Mastering Customer Discovery

Are you passionate about creating meaningful change in your community and beyond?Whether you're a student, researcher, faculty member, venture founder, non-profit leader, or community member, the Social Impact Starter Series is your gateway to turning ideas into action.

Session 5: Mastering Customer Discovery – Share and Celebrate

📅 December 9, 2025

🕥 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

📍 Social Innovation Hub

🖥️ Hybrid Format – Attend in person or online via Zoom

🎤 Featured Speakers: Craig Elias & Brandy Old, Alberta Innovates

Join us for the final session of the Social Impact Starter Series—a chance to celebrate progress, share insights, and connect with fellow changemakers. Whether you're shaping ideas or scaling impact, this is your moment to collaborate, learn, and grow.

Craig Elias, a globally recognized entrepreneur and LinkedIn pioneer (member #4,000), brings a wealth of experience in lead generation, startup strategy, and mentorship through programs like Techstars, Alchemist Accelerator, and Goldman Sachs. Alongside Brandy Old, this session will offer practical tools and strategies to help you move your ideas forward.

What you’ll explore:

• Identifying your real competition
• Validating or invalidating your riskiest assumptions
• Recognizing the six types of customer problems
• Understanding your audience’s biggest pains

This session is designed to help you uncover hidden challenges, validate your ideas, and explore potential collaborations. It’s also a celebration of your journey through the series—with lively networking, delicious food, and a toast to the next chapter of social innovation.

Who should attend?

Anyone curious about social impact, including those interested in social justice, sustainability, community engagement, Truth & Reconciliation, and building an equitable society.

🍿 Snacks and drinks will be provided for in-person attendees!

🔗 Joining online? Please select the “Add-On” ticket when registering, and we’ll share the Zoom link with you closer to the event date.

The Social Impact Starter Series is co-hosted by UCalgary's Social Innovation Initiative, Faculty of Nursing's Health Systems Transformation Initiative (HIVE), and Innovate Calgary's Social Innovation Hub.