The Business Impact Exchange Symposium
The Business Impact Exchange Symposium, hosted by Zest Circle Corporation in partnership with ATB Entrepreneurs, brought together Alberta’s most innovative entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders for a full-day event on October 24, 2024. The symposium’s theme, “Collaboration for Impact,” emphasized the power of innovation and teamwork to foster economic growth and build a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The event featured engaging panel discussions, a keynote address, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, which offered attendees valuable insights from Alberta’s business leaders. Doctor Tatjana Ilic-Balas, an Organizational Leadership Consultant and Zest Circle Corporation Board Member, served as the Master of Ceremonies, which ensured the event’s seamless flow and inspiring energy. Panels were moderated by Liudmyla Sarosh, News Anchor and Communications Specialist, who skillfully navigated discussions on entrepreneurship and investment.
Lori Kearney, Indigenous Work Experience Coordinator at Mount Royal University, opened the event with a land acknowledgment, fostering inclusivity and respect. This was followed by an address from Khatereh Ramouzi, Founder & CEO of Zest Circle Corporation, highlighting entrepreneurship’s role in economic transformation and community empowerment.
The keynote speaker, Rakesh Vashista, Branch Manager at ATB Financial Entrepreneur Centre, delivered an inspiring address focused on Alberta’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, sharing strategies to leverage resources and foster innovation. This set the tone for two dynamic panel discussions.
The first panel explored the vital relationship between investors and entrepreneurs. The panel featured the Honorable Leela Aheer, Derek Armstrong, and Fola Alabi. Discussions addressed challenges such as female entrepreneurship, funding opportunities, and strategic leadership. The second panel discussed the role of community partnerships in mentorship and inclusion and included speakers Olha Vozna and Tabasum Khan, who offered perspectives on resilience and mentorship in business.
Yuliia Labartkava, Steve Drysdale, and Doctor Tatjana Ilic-Balas partnered together to facilitate engaging workshops on strategic problem-solving exercises with participants. Attendees collaborated to identify funding opportunities and develop effective scaling strategies, applying learned skills in real-time scenarios.
The symposium also spotlighted Zest Circle’s entrepreneurs, showcasing their innovative ventures that contribute to Alberta’s economic landscape. Their stories underscored the importance of community collaboration in entrepreneurial success.
The event concluded with a call to action for ongoing partnership and innovation. By fostering connections among entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders, Zest Circle Corporation and ATB Entrepreneurs reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Alberta’s entrepreneurial future, paving the way for sustained growth and collaboration.
