How to start a business in Canada: A Start-up Road map for Newcomers

In this presentation we will explain the basic steps that all new entrepreneurs need to take to start their entrepreneurial journey.

We will also include some tips about the mindset and skill set needed to break down the barriers commonly encountered by newcomer entrepreneurs, so that you can successfully plan, launch, and manage your own small businesses in Canada.

In addition, you will hear about some of the products and services that ATB offers to support business owners during their entrepreneurial journey.

About the Presenters

Bibiana Cala, Newcomer Entrepreneurship Training Program Coordinator, CCIS

Entrepreneur, educator, and a natural connector, with more than 20 years of experience as a sustainable tourism specialist.

As a university professor and college instructor, she has accrued more than fifteen years of teaching experience, where she has developed extensive tools and skills for student engagement and instructional strategies to meet learners' needs; as an independent consultant, she has been involved in multiple capacity-building and training projects related with sustainable tourism, entrepreneurship, business development, market research, and other tourism and business-related topics.

Learn more about Bibiana, by visiting LinkedIn

Lori Farley, Co-Founder, Impact Calgary and Co-Founder, INTONOVUS Canada

As a connector and collaborator, I regard the economy as servant to humanity. I encourage and enhance disruptive and innovative ideas, and promotes next practices that activate, amplify and champion cross-sector social innovation, and socio-economic development.

My focus is on Business Model Innovation - embedding social and environmental priorities into businesses as they develop - because harnessing leading edge technologies, and strongly sustainable business tools and methodologies creates a world where enterprises excel because humans flourish and nature thrives.

Learn more about Lori, by visiting LinkedIn

Maria Learmonth, Business Development Manager, ATB Financial

I have been a member of ATB Financial’s banking team for over 8 years. Within those years, I’ve built strong, long term partnerships by operating with integrity, solution-finding, and a passion to help my clients meet and exceed their financial goals.

With over 10 years of financial experience in Canada and the United States, and having traveled to many corners of the world, I take a conscientious and empathetic approach to clients’ banking needs. From day-to-day personal and business banking, investments, mortgages and retirement, every client's situation is unique. I am passionate about giving clients the right advice on solutions and services that fit their needs now, and setting them up for success in the future.

I joined the Acquisition team to provide clients with a different method of communication for their banking needs. Our team meets clients at their preferred place of business, or through video and telephone conferences; shifting the baking experience.

A goal of mine is to provide such a memorable and exceptional experience to clients, that undoubtedly compels you to refer family, friends, and coworkers to ATB Financial.

Outside of my professional career, I am an avid baker and global traveler. A wife, and mother of an active and spirited daughter, I value time spent with family in Calgary, and Los Angeles. We both enjoy volunteering in soccer and flag football, and watching our daughter grow.

About Calgary Catholic Immigration Society

CCIS (Calgary Catholic Immigration Society) is a non-profit organization which provides settlement and integration services to all immigrants and refugees in Southern Alberta.

Since our inception in 1981, we have been a community leader with solid experience in the design and delivery of comprehensive services for our newest neighbours. We deliver these services through a dynamic multi-cultural, multi-denominational and multi-disciplinary team of professionals, who collectively speak over 60 languages.

About the ATB Entrepreneur Centre

We're here to help.

In each thing we do–mentoring, networking, banking–we're passionate about seeing your inspiration come to life.

Whether you're dreaming, building, or growing, the ATB Entrepreneur Centres offer a powerful set of tools to help your business and personal finances grow together.

Chat with our small business experts, build a community of like-minded Albertans, and get some valuable advice along the way.