Small Business Week 2026
Bold Moves. Real Stories. New Connections.
Small Business Week is a chance to celebrate Alberta entrepreneurs, make new connections, and learn from the people behind small businesses across the province.
This October, join us in Edmonton and Calgary for an evening of networking and inspiration centred around Bold Moves, with Alberta business owners sharing the decisions they’ve made, the lessons they’ve learned, and how those moments have shaped their businesses.
Edmonton
BOLD MOVES
Small Business Week
October 20, 2026
4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The Pendennis Weddings and Events
Floor 3, 9660 Jasper Ave
Edmonton, AB
Connect with fellow Edmonton and area entrepreneurs, community partners, and the Business Link Alberta team, then hear from Alberta business owners during our Bold Moves panel.
Calgary
BOLD MOVES
Small Business Week
October 22, 2026
4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The Brownstone
Unit 120, 221 10 Ave SE
Calgary, AB
Connect with fellow Calgary and area entrepreneurs, community partners, and the Business Link Alberta team, then hear from Alberta business owners during our Bold Moves panel.
What to Expect
An evening built around making connections and learning from other Alberta entrepreneurs.
- Networking with entrepreneurs, Business Link Alberta staff, and community partners
- Light snacks and refreshments
- Community partner tables
- Optional networking bingo and a chance to win a door prize
- The Bold Moves panel featuring Alberta small business owners
- Audience Q&A
- More time to connect after the panel
Event Schedule
4:30 p.m.
Doors Open & Networking
Connect with Business Link Alberta staff, community partners, and fellow business owners. Visit partner tables and take part in optional networking bingo.
5:30 p.m
Welcome & Bold Moves Panel
We’ll kick things off with welcome remarks, followed by our Bold Moves panel featuring Alberta small business owners. Hear their stories and lessons learned, followed by an audience Q&A.
6:35 p.m.
Networking & Connections
Keep the conversations going, meet new people, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs, community partners, and the Business Link Alberta team.
7:30 p.m.
Event Ends
Meet our Panelists
Get to know the Alberta entrepreneurs taking the stage to share the bold moves they’ve made and what they’ve learned along the way.
Edmonton Panelists
Rana Al-Slaa
Founder, Zaha Living Co.
Rana is the founder of Zaha Living Co., an Alberta-based sustainable home essentials brand focused on safety, transparency, and thoughtful design. Drawing on her experience as a professional cleaner, she created Zaha to show that safer cleaning products don’t have to compromise on performance or experience. With thoughtfully developed formulas and refillable aluminum vessels, Rana is building Zaha from the ground up, starting locally and growing nationwide while challenging expectations of what sustainable home essentials can be.
Marc Pearson
Founder, Mighty Mick’s Cleaning Co.
Marc is the founder of Mighty Mick’s Cleaning Co., an Edmonton-based cleaning company he launched in 2023 after a university summer job washing windows grew into a business. Since then, he has built a team of four, completed thousands of jobs, earned more than 100 five-star Google reviews, and spoken at business events at the University of Alberta. Marc is passionate about customer service, entrepreneurship, and giving back to his community.
Calgary Panelists
Michael Emery
Founder, Unique Soapstone Experiences
Michael Emery is the founder of Unique Soapstone Experiences, which delivers facilitated hands-on creative experiences for schools, communities, corporate teams, and the travel industry. A lifelong entrepreneur, Michael has explored a wide range of businesses, professions, and creative pursuits throughout his career. His approach is grounded in his philosophy, Leave Your CAN’T at the Door™, encouraging people to let go of expectations, stay open to possibility, and find their own path forward.
Daniela Crestani
Founder & Artistic Director, Alma Viva Dance Studio
Daniela Crestani is the Founder and Artistic Director of Alma Viva Dance Studio in Calgary, where dance, culture, and personal growth come together. Originally from Venezuela, Daniela has been dancing since the age of five and brings more than 20 years of experience as an engineer to her work as an entrepreneur. Through Alma Viva, she combines her passion for dance, culture, and community to create a welcoming space where people can build confidence, connect with others, and experience the joy of movement.
Last Year’s Edmonton Highlights
Last Year’s Calgary Highlights
Our Sponsors and Community Partners
