At Tecconnect, we’re dedicated to helping your start-up or new business idea take flight and have a multitude of tools and resources to help on your journey.
One of these tools is Business Advice! We offer advice from our Business Advisors and it is an no cost to you. We have numerous entrepreneurs, teachers and business leaders who can offer their expertise through their own journeys. Our Business Advisors have a wide array of skills and industry knowledge and after your initial intake into the Entrepreneur Program, we’ll match you up with an advisor for some one to one discussions about your plans.
The first step is setting up an appointment to speak with our Entrepreneur Program Manager. You can take the first step on your entrepreneurial journey by clicking here!
More About Business Advisors
A Tecconnect Business Advisor provides direction and sometimes instruction around specific business challenges. They help entrepreneurs to make informed business decisions but do not direct what those decisions should be. Tecconnect, through government funding, pays these consultants an hourly rate to provide this free service to entrepreneurs.
One-time or multiple sessions that assist entrepreneurs by providing advice on streamlining or improving business model; addressing a specific business challenge; navigating options and opportunities, connecting with resources and assisting with planning and goal setting.
Tecconnect Business Advisors will not do the work for you or provide a product for you. For example, a Business Advisor will not write your business or marketing plan. They will advise you of what those documents are, how they are used and how to create one. They may also help you determine how to find the right service provider that can provide that service. But their paid services as a Tecconnect Business Advisor do not expand beyond advisory services.
Book a Meeting with a Tecconnect Business Advisor
Eyren Uggenti
Uggenti Digital/Entrepreneur Intake AdvisorKey Skills: Business Analysis Tools, Market Research, Planning, Project Management, Strategy, Design Thinking, Marketing,
Eyren brings 10 years of Project Management and planning experience with a focus on education, government funded programs and benevolence based NPOs to his role as Entrepreneur Program Manager at Tecconnect. In this role Eyren conducts initial onboarding meetings with interested entrepreneurs.
As our Intake Advisor and Ecosystem Navigator, he also excels at Operations Management, Design & Creative Media, Business Development, Relationship Management, Strategic Planning, and Proposal Writing.
Eyren's Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on Marketing & Management and his 4 years working with Small Business BC, a provincial resource centre in the Canada Business Network as well as time with the National Advertising Benevolence Society, provides his broad scope of knowledge and capabilities in various disciplines and industries.
Key Skills: Business Analysis Tools, Market Research, Planning, Project Management, Strategy, Design Thinking, Marketing, Product Development (market fit, product fit, validation), Startup, Team Building
Key Industry Experience: Non-Profit, Events & Entertainment, Education, Graphic Design, Entrepreneurship
Wani Alali
Alpha Plexus Ltd.Key Skills: Facilitation, Market Research, Mergers & Acquisitions, Project Management, Self Employment, Tech/Innovation/Emerging Tech
Wani Alali is an acquisition entrepreneur, Investor, and growth advisor. With educational background in economics, public policy and applied and computational mathematics, Wani has over 10 years’ experience across different sectors including central banking, oil and gas, ecommerce, non- profit field research & assessments and finance. He is the founder of Alpha Plexus (a lower middle- market business acquisition and alternative financing company) and co-founder of Lottanna (a commodity focused trading company).
As an acquisition entrepreneur, Wani understands the challenges of managing small and medium sized businesses, whether it be product development, capital raising, structuring an exitable business, creating value-based offers and scaling businesses. Wani regularly provides business growth advisory services to a portfolio of companies owned by himself and his partners in the services, manufacturing, technology, and distribution sectors. As a Tecconnect Business Advisor, Wani is interested in helping business owners build a profitable and high-impact business that can scale without them through leveraged sales, bankable profits, scalable impact and transferable value strategies.
In the near future, he intends to explore opportunities where he can incorporate design and mathematical algorithms into modern technologies. Wani currently sits on the board of BIPOC Foundation – a foundation that supports entrepreneurs with education and funding to transform ideas into business innovations.
