November 15-16, 2025: Edmonton Expo Centre

Shawn Saraga is the founder of the Franchise Academy, a mini-private equity firm that has holdings in various franchise brands. He also serves as Chief Development Officer of Tahini’s Restaurants and has held this position since October, 2023. Shawn has been in the franchise industry since 2005. He has opened over 950 franchised businesses, and finalized over 700 leases in his career.

He has worked with brands like Burger King, barBURRITO Restaurants, Freshii, Foodtastic as well as many other non-food related brands. Shawn is also a registered real estate broker and conducts real estate transactions on behalf of the brands he works with and there franchisees. Some of his other business interests include a partnership in MEET College for Psychotherapists, Board seats on several AI start-ups. Shawn has also been a Board member of Leadership Sinai since 2005.

With 20 years of banking experience, Terry has extensive experience in Personal, Small Business, and Commercial Banking.

As National Manager, TD Franchise Banking,  Terry acts as the franchise industry expert and is responsible for growing the Bank’s franchise banking portfolio in Canada while ensuring that franchise customers are provided with legendary customer service.

Terry manages high profile franchisor relationships and provides ongoing support to ensure that franchisees are provided with the credit and cash management products that best meet their needs.

Andrea Bailey Brown is a former teacher turned award-winning entrepreneur who was born in Jamaica and raised in Canada. Andrea is a multi-unit franchise owner with Jiffy Lube who has generated over $30 million in revenue since ownership. She is also the founder and CEO of both Bailey Brown Business Consulting and Bailey Brown The Franchise Agency, where she uses her business knowledge and love of franchising to transform the lives of her clients. Her mission is to help entrepreneurs build wealth through franchise and business ownership.

The Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate is here to help you navigate Alberta's utility market. Our team can answer questions about utilities, help you understand your small business bill, and solve disputes with utility providers. Our website is filled with resources to help you make the best choices for you. Together, we're working to empower consumers and ensure fair, transparent utilities markets for Albertans.

Marie-Laure is a business development professional with 15 years of experience supporting SME's. She has a passion for entrepreneurship and environment. Marie-Laure Gained her experience through various industries from the clothing, the paper, the telecommunications industries, to the non-profit sectors, Billiangual, she gave herself the mission to support as many entrepreneurs as possible and she is well position to do so!