What we’re about
Welcome to the ATB Virtual Entrepreneur Centre Meetup Group
Are you ready to take the next step in your entrepreneurship journey?
Whether that’s acting on an idea, learning a new skill or seizing growth opportunities, the virtual ATB Entrepreneur Centre has the resources and expertise you need.
Everyone’s business needs something different to get to the next level. We provide guidance, networking, community events, tools and banking expertise to Alberta entrepreneurs at every stage of their business.
We’re entrepreneurs, business experts and bankers ready to pass on our knowledge. What can we make possible for your business today? Let’s dive in and find out.
Group Rules & Expectations
- Your profile must indicate your first and last name to be approved to join this group.
- If you RSVP for an event and are unable to make it; please let the organizer know. Consistent no-shows are grounds for removal from the group.
- Repeated spamming will get you banned. If you post the same mindless content/ad all the time, it will be removed and you will be uninvited
- If your profile has been inactive for over a year, you may be subject to removal from the group. You are welcome to rejoin at any time.
- Events listed in this Meetup group are held throughout the province. Please ensure you are RSVPing only to the ones you will attend.
- Note that virtual events will require registration on an external site to allow you access to the platform.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Virtual - Defending Your Business: Practical Steps Against Common ScamsLink visible for attendees
This virtual event will take place on StreamYard. Please enter your name and email at this link to attend the webinar at 11:00am on March 21.
About the Webinar
Cyber attacks are a risk to any business, no matter the size. In this webinar, cybersecurity and operations expert Deryck Greer will share how as a small business owner you can empower your team, secure your systems and prioritize cyber hygiene.Key Takeaways:
- Empower Your Team: Equip your employees with knowledge and tools to recognize and stop scams.
- Secure Your Systems: Implement robust identity management practices and stay vigilant against threats.
- Prioritize Cyber Hygiene: Foster a security-first mindset within your organization.
Webinar Agenda:
Phishing and Vishing Attacks with Deep Fakes- Understanding Phishing: Explore the anatomy of phishing emails and how cybercriminals manipulate human psychology to deceive employees.
- Vishing (Voice Phishing): Uncover the risks posed by phone-based scams and learn how to recognize and prevent them.
- Deep Fakes: Delve into the world of AI-generated deep fakes and their potential impact on your organization.
Managing Identities and Access to Your Systems
- Identity Management Best Practices: Discover effective ways to manage user identities, access controls, and permissions.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access.
- Administrative Accounts: Understand the critical role of administrative accounts and why they should be separate from day to day user accounts.
The Human Factor and Cyber Hygiene
- Employee Training: Understand the role of employees in cybersecurity and provide practical training to foster a security-conscious culture.
- Password Hygiene: Address password pitfalls and promote strong password practices.
- Incident Response Preparedness: Develop an incident response plan to minimize damage in case of a security breach.
About the Speaker
Deryck Greer is an Executive Technology, Cybersecurity and Operations Leader at Protexxa. He was a former Secret and Top Secret cleared Senior Cybersecurity and Intelligence Leader with over eighteen years of professional practice across multiple domains including but not limited to; Cyber Intelligence, Cyber Operations, Financial Investigations, Fraud and Law enforcement. He has a wealth of hands-on applied professional and operational practice and provides thought leadership to executives, governments, politically exposed and High Net Worth individuals with a specific focus on security posture, risk mitigation, operational security, breach readiness, containment, and future threats. - Barter Boost: Exploring Entrepreneur Exchange PlatformsATB Entrepreneur Centre , Calgary, AB
Please RSVP on Eventbrite.
Join us for an engaging panel discussion on the world of bartering platforms tailored for Entrepreneurs. Our experienced panelists include representatives from two local bartering platforms, Exmerce and Calgary Dollars, as well as Entrepreneurs that use the platforms. They will explore the dynamics, benefits, and challenges of using bartering in today's business landscape.
Come and discover how Entrepreneurs can leverage these platforms to exchange goods, services, and expertise, fostering collaboration and growth within their networks. Gain insights, practical tips, and invaluable perspectives from our panelists as they delve into the evolving role of bartering in modern entrepreneurship.
Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and network with fellow entrepreneurs in an insightful and interactive discussion.
Everyone who attends this panel discussion will receive a $10 Exmerce e-certificate to use at Juice & Java and $5 in Calgary Dollars.
About the Bartering Platforms
Calgary Dollars is a local, complementary currency which launched in 1995 as Bow Chinook Barter. It started as a paper currency, rebranded to Calgary Dollars in 2002 and moved to a digital platform in 2018. Calgary Dollars are a tool for supporting local vendors and businesses to create a more circular, resilient economy as well as a tool for building community.
Exmerce, headquartered in Calgary, is a prominent B2B barter exchange established in 2005. Exmerce's mission is to empower business owners by facilitating barter transactions through our virtual community currency. By embracing Exmerce as a form of payment, businesses can not only expand their customer base but also conserve cash reserves, effectively addressing operational gaps during slower periods. Within our local network, Exmerce proudly represents over 500 businesses. Additionally, we have established valuable partnerships with reputable organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and the Crescent Heights Village BIA zone.
About the Panelists:
Sierra Love is a manager at the Arusha Centre Society, focusing on the Calgary Dollars program. An environmentalist and community builder, she has many years experience in complementary currency and cooperatives. Her long term goal is to contribute to sustainable, resilient and accessible communities that incorporate natural spaces and art.
Melisa Centofanti is a creative arts facilitator and professional cook who educates clients on how to prepare simple, fast meals from scratch, within budget. She works with folx who want a holistic approach to improving their health and well-being through food (and sometimes supplements), creative expression, and community engagement. Melisa Centofanti, founder of Chento Nutrition, is in the process of launching a line of spice mixes and tea blends with whole food ingredients.
