Business on the Lake 2026: Bridging the Gap

Business On The Lake

"Lesser Slave Lake Region Leadership and Business Conference"

Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake Region is thrilled to present Business on the Lake: Bridging the Gap 2026—a one-day business conference designed to ignite new ideas, spark meaningful connections, and strengthen the economic future of northern Alberta.

Happening on February 12, 2026, at the Northern Lakes College Gymnasium, this dynamic regional gathering will bring together entrepreneurs, employers, HR professionals, educators, Indigenous leaders, youth organizations, government partners, and emerging business owners for a powerful day of learning and collaboration.

In partnership with Government of Alberta, Alberta North Central Alliance and Northern Lakes College , this event will deliver fresh insights, practical tools, and high-value networking opportunities to elevate your leadership, your workforce development, and your business strategy.

What to Expect

This year’s conference will feature six interactive sessions and a local entrepreneur spotlight, each designed to bridge key gaps that affect business success in rural Alberta — from workforce development, digital adoption to leadership and financial resilience.

📅 Mark Your Calendars:

• When: Thursday, February 12, 2026

• Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Where: Northern Lakes College Gym, Slave Lake

• Promo: $250.00 (Table for 6)

• Take advantage of the early bird price of $39.95, available until December 30, 2025.

• Cost: $49.95 (includes lunch and snacks!)

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

Conference Highlights

• 9:00 AM- 9:50 AM - Bridging the Workforce Gap: Skills-Based Hiring vs. Credentialism with Jennifer Ireson (Balance Perspectives HR Canada) Learn how focusing on skills and potential can open doors to more inclusive hiring.

• 10:05 AM - 11:00 AM - Bridging the AI Gap: AI and Digital Transformation with Jason Bacon (Sunstone Strategic) Discover practical ways to use AI and automation to improve efficiency and productivity.

• 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Bridging the Youth Pathways Gap: Apprenticeships & Micro-credentials Panel. Hear from Northern Lakes College and local employers on how youth training programs can build the next generation of skilled workers.

• 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM -Lunch

• 12:30 PM- 1:00 PM- Spotlight: A Journey from the North Jesse Roberts, owner of Jesse Convenience Store and Ray’s Convenience Store in Wabasca. Jesse will share his inspiring story of resilience, community involvement, and growth — a real example of how determination and his entrepreneurial spirit can drive success in northern Alberta.

• 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM- Aging with grace by Tracy Leggett

• 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Bridging the Marketing Gap: Digital Marketing on a Budget with Chana Trudel, social media manager and content creator. Learn how to market your business online effectively — even on a small budget.

• 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM - Bridging the Financial Gap: Access to Capital and Building Financial Resilience with Cliff Turner (ATB Financial) Explore financing options and strategies to strengthen your business’s financial foundation.

• 3:00 PM -4:00 PM - Bridging the Leadership Gap: Leading Through Change. Gain insights on how to lead with adaptability, inclusivity, and emotional intelligence.

Our Speakers:

Jennifer Ireson, founder of Balanced Perspectives, has spent nearly 25 years helping business owners build strong, people-focused workplaces. Her mission is simple: make HR accessible, practical, and truly human.

Known for her integrity, clarity, and approachable style, Jennifer creates safe, judgment-free spaces where honest conversations can happen—whether supporting leaders through tough decisions or helping teams communicate more effectively. Participants consistently appreciate her ability to turn complex HR topics into something clear, relatable, and genuinely useful.

Jennifer has worked extensively with First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada, tailoring her HR approach to honour local culture and values. As a CPHR and Registered Professional Recruiter, she brings a grounded, no-nonsense style to every workshop and consultation.

Jason Bacon, Jason’s entrepreneurial spirit began in fifth grade, when he and a friend sold tadpoles to classmates—until the principal shut down their first “business venture,” teaching him an early lesson in regulation. His passion for entrepreneurship grew from there. After completing a Bachelor of Management in Finance from the University of Lethbridge, Jason spent years supporting business owners through lending, risk management, coaching, and training.

