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CAPITAL IDEAS UPCOMING EVENTS APRIL 13: NETWORKING BREKKIE Learn how to write a press release, write your media hook and more with Teresa Kruze, public relations and media expert. ■ Where: Calgary Petroleum Club (319 5th Ave. S.W.) ■ When: 9 to 11:30 a.m. ■ Admission: $30, members, $40, non-members. More info at canadianbusinesschicks. com/events
FINANCIAL POST
CA LG A RY H E R A L D
COMMUNITY QUESTION
HOW DOES YOUR BUSINESS ALIGN WITH AND SUPPORT SOCIAL INITIATIVES? Calgary entrepreneurs share the way they assist others “Ours is a social business committed to empowering communities around the world. All of our profits are reinvested into our social mission. Fenvii’s focus is to use our resources to invest in program initiatives such as our local and international development initiatives that aim to achieve empowerment. Our vision is to build a brand that serves as a platform to create positive change.”
APRIL 15: AWAKENED COMPANY Support Albertans who are working hard to launch or grow their social enterprises, shape our local community and make a positive impact for people and the planet from the Alberta Boostr stage. ■ Where: Civic on Third (130 3rd Ave. S.E.) ■ When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. ■ Admission: $50. More info at albertaboostr.ca
Joanna Sheth, chief visionary officer at Fenvii Collective, fenviicollective.com
“It’s the folks of Calgary and Airdrie that make us a success, so we feel privileged to give back. We support Mealshare on an ongoing basis. They are now providing meals to children and youth in Calgary and we are all about feeding the hungry. We also partner with different organizations by serving at their events and committing to giving a portion of our sales to them. When we work together it’s a win-win for everyone.” Deb Lawton, co-owner of Perogy Boyz, perogyboyz.com
“We always have a charity and giving back component every year. We believe in supporting other women in our community because as women we should have each other’s backs. From collaborating with other vendors and giving away free beauty photo shoots with makeup/hair services to donating our time at local women’s shelters by offering free makeup tips that instill confidence and provide TLC, it’s about doing good and feeling great on the back end with what we do.”
For more great events, visit capitalideascalgary.com/ events
CAPTIAL QUESTION
What are some hurdles you’ve overcome to keep growing your business?
Business owners are bound to hit bumps in the road. From cash flow to staffing, product supply to marketing, something might go wrong that just couldn’t be avoided. That’s got Wellington Holbrook, executive vicepresident of ATB Business, curious to hear how you kept it from slowing you down: What are some hurdles you’ve overcome to keep growing your business? You can answer the question in two ways: Open today’s Capital Ideas email if you’re a member or visit capitalideascalgary.com. We’ll publish the best answers, along with your business name and website address, on Apr. 14.
Trena Olfert, CEO and makeup artist of Trena Laine Makeup Artist, trenalaine.com
“What sets us apart is that we’ve made not-for-profit organizations an integral part of the employment conversation. In addition to providing them services at no cost, we’ve created a program that acts as an additional fundraising tool for them that’s also a lead generator for us. It encourages collaboration and gives job seekers opportunities to hone their professional skills while engaging the community through volunteer work. Social initiatives are truly at the heart of our business.” Jameela Ghann, founder of Alora Boutique (alora.ca), says her company creates meaningful jewelry that gives back to the community. “We give back by partnering with local charities such as the YWCA and Mustard Seed to help empower disadvantaged women in our city. At least twice a year, we host jewelry-making workshops for the guests at these organizations. Not only do these workshops teach the women new skills, they also help them recognize that they matter, too. Our business creates social partnerships that embody our values to make this city a better place.” P E T ER NJONGWE
“Muttley Crue strives to be more than just another building on the block with a business model built around giving back and being part of our community. All of our trial days of daycare are done by donation only to charities such as the Alberta Spay Neuter Task Force, Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society, The Veterans Food Bank and The Stardale Women’s Group. We also offer free grooming, boarding and daycare for rescue foster dogs, free boarding and care to dogs owned by seniors needing hospital stays, free grooming for service animals and travel with the spay neuter task force (ASNTF) to various First Nations communities offering free grooming and discounted boarding to other volunteers.”
Steve Mix, CEO and co-founder of We Employ Inc., weemploy.com
“Making money is not purposeful enough. I need to be part of something significant that’s making a difference in the world. And that’s how our teachers feel as well. That’s why we fundraise for and advocate against human trafficking. We’re involved in initiatives locally and globally to bring about education and freedom through teaching English to victims of human trafficking … so they get better jobs.” Sara Dasko, CEO of Free Mind Language Services, freemindls.com
“I am a huge believer in giving back to the community so I’m thankful that I get the opportunity to support one charity every month. (I) either donate money or participate in fundraisers or silent auctions by donating one of my baby blankets or a gift certificate to my online shop. I have a wonderful partnership with several charities that I work closely with during their special events every year and I’m proud that they call on me annually.” Valery Klassen, owner of Sun 7 Designs, sun7designs.com
Annie Cole, owner of Muttley Crue Organics, muttleycrue.ca
These answers are in response to a question posed by Elizabeth Lau and Ben Hsu, co-founders of Lavish Bakery (lavishbakery.ca). Here’s their take: “We started Lavish Bakery as a social venture that partners with local social services to provide an employment strategy for people in transition. For someone who’s trying to get off the streets, break a drug addiction or escape exploitation, being able to find meaningful employment that pays a living wage is a crucial step in their transition into a more hopeful future. Each person we’re able to employ means we’re adding taxes to our city’s infrastructure rather than drawing from it, so we’ve essentially tied the success of our business and city to the success of our employees. When helping people becomes a win-win situation, everyone is more invested and change becomes more sustainable.”
NEXT EVENT
How do you creatively fund your business? Business owners helping business owners
When: Apr. 28, noon to 1 p.m. Where: Glenbow Museum (130 9th Ave. S.E.) RSVP at capitalideasyyc16.eventbrite.ca
JOIN US!
✔ Get expert advice on your biggest challenges
✔ Share insights with entrepreneurs like you
✔ Appear in the Calgary Herald
Audience members listen to a panel talk at the Capital Ideas event in Calgary on Mar. 31, 2016. J EN N P IE RCE
Join three local entrepreneurs to discuss how they financed their businesses. Tickets are free, and a light lunch will be served.
S I G N U P AT : capitalideascalgary.com
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