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AHC takes part in the 43rd Annual BDC Small Business Week

AHC takes part in the 43rd Annual BDC Small Business Week

Small Business Week is an annual celebration of Canadian entrepreneurs and their contribution to Canada's economy since 1979. This annual event is organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) every third week of October.  

The celebration gathers entrepreneurs (prospective and existing) at conferences, workshops, business pitching competitions, luncheons, and trade fairs across Canada. The goal is to provide them with opportunities to learn, network, share ideas and socialize with fellow business owners and potential investors.  

However, existing entrepreneurs and start-ups struggle to take off in implementing their plans and solving their urgent business needs. This is due to their lack of initial booster, either "in kind" or "indirect cash" support. 

Considering these concerns, AHC's Business Support Program (BSP) joined this year's Nationwide Small Business Week Celebration. A series of activities were organized to meet the needs of Edmonton's local entrepreneurs. Below is the overview of each activity: 

  1. Mixer & Tradeshow: Hosted by the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce on October 17, 2022, where BSP clients had a chance to connect and engage in meaningful conversations with exhibitors and co-participants.  
  2. Webinar on the Legal Fundamentals of Running a Business in Canada:  Conducted on October 18, 2022 via Zoom with guest speaker Avish Nanda, a legal expert who specializes in civil, commercial, and public law litigation.
  3. Webinar on Becoming Ready for Financing: Held via Zoom with guest speaker Colin Christensen, where he discussed in-depth on how to prepare and avail of a business loan. 
  4. Pitching Competition: Took place on October 21, 2022, where contestants had a chance to demonstrate and perfect their pitching skills aiming to increase sales and win partnerships. The competition aimed to enhance their business confidence by developing a winning mindset. Eight contenders presented their business ideas in a 2-minute speech to the judges and spectators. Upcycled products, arts and crafts, travel and tours, interior designs, and daycare services were a few of the business ideas presented during the pitching. 

Iris Camacho bagged first place, Areej Allem in second place, Esperance Dongo in third place, and Anne Marie Camara in fourth place.  

All the winners were awarded cash prizes, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and access to training materials, and more. 

View images of the event below. 

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Land Acknowledgment

As an organization working towards improving peoples’ well being, we acknowledge our presence on Treaty 6 territory and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4, a traditional meeting grounds, gathering place, and travelling route for the Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Métis, Dene, Ojibway, Anishinaabe, Nakota Sioux, and Inuit, as our responsibility to extend support for healing to our Indigenous Community members during this difficult times. 
We acknowledge all the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for centuries and whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our vibrant community.

As an organization, we commit ourselves to continue to acknowledge, learn, understand, and create opportunities to educate our staff, volunteers, and community members about the lived experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis, walking the path of reconciliation.

Action for Healthy Communities Society of Alberta (AHC's) Diversity and Inclusion Statement

AHC is a proud proponent of diversity in the workforce, and we support an inclusive workplace that values the diversity of ideas.

AHC fosters diversity and inclusion at all levels of our organization. It is among the cornerstones of our core values of inclusion, collaboration, participation, personal development, innovation and excellence. We understand that equity deserving individuals and communities possess huge potential for growth and development but facing myriad of challenges which can be addressed through their capacity building by hiring and retaining individuals with an array of competencies, talents, experiences, and ideas to propel the innovation that drives our success. 
A diverse workforce and inclusive culture help us strengthen performance and inspire creative solutions. We believe the attention given to diversity and inclusion makes us more responsive, agile, trustworthy and innovative.

AHC's diversity and inclusion policies aim to foster an inclusive space that encourages more meaningful engagement among all program participants, employees, volunteers and other stakeholders to strengthen our performance.
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