Nelson Liem is the founder of Exmerce. He grew up in Calgary and graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing. Following graduation, he embarked on a transformative journey as a Cultural Ambassador for Canada at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. This experience was not only a profound life adventure but also marked his independence at the age of 22. Driven by a deep passion for aiding the underdog, he chose the entrepreneurial path and founded Exmerce. His goal is to inspire, offer hope, and foster creativity through collaboration, bringing people together. The fulfillment he derives from making a positive impact on someone's life or business is his driving force.
Rael Kalley has been an educator, speaker, trainer and business performance coach for 30 years. He is the President of Strategic Pathways Inc. and developer of OnCourse, a multi-tier self-growth coaching program that has elevated the standard of performance coaching. His passion for helping others achieve results that they believe to be beyond their grasp is what gets him out of bed in the morning. This desire to connect with people in a meaningful, authentic way and ultimately help them change their lives is the driving force behind his bestselling book, Life Sinks or Soars - The Choice is Yours. An in-demand speaker, Rael has been sharing his message with audiences across North America since the book was first published in 2010.
Please RSVP on Eventbrite.
- Virtual - Thriving Under Pressure: Navigating Stress with MasteryLink visible for attendees
This virtual event will take place on StreamYard. Please enter your name and email at this link to attend the webinar at 10:45am on April 11.
About the Webinar
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, where the highs are exhilarating and the lows daunting, maintaining mental well-being is not just advisable; it’s essential. This session is designed specifically for Alberta’s bold and innovative business owners who face the unique pressures of building and sustaining ventures in today’s volatile market.This session delves deep into understanding stress—its mechanics, manifestations, and impacts—equipping you with the knowledge to identify and tackle the stressors unique to the entrepreneurial journey. With a spotlight on the latest mental health statistics in Canada, we dissect types and levels of stress, recognizing common signs and exploring the sources that entrepreneurs frequently encounter.
Beyond identifying challenges, this is a roadmap to resilience, offering practical strategies for managing stress, achieving work-life balance, and preventing burnout. We’ll navigate through coping mechanisms that can be seamlessly integrated into your busy life, ensuring they’re not just another task on your to-do list but a sustainable part of your routine. Discover how to create and lean on support systems that uplift and sustain you through the trials of entrepreneurship.
Additionally, we’ll explore how you can extend your impact beyond your business, becoming an advocate for mental health within your community. Join us to transform how you handle stress, not just to survive the entrepreneurial journey, but to thrive within it, fostering a life and business that are both fulfilling and successful.
About the Speaker
Ana-Maria is a highly accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in business strategy, consultancy, and coaching. Her journey as a global citizen commenced in Quito, Ecuador, instilling in her a strong moral compass, passion for diversity, and a deep sense of care for those in need, influenced by her parents’ unconditional love and wisdom.With over 25 years of diverse experience spanning multiple industries and locations across three countries, Ana-Maria holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), a Master’s in Strategic Direction & Innovation, and a Diploma in Telecomm Law and Management. Her academic qualifications are complemented by various coaching and continuous improvement certifications.
Since 2016, Ana-Maria has thrived as the driving force behind Eagle Business Coaching™ and Meraki Coaching™. In these roles, she excels as a Leadership, Business, Workplace, and Career Coach, with a particular passion for supporting the growth of minority entrepreneurs and internationally trained professionals across the Americas.
As a certified Leadership, Business, Workplace, Career and Life Coach, Ana-Maria has elevated her mission to empower, inspire, and nurture individuals to new heights. She played a pivotal role in introducing the Flourishing Coaching Model® to Latin America and Spanish-speaking communities in North America.
Ana-Maria is deeply committed to entrepreneurs and women’s mental health. She actively contributes as a board member of three non-profit organizations, two of which are based in Edmonton, AB, with a focus on supporting Hispanic women facing diverse challenges. Additionally, she is involved in a non-profit organization based in Quito, Ecuador, offering online mental health support services to Spanish-speaking clients in multiple countries, including Canada.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ana-Maria is one of the founding member of the Shift Gears CO-OP in Canada, demonstrating her commitment to fostering integration. Her mission extends beyond the job market, aiming to accelerate the successful integration of new Canadians into the rich multicultural fabric of their new home.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Ana-Maria devotes her personal time to her loving family and actively supports several Canada based and international non-profit organizations, serving on their boards and contributing her expertise and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact through the empowerment of entrepreneurs, women, children and mental health.
- Building Resilience: Stress and EntrepreneurshipATB Entrepreneur Centre , Calgary, AB
Please RSVP on Eventbrite.
Finding ways to take care of yourself amidst the demands of a high stress role or running your own venture is beyond important. If you burn out, what is the true cost? Come explore ways to better understand your experiences of stress as an entrepreneur, and ways you can better manage it.
- Learn to better understand your individual stress response system: why it exists, how it works, and what it looks like for you;
- Identify buffers (or coping strategies) that you use depending on the intensity of your stress response, with a focus on what works and when to use it (we’ll also fill in some gaps if you don’t yet know what buffers work best for you);
- Walk away with a tangible tool to help you proactively respond vs. react to the (inevitable) stress you experience as an entrepreneur.
About the Presenter
Keara Gillis, MSW, RSW (she/her) is a registered social worker with over 10 years of experience in clinical work and facilitation, working in private practice, schools, and large government agencies. She’s passionate about systems work, challenging the status quo, and bridging therapy into community and community into therapy.Please RSVP on Eventbrite.