Métis Entrepreneur Lunch & Learn

Connect, learn, and grow at our Métis Entrepreneur Lunch & Learn featuring a panel, lunch, and networking. Whether you're a Métis entrepreneur, thinking about starting a business, a retired business owner, an ecosystem partner, a family member or friend of one of our panelists, or simply curious about what CCDF and SMEDCO have to offer, we invite you to join us for this special Lunch & Learn networking event. Hear firsthand from Métis entrepreneurs as they share their business journeys, lessons learned, challenges they've overcome, and successes they've achieved along the way. Enjoy lunch while connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, business professionals, and community members. Following the panel discussion, stay for networking and conversation as you build new connections and learn about resources available to support Métis business development and growth. Come be inspired, make meaningful connections, and celebrate Métis entrepreneurship in our community. Meet the Panelists: Heidi Eger, Knibbs HR Consulting Heidi Eger is the Owner and Administrative Partner of Knibbs HR Consulting, a Saskatchewan-based human resources consulting firm that has been helping organizations build strong workplaces for over 20 years. Knibbs HR Consulting partners with organizations to build HR management capacity, develop practical tools and strategies, and create healthy workplace cultures that support strong business results. The firm works collaboratively with clients to strengthen the people side of business and provides human resource management services across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. Throughout her career, Heidi has worked with a diverse range of clients in the private, not-for-profit, and public sectors. Her experience and practical approach to human resources have helped organizations navigate challenges, support their teams, and create environments where both people and businesses can thrive. Join us to hear Heidi share her entrepreneurial journey, insights into building a successful consulting business, and lessons learned from supporting organizations across Western Canada. Meet the Panelists: Roxan Lee, Sugar Boss Professional Roxan Lee is the founder of Sugar Boss Professional, a proudly Canadian company providing professional sugaring products, body sugaring certification, and distribution services from the heart of the Prairies. With more than a decade of experience in the art of body sugaring, Roxan has built her business around the belief that hair removal is about more than just the service itself. She is passionate about creating an experience that leaves clients feeling comfortable, confident, cared for, and empowered in their own skin. Driven by her dedication to the industry, Roxan developed Sugar Boss Professional, a premium line of made-in-Canada sugaring and skincare products designed with both professionals and their clients in mind. Her focus on quality, performance, and healthy skin has helped establish Sugar Boss as a trusted name among sugarists and skincare professionals. Beyond products, Roxan is committed to education and industry growth. Through professional training, certification programs, and mentorship, she supports fellow entrepreneurs and beauty professionals in developing their skills and growing successful businesses of their own. Join us as Roxan shares her entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Sugar Boss Professional, and her experience building a successful Canadian brand rooted in quality, education, and community. Meet the Panelists: Mary-Lou Halliday, Aloha K9 Training & Pet Resort Mary-Lou Halliday is the Owner and Certified Master Trainer at Aloha K9 Training & Pet Resort, a business built on a commitment to providing safe, professional, and personalized care for dogs and their owners. With more than 23 years of dog training experience, Mary-Lou specializes in behaviour modification and working with aggressive or challenging dogs. She understands the emotional journey that can come with owning a dog that struggles with behavioural issues and is passionate about helping owners build stronger, healthier relationships with their pets. At Aloha K9 Training & Pet Resort, safety is the foundation of everything they do. Their training philosophy recognizes that every dog is unique, with genetics, environment, experiences, emotions, and personality all influencing behaviour. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Mary-Lou and her team tailor their training methods to meet the individual needs of each dog and owner. Through balanced training techniques, education, and ongoing support, Aloha K9 focuses not only on training dogs but also on teaching owners how to effectively communicate with their pets to create happier, more successful relationships. The resort's team is certified through the Dog Handler Academy and trained in Pet First Aid, ensuring dogs receive exceptional care in a safe and supportive environment. Join us as Mary-Lou shares her entrepreneurial journey, her passion for helping dogs and their owners succeed, and the lessons she's learned while building a trusted pet training and boarding business in Saskatchewan. Meet the Panelists: Audra Hill, Farmer John's Local Market Audra Hill is a strategic business leader and champion for local food systems who is passionate about connecting communities with high-quality, locally grown products. Through her work with Farmer John's Local Market, Audra helps strengthen relationships between consumers and producers while supporting the growth of local businesses and a more sustainable Saskatchewan economy. Farmer John's Local Market is dedicated to providing community members with access to fresh, nutritious, locally sourced food while helping customers understand the value of supporting local producers. By fostering these connections, the market plays an important role in building a food system that is economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable. With a strong background in leadership, operations, and business strategy, Audra is known for building collaborative teams, driving growth, and delivering results. She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Regina and believes that the success of any organization begins with its people. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in strong values, meaningful relationships, and creating workplaces where employees can thrive alongside the business. Audra's combination of business expertise, strategic thinking, and commitment to community has helped her build a reputation as a respected leader who inspires cooperation, innovation, and success. Join us as she shares her entrepreneurial journey, insights on leadership and local economic development, and her experience growing a business that supports both producers and communities across Saskatchewan.