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Calgary Chamber of Commerce
The Calgary Chamber is the voice of the business community. We double down on commerce and work with businesses to create catalysts for growth.
CALGARY SMALL BUSINESS WEEK
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October 18-22, 2021
Small Business Week is back! One of Canada’s largest gatherings of small businesses is ready to support, grow and celebrate small business in our community. Whether you are a business owner looking to grow your business with new clients or find your next talented team member or a larger company ready to support and grow small businesses in Calgary, there is something for everyone, including: • A workshop space with key learning opportunities and curated networking •A local marketplace highlighting Calgary’s entrepreneurial spirit •An expo floor with every resource your business needs Go to CalgaryChamber.com/Small-Business-Week to learn more about the week and sign up for events.
Small Business Week Expo – There’s nothing small about it!
The highlight of the week is the Small Business Week Expo, a full day event at BMO Centre on Thursday, October, 21, 2021. This is your chance to gain insights, takeaways, and resources for your business. An inspiring line-up of speakers will take the main stage throughout the day. These speakers are a mix of local business leaders and global thought leaders. Nic Beique, Founder and CEO, Helcim will take the stage to share Helcim’s growth story and how they have overcome many hurdles while building a staple in Calgary’s tech community. Two panels will also take the stage, diving deep into two important topics: 1. Diversity and Inclusion and 2. Tech community in Calgary. During these panels you will hear real
world experiences from people on the ground building industry leading companies. Whether you are coming to Small Business Week to hear a speaker, find and attract new talent, or learn about a new business resource, you will find it at the Small Business Week Expo!
You can learn more about the Small Business Week Expo at CalgaryChamber.com/SmallBusiness-Week.
Calgary Small Business Awards Gala – Celebrate the hard working business leaders in our community
The Calgary Small Business Awards pay tribute to the small business owners and builders who tirelessly work to create a better city for all of us. These businesses have faced insurmountable hurdles over the past two years and the Calgary Small Business Awards Gala is one way to recognize them. Join us on Friday, October 22, 2021 when we announce the winners of the Calgary Small Business Awards. See the finalists and register for the awards gala at CalgaryChamber.com/Small-Business-Week.
In a City Where Beef is King, Caesar’s Steakhouse is a Calgary Institution
BEYOND YOUR WILL
Do you have a Will, an up to date Will? If not, you are not alone. According to a survey done by Angus Reid, 51% of Canadians do not have a Will and of the ones that do have a Will, 75% of them claim it is out of date[1]. Some of the reasons why people do not have Wills are they think are too young, they don’t have enough assets, or it is too costly.
Are you aware of the implications of dying intestate, without a Will? Have you considered the costs and the impact this might have on your spouse and/or family? The Will is the legal document that explains your wishes about your assets but not necessarily your personal intentions and wishes for your loved ones. Completing an estate plan is more a process that is selfless and directed towards having compassion for the next generation or your named beneficiaries. At the end of the day, your wealth is their wealth. Are you ready to empower and prepare the beneficiaries of your wealth to become engaged stewards and contributing individuals to society who really appreciate family values and have personal purpose?
This is the Estate Planning process.
For some families, the Estate planning process might start out of need for tax planning or the family business was sold. However, tax planning is very different from intergenerational wealth planning. The most important starting point should likely NOT be tax. It should be driven by intentions and values. What is the purpose of your wealth? Why does it exist, what can it provide, who is a part of it, what will it stand for? There are several reasons and benefits to completing the planning process; such include family cohesion, risk management, plan optimization, clarity on goals, empowerment, etc. It can lead to higher functioning individuals and families, better communication skills and engagement to help the family thrive for generations to come. This article is geared towards families that will outlive their wealth and therefore require a plan beyond perhaps just the next generation and one for many generations to come. Inclusive planning, meaning involving all family members, will help to increase your family’s chances of success; defined as wealth transferred from one generation to the next without contention and wasteful expenditures, but rather with stewardship and continued desire for growth.
The planning process is dynamic and iterative. It should also build in flexibility and malleability to be able to adjust to new systems, new people, new technologies, and new discoveries that the future will inevitably hold. A rigid plan handcuffs and stifles innovation and ambition. There are ways to protect and prepare for the “what if” scenarios without ruling from the grave. Have you considered what might happen if there is an out of order death, a relationship breakdown, and/or a child with a disability or addiction issue? All of these scenarios require flexibility within the plan providing the ability to adapt and change to meet the needs of the family and to help live out the long term intention/ purpose of the wealth. Thoughtful preparation and planning as a collaborative group, including family members and professionals, is the key to the success of such plan.