Today, as the founder of Sunstone Strategic, he helps entrepreneurs and communities move forward through practical education, business planning, and hands-on coaching. He’s also the author of Entrepreneur-ish, a book that blends lessons from Vikings, pirates, and samurai with modern business insights.

Presentation Summary

In this engaging and practical session, participants will explore how artificial intelligence can

make hiring, marketing, and operations simpler, faster, and more effective—without losing

fairness or the human touch. Designed for small businesses, municipalities, and community

organizations, Bridging the AI Gap demystifies AI and focuses on real-world applications that

work in rural and small-town contexts. Attendees will learn simple frameworks for evaluating and

implementing AI tools responsibly, discover low-cost solutions for everyday challenges, and gain

strategies for leading teams through digital change with confidence and clarity. By the end of the

session, participants will leave with actionable ideas, practical tools, and a renewed sense of

possibility for the future of work.

Jasmine Neustaeter, currently serves as the Chair of Business Programs & Regional Stewardship at Northern Lakes College. She began her career as a teacher and later moved to Northern Alberta, where she has taught, earned a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, and taken on various managerial roles within the college. Over the past 17 years, Jasmine has taught in diverse settings, including China, a small private Christian school, and a correctional center. She has led teams of instructors and support staff, holding multiple leadership positions. Jasmine is passionate about continuous learning, the power of community, and is dedicated to becoming a better leader, manager, and person.

Cliff Turner is an Entrepreneur Ecosystem Strategist at ATB Financial, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs throughout Alberta. His passion lies in helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges and changes they encounter throughout all stages of their business journey. 

Cliff  has been a part of the small business ecosystem since 2005. As an Entrepreneur Ecosystem Strategist for ATB Financial, Cliff functions as a thinking partner, guide and connection to resources for small businesses.

Presentation Summary: Funding Programs, Access to Capital & Building Stronger Relationships

This session is designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the financial supports and partnerships available through various institutions and community programs to help them grow their businesses.

Alberta’s small business support ecosystem is robust, but it can also feel overwhelming. In this session, you’ll learn about key organizations, resources, and tools available to guide you along your entrepreneurial journey — from business plan templates and market research to grants, loans, and alternative funding options.

By the end of the session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to find and leverage the right supports to strengthen and scale your business.

Chana Trudel, founder of Truly Creative Marketing (TCM), brings over 14 years of marketing experience and a passion for empowering women entrepreneurs. As a proud Indigenous Métis business owner, her mission is simple: simplify marketing so women can gain the time and freedom they need to grow their businesses.

Chana’s personalized, compassionate approach allows her to deeply understand each client’s goals and build clear, effective strategies that help them thrive. She is also a strong advocate for inclusivity and proudly champions space for Indigenous entrepreneurs in the business world. A true trailblazer, Chana is reshaping the marketing landscape—supporting women, uplifting communities, and redefining what success can look like.

Tracy Leggett is a Reiki Master, EFT practitioner, and spiritual coach dedicated to helping others find balance, healing, and inner peace. With a heart-centered and intuitive approach, she guides individuals through energy healing and self-discovery, creating warm, nurturing spaces for transformation. Through her sessions and presentations, Tracy inspires others to reconnect with their true selves and embrace the magic within.

Tracy will be speaking on Aging with Grace in the Workplace and inviting participants to join a short tapping session—another meaningful tool they can add to their wellness toolkit.

We’ll explore:• Compassion for ourselves• Meeting our own needs• Remembering our value

Spotlight: A Journey from the North Jesse Roberts, owner of Jesse Convenience Store, Jesse Liquor Store, and Ray’s Convenience Store in Wabasca. Jesse who is considered an experienced business owner will share real-life insights on how he grew his businesses and highlight the benefits of entrepreneurship for youth looking to build strong, opportunity-driven futures in northern Alberta.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

Building a Stronger Future

Business on the Lake: Bridging the Gap 2026 is more than a conference — it’s a platform for action. By connecting businesses, educators, and community partners, the event aims to spark collaboration, inspire innovation, and strengthen the local workforce and economy.

When we move forward together, we transform challenges into opportunities and build stronger businesses, stronger leaders, and stronger communities.