Founders Forum:
Each year Founders Forum brings an intimate group of company founders and executive operators together for an exclusive event that’s designed to facilitate authentic, "no-BS" conversations on starting & growing a company in Atlantic Canada. Sessions focus on ups and downs, real lessons learned, and major industry trends that entrepreneurs need to be aware of.
Walk away from the two-day event with new perspectives and a network of like-minded peers to call on for support.
This Year
Re-envision You: Are you following the new normal OR forging the new normal? Ask yourself and others tough questions and don’t be afraid of the answers.
This 2-day event will start with our signature Fireside chat and a 3-course meal, followed by 4 more thought-provoking panels.
It will include over 5 hours of networking time, provide a safe space to both learn and teach new lessons, and help create a supportive network to utilize in your entrepreneurial journey. This year we are thrilled to use our network of relationships to provide all local meals, snacks, and beverages.
Founders forum
Session Themes
Each session provides a unique opportunity for thought-provoking conversation amongst entrepreneurs and operators in an intimate setting.
Risky Business: The Life of an Entrepreneur
It's the good, bad, and the stuff you'll be happy to learn, but not the hard way. Be part of a conversation that will take you through the journey of building a successful business, the hardships along the way, and some thoughtful advice from leaders in the space."
Clear Purpose: Clear Business
Allocating your time and efforts to the right area of your business. Finding your purpose and your "why" will keep you grounded in times of uncertainty and self-doubt. It's time you really think about your mission, vision and identifying your purpose.
Swipe Right For Your Mentor: How to Network and Build Relationships
We're going to talk about building relationships, which ones to foster and the opportunities within.
Retention: Avoiding the 90-Day Employee
Getting real with the new world of hiring, retaining, and hybrid work environments and the importance of team cohesion.
Marketing: Your Sales Machine!
Having that machine running efficiently is how you get results. Ask yourself, what is your competitive advantage? Are you portraying what you are actually “selling”?
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Event Details
In order for Founders Forum to foster a comfortable and open environment for asking difficult questions and sharing personal experiences we’ve devised some core values:
1. Authenticity - This medium is not for self-promotion or pitching; discussions will be kept unfiltered.
2. Practicality - Sessions focus on the transferable lessons learned through real experiences, not the type of knowledge you can get from a Google search.
3. Connectivity - Peer to peer discussions and networking is the basis of this event. To avoid distractions, cell phones will not be permitted during forum sessions. Participants phones will be stored securely and available to participants at breaks and meal times.
Speakers
We will be announcing the founders joining our 2021 panels on August 25th. Stay tuned!
Krista Ross
CEO
Fredericton Chamber of Commerce
Kelly Smith
Manager of Innovation and Entrepreneurial Services
Planet Hatch
Speakers
Tosin Ajibola
CEO & Co-Founder
Welkom-u
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Alicia Phillips
CEO & Co-Founder
Educated Beards
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Stef Loukes
Founder
Rabbittown Beverage Company
Jenna White
Founder
Jenna's Nut Free Dessertery
Jennie Wilson
Owner
11th Mile
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Scott MacIntosh
Owner
Second Spring Digital
David Alston
Founder & Coach
Marketswell Solutions
Joe Uniac
President & Founder
Balance Beam Consulting
Kara Angus
President
Go-Go Group Inc.
Ashley Dearing
Founder & CEO
Dearing Media
Scott Williams
CEO
Rocket
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Tanya Chapman
CEO
The Chapman Group
Kumaran Thillainadarajah
CTO
Smart Skin Technologies
Kathryn Lockhart
CEO
Propel
Schedule
Wednesday, September 21st
6:00 PM
Arrival/Networking Reception
6:30 PM
Dinner - Catered three-course meal
7:30 PM
Fireside Chat - Risky Business: The Life of an Entrepreneur
9:30 PM
Day One End
Thursday, September 22nd
9:00 AM
Arrival/Morning Mingle
9:30 AM
Panel One - Clear Purpose: Clear Business
10:30 AM
Coffee & Tea Break
11:00 AM
Panel Two - Swipe Right For Your Mentor: How to Network and Build Relationships
1:00 PM
Marketing: Your Sales Machine!
2:00 PM
Coffee & Tea Break
2:30 PM
Panel Four - Retention: Avoiding the 90-Day Employee
3:30 PM
Day Two Closing Remarks
4:00 PM
Happy Hour & Networking
Apply to Attend Founders Forum 2022
Seats for Founders Forum are limited and by application only.
Apply today!
$225 / person + HST
(Includes a 3 course dinner, day 2 lunch, drink tickets, and access to all Founders Forum events)
Apply To AttendThe Deadline to Apply is September 16th
Previous Speakers
Laura Clendenning
Founder & CEO
Sweat Club Inc.
Kara Angus
President
Go-Go Group Inc.
Norm Couturier
CEO and Co-Founder
3D Planeta
Jeff Alpaugh
Owner and Founder
Jeff Alpaugh Custom
Olubukola Abiola
Entrepreneur and Co-Founder
WelkomU
Alison Veino
Fluid Abstract Artist
Alison Veino Art Studios
Emily McGill
HR Specialist
Emily McGill Professionals
Kathryn Cameron
Chief Operating Officer
Beauceron Security Inc.
Pat Kerry
Chief Technology Officer
VeroSource Solutions
Kent Murphy
Chief Operating Officer
Atlantic Growth Solutions
Jessie Yerxa
Real Estate Professional
eXp Realty
Kumaran Thillainadarajah
CTO
Smart Skin Technologies
Kathryn Lockhart
CEO
Propel
Phillip Curley
CEO
HotSpot Inc
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100%
of 2021 feedback survey respondents would recommend Founders Forum to other entrepreneurs
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Testimonials from 2021 feedback survey
- "It was an amazing experience. I will be back next year."
- "I have already reached out to 5 people I met at the event."
- "It was a good mix of attendees and I got to meet loads of people. I also appreciated everyone's openness, honesty and vulnerability during the panels."
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100%
of feedback survey respondents felt that they were able to make networking connections with other entrepreneurs