Key Skils: Facilitation, Market Research, Mergers & Acquisitions, Project Management, Self Employment, Tech/Innovation/Emerging Tech, Funding/Financing/Financial Opportunities, Marketing, Policy/Regulations/Business Licensing, Scaling Up & Growth, Team Building
Key Industry Experience: Social Media Marketing, Manufacturing, Consulting, Supply Chain & Logistics (Transportation), Non-Profit, Entrepreneurship, Technology
Jason Bacon
Sunstone Strategic Inc.Key Skills: Change Management, Funding/Financing/Financial Opportunities, Marketing, Scaling Up/Growth, Startup, Planning
Jason's first entrepreneur experience was in the fifth grade when he and a friend collected tadpoles from the hills around Peace River and took them to school to sell to classmates. Then the principal found out and shut it down, giving him his first experience with regulation. After moving to Lethbridge Alberta he worked for a time before attending the university and obtaining a Bachelor of Management with a major in Finance. Since then his professional career in the finance industry has been focused in the support of entrepreneurs. From lending and risk management to advising and educating.
Jason worked for Community Futures Lethbridge Region where he ran the Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge. This business planning competition trained more than 100 entrepreneurs in its last year and provided more than $80,000 in cash and in-kind prizes. As an entrepreneur strategist with ATB Financial he was responsible for helping to start the entrepreneur centre in Lethbridge and advised more than 400 entrepreneurs in his last year. In his former role he worked as the Senior Manager of Entrepreneur Education for ATB Financial. During that time, he led a team of passionate individuals in creating and delivering many of ATB's entrepreneur advice and education offerings. This included the ATB X Business Growth Accelerator, which boasted a 98.1 net promoter score.
From there he started his own business, Sunstone Strategic, which guides entrepreneurs to focus and financial freedom. This is done through business planning, consultation and engaging with the entrepreneur community. He brings his nearly decade of experience in the finance and entrepreneur support industries all for the purpose of helping business owners. In addition to this, Jason has recently written and will soon be releasing an eBook entitled "Entrepreneur-ish: Inspirations and lessons in entrepreneurship from Vikings, pirates, and samurai.
Key Skills: Change Management, Funding/Financing/Financial Opportunities, Marketing, Scaling Up/Growth, Startup, Facilitation, Leadership, Planning, Social Enterprise, Strategy
Key Industry Experience: Consulting, Entrepreneurship, Non-Profit, Publishing, Education, Equity & Diversity, Public Speaking, Social Media Marketing
Tyler Brack
Avail CPAKey Skills: Business Continuity, Planning, Startup, Self Employment
Tyler brings over 10 years of accounting and financial planning experience. Tyler improves clients’ professional financial services experience by integrating the areas of accounting, financial planning, tax, investing, and insurance. As the lead of Avail CPA’s Wealth Planning division, Tyler works with an integrated team of highly skilled professional advisors to establish clarity, deliver insight, and execute strategies that help clients achieve their financial goals today and in the future. Tyler helps client in three main areas including retirement planning, investment reviews, and risk (corporate and personal) reviews.
Wealth planning for:
- Business owners
- Succession planning
- Professional
- Medical
- Lawyer
- Dental
- Clients nearing retirement
- Clients in retirement
Key Skills: Business Continuity, Planning, Startup, Self Employment
Key Industry Experience:
Keri Drennan
Impact LeaderKey Skills: Change Management, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Project Management, Team Building, Facilitation
Keri is passionate about engaging and inspiring people to think outside the box. She is a Professional Engineer with 24 years of progressive leadership in large, integrated corporations. She owes her success to building relationships and shifting cultures and paradigms.
Keri’s aspiration to live in a world that is inclusive, engaging, and inspiring led her to start up Impact Leader. Everyone deserves to work in a trusting, respectful culture that includes maximizing business goals while having fun!
Keri can make a difference in this world by focusing on the areas she is most passionate: transforming leaders and engaging teams. Impact Leader, focuses on individuals and organizations that are performance driven and interested in realizing the true potential of their people through developing self-knowledge, building rapport, valuing diversity, and co-creating results.
In addition, Keri holds a certificate in Project Management as well as extensive experience in change management, organizational effectiveness, and strategy development.
Key Skills: Change Management, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Project Management, Team Building, Facilitation, Leadership, Planning, Strategy
Key Industry Experience: Consulting, Equity & Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Oil & Gas
Suzanne Ebelher
Mission Ignite Consulting Ltd.Key Skills: Change Management, Franchising, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Operations, Planning, Strategy
Suzanne Ebelher, CMC, CPHR, MBA, is the Principal and Managing Director of Mission Ignite Management Consulting. Suzanne has over 20 years of experience assisting business owners on a variety of topics such as strategic planning, change management, financing, business planning, team facilitation, project management, everything HR and business process improvement. She has a strong understanding of supports available for Alberta entrepreneurs and loves to dive deep to source strategic solutions for clients. Suzanne works collaboratively with her clients to help facilitate decision making and business improvements by providing the necessary support documentation, policies, processes, tools and plans in order to achieve their desired goals and vision of success.
