On May 28, 2026, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) proudly hosted the 10th Annual Celebration of Alberta’s Entrepreneurial Success at the Royal Glenora Club in Edmonton. The milestone event brought together more than 130 entrepreneurs, community partners, business leaders, and government representatives to recognize a decade of growth, resilience, and inclusive entrepreneurship across Alberta, while reflecting on the shared progress made through collaboration and newcomer business support services.
What began as a small initiative in 2015 has grown into a province-wide ecosystem of entrepreneurship program support in Alberta, helping more than 1,000 entrepreneurs build, launch, and sustain their businesses in Canada.
This year’s entrepreneurship networking event in Edmonton reflected both the journey and the people behind it. The event highlighted the lived experiences of newcomer entrepreneurs in Canada and the community ecosystem that continues to support their success through small business support in Edmonton and across Alberta.
The afternoon began with guest arrival and networking, giving attendees the opportunity to connect and share experiences across sectors. The formal program opened with welcome remarks, followed by a land acknowledgement and opening remarks from Action for Healthy Communities Executive Director Aftab Khan.
Dignitary remarks were delivered by His Worship Mayor Andrew Knack of the City of Edmonton, reinforcing the importance of local entrepreneurship support programs in building strong and inclusive communities.
The program continued with a cultural dance performance, a guest address from Lisa Ross-Rodriguez, Assistant Deputy Minister of Newcomer and Multicultural Supports with the Government of Alberta, and remarks from facilitators Marie Gervais and Shelley Bablitz, who have supported participants through entrepreneurship training in Edmonton and business mentorship programs across Alberta.
One of the most powerful moments of the afternoon was the entrepreneur success story shared by Satay Madura, highlighting the determination, creativity, and resilience of immigrant entrepreneurs in Alberta.
A panel discussion and Q&A session followed, featuring entrepreneurs reflecting on their journeys through newcomer entrepreneur support programs, challenges, and growth. The discussion emphasized the importance of business mentorship programs in Canada, access to resources, and community support in building sustainable businesses.
The formal program concluded with closing remarks from Suzana Dumo, Director of Programs at AHC, before transitioning into an evening of dinner, networking, and entertainment.
Looking Ahead: A Decade of Impact, and What Comes Next
The AHC Entrepreneurship Supports Program (ESP) was launched in 2015 in response to growing demand from newcomer entrepreneurs in Canada and underrepresented entrepreneurs facing barriers to employment and limited access to small business support in Edmonton and across Alberta. Following community consultations in 2017, the program expanded to include business mentorship, coaching, and ecosystem navigation supports, strengthening its ability to support entrepreneurs in starting, sustaining, and growing their businesses.
Over the past decade, ESP has supported more than 1,000 entrepreneurs across Alberta through inclusive entrepreneurship programs, helping participants build financial resilience, independence, and long-term pathways into the business ecosystem.
As ESP enters its second decade, it remains rooted in inclusive entrepreneurship, adaptability, and opportunity, continuing to support immigrant entrepreneurs in Alberta as they build sustainable futures and contribute to Alberta’s growing economy.
