Notre dynamic agenda is designed to inspire, educate, and empower attendees through engaging keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions. From exploring innovative solutions for inclusive business practices to networking with like-minded professionals, each session is tailored to foster collaboration and drive impactful change. With a mix of breakout sessions, cultural performances, and hands-on activities, you’ll gain practical insights and actionable strategies to champion equity and access in the entrepreneurial world. Dive into the details below and start planning your journey to inclusion and innovation!
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Program Schedule
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Guest Arrival & Registration & Networking
5:30 PM – 5:40 PM: Land Acknowledgement, Welcome, and Housekeeping Items
5:40PM – 6:10 PM: Opening Prayer & Smudge Ceremony + Presentation on Relationship-building with Indigenous by Elder & Knowledge Keeper Bert Auger
6:15 PM – 6:45 PM: Greetings from Dignitaries
6:50 PM – 7:00 PM: Cultural Performance (Indigenous)
7:00 PM – 7:40 PM: Featured Keynote Speaker: Dr Carrie Smith, Vice Provost for Access, Community, and Belonging, University of Alberta.
7:45 PM – 7:55 PM: Cultural Performance – Burundian Women Dancers of Inyambo Club of Alberta
8:00 PM – 8:10 PM: Launch – Endowment Fund for Scholarships for Underserved Youth by Help One Another Canada Foundation
8:10 PM – 9:00 PM: Closing Reflections & Networking
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Full-Day Program Schedule
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast & Networking
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM: Morning Welcome & Day Overview
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM: Opening Keynote #1 –Turning Purpose into Power: Why Can’t We? by Jeff Polovick, Founder of The Driving Force
10:05 AM – 10:35 AM: Morning Breakout Sessions
10:40 AM – 10:50 AM: Morning Break
10:50 AM – 11:35 AM:Keynote #2 Decolonizing the Way We Lead, Work, and Buildby Janis Brooks, a Successful Indigenous Woman Entrepreneur
11:40 AM – 12:10 PM: Breakout Sessions
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM: Lunch Break & Networking
1:20 PM – 1:55 PM: Panel Discussion: Funding The Future – Comprehensive overview of funding options for underserved young entrepreneurs.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Networking & Booth Visiting
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Panel Discussion: Government Programs & Resources available for entrepreneurs
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Workshop – Access to Capital: Crafting a Business Pitch that Resonate with Diverse Investors.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Panel Discussion: Challenges, Opportunities & Success Stories by Young Entrepreneurs
4:35 PM – 5:05 PM: Plenary Panel Discussion. Topic: Redesigning the Future – What Inclusive Entrepreneurship Really Takes
5:10 PM – 6:00 PM: Networking & Day 2 Close-Out
Thursday, August 21, 2025
8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Morning Program Schedule
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast & Morning Networking
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM: Welcome & Land Acknowledgement
9:45 AM – 10:30 AM: Opening Keynote Featured: Dr Leanne Hedberg Topic: Enabling a Resilient, Diverse Canadian Economy Through Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
10:30 AM – 10:40 AM: Transition Break – Set-up for Business Pitch
10:45 PM – 12:45 PM: Business Pitch Competition – Underserved Youth Entrepreneurs Present to Panel. Includes:
12:45 PM – 1:30 PM Closing as a celebration of youth innovation.
La Conférence Annuelle BeaCon est une conférence internationale dédiée à l'équité commerciale, l'accès, la co-création et les opportunités – rassemblant.
