- Sep 5
- 3 min read

Empowering Indigenous Businesses-High Prairie

Unlock your Success through Training

On October 2nd, Wednesday, the Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake in partnership with High Prairie Native Friendship Centre, is proud to host the Empowering Indigenous Businesses Training event. This event aims to uplift and empower Indigenous entrepreneurs by offering practical advice and guidance. Whether you're just starting or looking to take your existing business to new heights, these experts will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to thrive.

Join us at the High Prairie Native Friendship Centre from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM to hear from esteemed speakers who will share their expertise on crucial topics:

Managing Your Business Finance - ATB Financial
Indigenous Businesses need to know when filing tax return
How filing your tax return can result in benefit payments.
Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub: Mikwam Makwa Ikwe, National Indigenous Hub

Our Speakers:

Kara Thorvaldson, (she/her) represents the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub as a Program Manager, co-leading WEKH’s strategy in the Alberta region. She is an Indigenous woman from Treaty 1 territory (MB), relocating to Treaty 7 (AB) in 2021. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) from the University of Manitoba, Kara has worked on various projects at WEKH, including the Indigenous program, Mikwam Makwa Ikwe.

Kara will share their findings and recommendations from Mikwam Makwa Ikwe reports and WEKH's most recent research and findings from The State of Women's Entrepreneurship in Canada 2023.

Cliff Turner is an Entrepreneur Ecosystem Strategist at ATB Financial, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs throughout Alberta. His passion lies in helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges and changes they encounter throughout all stages of their business journey.

Cliff has been a part of the small business ecosystem since 2005. As an Entrepreneur Ecosystem Strategist for ATB Financial, Cliff functions as a thinking partner, guide and connection to resources for small businesses.

Presentation: The small business support ecosystem in Alberta is strong, but it is also large and can be overwhelming. In this session, you will learn about several organizations and resources available to help you on your journey through building a business. From business plan templates and market research to grants and alternative funding options, this session will equip you with the ability to find the support you need.

Robin-Lee Vance- Business Analyst at Community Futures

Presentation: Turning Your Business Ideas to Life

Learn the key concepts that are required to build your business plan. In this workshop, you will develop an understanding of entrepreneurial skills, understanding of customers, competition, marketing plans, business structures, operation management, introduction to financial statements, SWOT analysis, and elevator pitches.

Event Details:

11:00 AM- 11:30 AM – Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub: Mikwam Makwa Ikwe, National Indigenous Hub (WEKH)
11:30 PM – 12:00 PM –Turning your business idea to life
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM - Lunch/ Film showing of Successful Indigenous Entrepreneurs
12:30 PM- 1:30 PM - Lunch/ Managing your business finance (ATB Financial)
1:30 PM- 2:15 PM – How filing your tax return can result in benefit payments.
2:15 PM – 3:00 PM – Indigenous Businesses need to know when filing tax return