Workshops: Sessions 1B—Topic: Working with Barriers: Attracting and Retaining Staff in an Increasingly Competitive Market

Schedule 2025

2:00 pm

A Walk with Rooted Relatives

Join a traditional plant walk along the Saskatchewan river to learn about the deep connections between the Métis people and plant life through traditional knowledge. Meet in the Gathering Centre.

4:30 pm

Tea & Cocktails

Join us for snacks, refreshments, and icebreakers. On the deck at the Gathering Centre.

5:30 pm

Evening Session Begins

Welcoming, Introduction to Metis Crossing, Land Acknowledgement and Smudge

6:45 pm

Sunset (Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous)

7:45 pm

True Confessions Session: Tonya Surman, CEO of the Centre for Social Innovation

Tonya Surman is one of Canada’s leading social entrepreneurs. She co-founded and leads the Centre for Social Innovation, a pioneer in coworking and social enterprise that has supported 6,000+ world-changing initiatives. Tonya developed the globally used Constellation Model for multi-stakeholder collaboration, helping ban toxic chemicals in baby bottles and mobilizing 40,000+ Ontario nonprofits into a policy-shaping network. She also created the Community Bond, a groundbreaking social finance tool that has raised $10M to secure $40M in real estate for 900+ social entrepreneurs. Most recently, she helped launch Social Innovation Canada, a national network supporting systems-level changemakers.

Tonya Surman

9:30 pm

BluPlanet Presents: Failure Wake Bonfire

A place to share what didn’t work, what hurt, and what crashed & burned. No advice, no fixing—just honest storytelling, release, and a reminder that failure is part of the path.

10:30 pm

Late Night Poutine Party

Join us for poutine in the main hall :)

7:00 am

Morning Meditation

Join us for a powerful transformative experience of grounding and release. Through a guided meditation, we’ll gently explore the energy that no longer serves you and open space to move forward with clarity, intention, and alignment.

Leah Fink

7:40 am

Sunrise

8:00 am

Breakfast

9:00 am

Session Starter

9:30 am

Case Study: Imagination Group (Colby Delorme)

A peer-driven, real-time problem-solving session where an entrepreneur shares a current challenge in their impact business and receives honest, constructive insight from fellow participants to help them move forward.

Colby Delorme

10:45 am

Innovate Calgary Presents: Tips to Perfect your Pitch

Quick, practical tips on how to deliver a compelling pitch—perfect prep for Marketplace of Ideas.

Jerome Morgan

11:00 am

Connection, Reflection and Refuel

11:30 am

Marketplace of Ideas

A high-energy, 60-second pitch event where participants share bold ideas and invite support from the SVI community. Join us at the Homer Stage outside.

1:00 pm

Lunch & Learn

Meet us in the classroom if you'd like to learn about the Canadian Purpose economy project!

3:00 pm

Workshops: Sessions 1A—Topic: Purposeful Growth: Driving Social Venture Success

As entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders, we're dedicated to growing our organizations and spend much of our time and energy defining how we'll achieve our growth aspirations. During this workshop, Mike will share some insights from his journey growing a series of successful social ventures—and provide some insightful surprises. Growth doesn't always deliver what we imagine! Much of this workshop will be an interactive Q&A, so come with your questions about planning and growth. Location: Classroom.

Mike Rowlands

3:00 pm

Workshops: Sessions 1B—Topic: Working with Barriers: Attracting and Retaining Staff in an Increasingly Competitive Market

This Q&A panel features entrepreneurs who’ve hired individuals with barriers — and seen real business benefits as a result. From improved retention to stronger team culture, they’ll share honest reflections on what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what they’ve learned along the way. Location: Main Stage.

Holly Singer

Jodi Phelan

Bill Zheng

4:30 pm

Connection & Reflection Time

We invite you to take a nap, journal, stretch, take a walk with a new friend, or simply sit in stillness

6:00 pm

Dinner

You're welcome to join the Living Wage Conversation Table at Dinner

7:08 pm

Sunset (Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous)

7:30 pm

True Confessions Session: Karina Birch, Owner and CEO of Rocky Mountain Soap Company

Karina Birch is the co-founder of Rocky Mountain Soap Company, a Canadian natural beauty brand known for its commitment to sustainability, simplicity, and community. Since launching the company in 2000 with her husband, Cam Baty, Karina has grown the brand from its roots in Canmore, Alberta, into a purpose-driven business inspired by nature and place.

Karina Birch

9:30 pm

Band & Bonfire

Join us for hot chocolate, s'mores and tunes! You're welcome to bring your own instruments to the bonfire!

11:00 pm

A.I. Snack & Talk

What does it take to use A.I. tools safely, sustainably and ethically ? Let’s gather together like bees returned to the hive. We will share our questions and knowledge, work on our worries and concerns, all while we enjoy some simple toast and honey. Discussion will be guided by Travis Smith, president of Hop Studios, a B Corp that helps other non-profits use technology wisely and efficiently in service of their mission.

Travis Smith

7:15 am

Trail Run

Start the day with an easygoing run at sunrise. Running is a great way to see and experience a new place, and we'll explore some of the trails around Metis Crossing at a pace that works for the group. All levels of experience are welcome! Meet at the fireplace in the lodge around 7:10-7:15.

Ian Russell

7:38 am

Sunrise

8:00 am

Breakfast

9:00 am

Case Study: The Marriage Savers Cleaning (Gloria Juarez)

Gloria Juarez

10:30 am

Connection, Reflection & Packing

11:00 am

Checkout of your room

Please be sure to checkout by or before noon

11:30 am

Workshops: Sessions 2A—Topic: Tools to Attract Investment

Looking to raise money but not sure where to start — or what investors are really looking for? This Q&A panel will leave with practical tips to help investors say yes. Location: Main Stage

Barb Rallison

Lacey Chyz

11:30 am

Workshops: Sessions 2B—Topic: Developing Predictable Revenue for your Social Enterprise

Sales doesn’t have to feel scary! Learn how to build respectful relationships that turn into predictable revenue, and walk away with a framework you can put into action right away. Hosted by PURPPL. Location: Classroom.