Expo gives entrepreneurs multiple ways to learn and connect
Sharing success stories, new ideas and making connections are what drive the Small Business Calgary Expo, part of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Calgary events this week.
Billed as Alberta’s largest business-to-business expo, more than 100 exhibitors and 1,500 guests are expected to attend the event on Oct. 18 at the BMO Centre.
Besides offering great networking opportunities, the expo connects small business entrepreneurs with a whole host of helpful services — from financial advisers, to digital marketers, IT experts and more.
“We really want to be that stage where businesses can get excited and learn from people who are doing it and doing it well and are growing their business,” says Rebecca Wood, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce’s director of sales and corporate partnerships.
“Let business owners have a stage to learn from the best.”
Among the highlights are two keynote addresses by successful entrepreneurs.
Taking the stage will be Justine Barber, co-founder of Poppy Barley, an Edmontonbased shoe company dedicated to social responsibility. The company designs its shoes in Edmonton and has them sustainably manufactured in Leon, Mexico.
Kristen Wood, the chief executive officer and creator of Ten Spot Beauty Bars, will also deliver a keynote address. Started in 2006 with one Toronto salon, the company — which strives to make all its customers feel like a 10 — has expanded dramatically through Ontario and has locations in British Columbia, Quebec, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia.
“I love that there are two women entrepreneurs as keynotes this year!” says Wood.
A digital tools stage will feature rapid-fire 15-minute presentations on new products to help businesspeople. Offering a deeper dive is The Academy, which features extended sessions on topics such as marketing, budgeting and raising capital. It is designed to give attendees more of a professional development experience. An Expo PLUS+ ticket is needed to attend the Academy.
The final 90 minutes of the expo feature a large networking event, encouraging attendees to mix and mingle with some of Calgary’s upand-coming entrepreneurs.
For more information, visit smallbusinessweekcalgary.com/expo.