Indigenous Entrepreneur Conference
Breakout Sessions
Robin Soulier Ritchot with Business Link
Presentation Overview : Market Research - How to Know What Your Customers Really Want
This session will explore how entrepreneurs can use practical, accessible market research techniques to better understand their customers, competitors, and opportunities—particularly within the tourism sector. We’ll share examples and tools that resonate with Indigenous entrepreneurs and rural communities, helping participants gather meaningful insights to guide their business growth.
Robyn Soulier Ritchot
Robyn is a proud Oji-Cree woman from Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (Treaty 1 Territory) and now resides in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) on Treaty 7 Territory. As a Business Strategist with Business Link and the founder of Eagle Medicine Coaching & Consulting, Robyn brings a heart-centered, community-focused approach to business development. With deep experience mentoring Indigenous entrepreneurs, Robyn integrates wellness, cultural values, and Indigenous ways of knowing into her work. She believes entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for creating opportunity, healing, and lasting change in Indigenous communities. Robyn is a dynamic facilitator and sought-after speaker, recognized for her ability to meet people where they are and help them grow with clarity and purpose.
Devaiya Corbett with Futurepreneur
Presentation Overview: The Ohpikiwin Series
Journey to Financial Empowerment is designed to support young Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada. Rooted in Indigenous values and teachings—such as the medicine wheel and the seven sacred teachings—the program reimagines financial literacy and credit education through a culturally resonant lens. Facilitated by Indigenous instructors with lived experience, Ohpikiwin equips participants with practical tools to strengthen financial resilience, enhance credit profiles, and build the confidence needed to pursue entrepreneurial goals.
Devaiya Corbett
Devaiya is a Business Development Manager, IESP for BC and Alberta at Futurpreneur. Based in the Lekwungen Territory known as Victoria, BC, he is a Systems Thought Leader, Change Practitioner, and Professional Coach with over 10 years of experience in operations, leadership development, coaching, and facilitation. As a Queer Two-Spirit Métis and neurodiverse individual, Devaiya is a catalyst and change-maker at heart. In his personal business, he works with creatives, wellness practitioners, and small businesses in British Columbia and around the world to build a life they love and a business people trust. Devaiya is 30% witchy, 70% strategic, and 100% committed to client and team success, specializing in optimizing process, building efficiency, and developing solutions. Grounded in the unique ability to walk between worlds helping individuals and teams to change, shift, and grow from a holistic lens in their personal and professional lives.
Matt Hill with Business Link
Presentation Overview : Business Planning for the Unexpected
The past few years have shown how quickly external events—like wildfires, pandemics, or supply chain issues—can impact small businesses. This session will explore how to build flexibility and resilience into your business plan from the start. Participants will learn strategies to plan for uncertainty and adapt to change while staying true to their vision and values.
Matt Hill
Matt brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial experience and client service leadership to his role at Business Link. Originally from the UK, Matt began his career as a theatre teacher before launching and growing a successful home services business in London. After moving to Calgary in 2017, Matt turned his focus to supporting other entrepreneurs in building strong, resilient businesses. Today, Matt leads a team dedicated to helping Alberta entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and growing their ventures. He is especially passionate about the role small business plays in strengthening communities and local economies. Outside of work, Matt enjoys exploring Alberta’s natural beauty with his family.
