you can meet the repayments. Your personal credit history may be one of the ways your banker evaluates your credit worthiness. Participants will learn the basics of credit score and personal net worth.
Enactus Lambton College, Enactus Lambton College
Enactus seeks to create solutions to economic, social and environmental issues through outreach projects and business ventures in order to bring about sustainable change in  community. Enactus is an international non-profit organization that brings together student leaders to create a better, more sustainable world through the positive power of business. Enactus operates in 39 countries with the involvement of 1600 college and university campuses. Students form teams on their campuses and apply business concepts to develop outreach projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. Annual national competitions provide a forum for these teams to present the results of their projects, and to be evaluated by business leaders. By contributing their talents to projects that better the lives of people worldwide, Enactus participants demonstrate that individuals with a knowledge and passion for business can be a powerful force of change.

Youth Entrepreneurship Supports
Enactus is an international non-profit organization that brings together student, academic and business leaders who are committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. The Enactus Lambton College chapter is a passionate student team from Sarnia, Ontario, that is committed to creating solutions to economic, social, and environmental matters through business ventures and outreach projects to benefit individuals who need it most. In this session this National award-winning team will showcase their project work teaching financial literacy and entrepreneurial concepts to local First Nations communities, as well as how they used entrepreneurial practices to create a farming middle class in rural Zambia. Join this session to find out more about this entrepreneurial group and how they might be able to assist other budding entrepreneurs turn their business dreams into a reality!
Peter Cameron, The Ontario Co-operative Association
Peter is responsible for supporting existing co-ops and starting new co-ops by responding to inquiries, co-ordinating our technical assistance program and identifying funding opportunities to expand our co-operative development activities. He also works  with various government ministries to promote the co-operative business model.
Peter joined On Co-op in April of 2011. Co-ops have always been his passion and he has extensive experience starting and working in co-op businesses. He was on the founding boards of Silverwood Housing Co-operative, Guelph Food Co-operative, Guelph Co-op Council and Sumac Community Worker Co-operative (Planet Bean Coffee). He was a Co-op Business Developer and Executive Director of the Ontario Worker Co-op Federation 1993-2002. He is a graduate of the Co-operative Management Certificate Program sponsored by OnCo-op and the Schulich School of Business. Peter graduated from McMaster University with a Hons BSc.

Community Based Business using the Co-operative Business Model
Long term studies in Quebec and now research in BC and Alberta have demonstrated that the survival rate of co-operative businesses is double that of other business forms after 5 and 10 years. Why? The co-operative business model has a proven track record for creating and retaining jobs in all sectors of the economy. It offers several advantages that are attractive for First Nations entrepreneurs because it more closely aligns with their values than the present system. Come learn more about this unique business model. Topics covered include, incorporation, financing, structural models, sector opportunities, succession planning and co-op conversions, profiles of successful co-op developments and more!
Guy Monague, Entrepreneur & Ontario Works
Guy is currently working as an Employment and Career Developer for the Ontario Works program on Beausoliel First Nation. He has worked as private consultant for First Nation Small Business owners, a Recruiment Coordinator at Casino Rama, a Marketing Officer for the Huronia Aboriginal Area Management Board and has been an entrepreneur starting at a young age in his home community. The majority of his career involved developing training programs and solutions for First Nations and facilitating partnerships that would create better results fo r the participants. Guy has been involved in community development and has served on his home council for 3 terms and has advised and worked as a private consultant for Aboriginal organizations in program development. Over the years, he has learned  many trades and his hobbies include songwriting, music production and playing guitar.

Aboriginal Entrepreneurship: Opportunities & Challenges
The facilitator, Guy Monague will take you through a presentation of a model in developing key areas of yourself and how you can condition yourself for success in any area of your life. Based on Age-old Wisdom and the latest research on the brain and body science. Today, it’s possible that you are self-sabotaging  any chance of success or preventing any degree of happiness in your life by the many programs that have been installed by your environment. Learn how to identify these areas and how to turn this around so that you can lead a more productive and successful life.

John Pollock, Biz Inc.
John Pollock (MBA UWO 1984) is a seasoned entrepreneur with sales experience in Africa, sailing miles logged in the Caribbean, construction / property development experience in Ontario and a genuine appreciation for the challenges of business start-ups and the people who find the courage to leap. After many years on the East Coast in Lunenburg Nova Scotia, John and his wife Cathy returned to London, Ont to be closer to old friends and family. John is currently helping launch a youth business incubator (BizInc) strategically located on the campuses of University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College.

Start Up Tools for Entrepreneurs
There is much support for entrepreneurs; however, sometimes it remains a mystery how to get the right support you need at the right time. Join us to help unlock your businesses potential by connecting with two of Ontario’s entrepreneurship support system partners. OCE, a provincial organization, helps by administering a number of government grant programs, and Biz Inc., a London organization, helps by providing free business advice and mentoring. These two organizations are representative of the assistance available to you from a variety of sources within Ontario’s Entrepreneurial Eco-System to help launch and grow your business.
Alison Empey, Ontario Centres for Excellence (OCE)
Alison Empey is a Business Development Manager at the Ontario Centres for Excellence (OCE). Alison works to link businesses with university and college researchers in order to collaboratively develop new innovative products. Through OCE Alison provides some grant funding for projects and also coaches and assists small businesses to develop their products and businesses.

Supporting Entrepreneurship in Youth
Amanda Driscoll, Aboriginal Legal Services
Amanda is a Métis lawyer from Georgina, Ontario. She is a mother, a wife, a sister, an auntie and a lawyer.  After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Law and English at Carleton University, she attended Osgoode Hall Law School. While at law school, she participated in the Aboriginal Moot and Aboriginal intensive program. Amanda began her legal career as a Student-at-Law with Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto. She then joined the clinic as a staff lawyer. Amanda represents clients at the Human Rights Tribunal, the Social Benefits Tribunal, the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and ALST Inc. at the Supreme Court of Canada.


Removing Barriers to Move Forward with Business
During this workshop Amanda will discuss a variety of themes that may be acting as barriers to individuals looking at moving ahead with entrepreneurship and self-employment. Some of these themes will include: the impact of Criminal records on entrepreneurs: best practices for disclosing criminal records throughout business processes: and receiving pardons. Amanda will also be available for some questions and answers during the workshop period.