September 28-29, 2024: 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.

Terry has been in his current role with TD Bank as National Manager, Franchise Banking for 10 years.  As National Manager, Terry is one of TD's franchise industry experts and is responsible for growing TD's franchise banking portfolio while ensuring that franchisee customers are provided with legendary customer service.  Terry enjoys collaborating with both franchisors and franchisees to assist them with all of their credit and Banking 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!