Before her career in management consulting, Suzanne grew up in Medicine Hat, AB, spending many summers at the family farm in SK. In her spare time she volunteers with Cochrane Humane Society and CPHR Alberta, she loves to garden, golf and is a newbie bee-keeper.
Key Skills: Change Management, Franchising, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Policy/Regulations/Business Licensing, Facilitation, Funding/Financing, Financial Opportunities, Operations, Planning, Strategy
Key Industry Experience: Social Enterprise, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Retail, Food & Beverage
Brett Ficiur
Avail CPAKey Skills: Business Analysis Tools, Change Management, Operations, Scaling Up/Growth, Business Continuity, Design Thinking, Planning, Strategy
Brett graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Management in Accounting and with a Bachelor of Arts in French and Spanish. With both his Chartered Professional Accounting and Certified Financial Planning designations, and eight years at Avail, Brett brings a wealth of experience in both of accounting and financial planning.
He currently focuses on health care and construction clients, but has a plethora of experiences over various industries. As part of the Avail team, Brett helps clients through being a part-time controller/CFO, estate planning, corporate & personal financial planning, financial statement preparation, and corporate & personal tax.
As an advisor at Tecconnect, Brett is interested in helping businesses set themselves up for success through planning, building strong financial systems & processes and helping them maintain their compliance with their banking covenants and the CRA. When Brett isn’t working, he is enjoying the outdoors with his wife and two children. They are camping, hiking, fishing, snow shoeing and hunting.
Key Skills: Business Analysis Tools, Change Management, Operations, Scaling Up/Growth, Startup, Business Continuity, Design Thinking, Planning, Self-Employment, Strategy
Key Industry Experience: Retail, Accounting, Consulting
Linnden King
Urban Cowgirl & Company Inc.Key Skills: Leadership, Market Research, Operations, Product Development (market fit, product fit, validation), Startup, Lean Methodologies, Marketing
Born and raised outside of Edmonton, Linnden came to southern AB in 2005 to pursue her education at the University of Lethbridge. After several years in the south, two children, and a career in management with Canada’s leading fitness company, Lethbridge captured her heart with it’s small-town feel, tight knit community, and opportunity for growth. Linnden is now the Owner of Urban Cowgirl & Company Inc., a Canadian brand that specializes in apparel manufacturing.
Linnden founded the company in 2016 after a desire to provide quality, small batch, handcrafted pieces that gave women the confidence to look and feel their very best. Urban Cowgirl & Co. retails their label direct-to-consumer through their online shop (www.urban-cowgirl.com), as well as stocking over 100 retail stores and independent boutiques throughout Canada and the US. Linnden is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs with their time-management, business growth, e-commerce and email marketing strategies, transitioning from brick & mortar to the world online, and pivoting in the face of adversity. She also loves to help entrepreneurs obtain the skills and confidence to crush it on social media!
She now resides on an acreage outside of Magrath, AB, just close enough to the city, and short drive to the mountains where she and her family can easily adventure. Linnden’s passions include riding her horses, and a love for travel!
Key Skills: Leadership, Market Research, Operations, Product Development (market fit, product fit, validation), Startup, Lean Methodologies, Marketing, Self Employment, Strategy
Key Industry Expertise: Technology, Manufacturing, Retail
Stephen McKee
Avail CPAKey Skills: Change Management, Human Resources, Operations, Planning, Facilitation, Lean Methodologies, Organizational Development
Stephen is a Human Resources Consultant for Avail CPA. He uses over 10 years of experience in HR to help clients ensure their team functions on the highest level while staying compliant with legislation. Stephen’s mission is helping business leaders in Southern Alberta expand on their great work by helping them create a culture that allows them to wake up feeling inspired to go to work and return home with a sense that they have contributed to something larger than themselves. Stephen enjoys building a relationship of trust with business owners and exceeding their expectations. Over a long career in HR, Stephen has accumulated a wealth of experience working with all types of workplaces and teams. Throughout his career,
Stephen always found himself in leadership roles and he is proud to help people discover what they're best at. His leadership style is characterized by being reliable, accountable, and empathetic every day, which is a trait he sees in his clients as well.
Key Skills: Change Management, Human Resources, Operations, Planning, Facilitation, Lean Methodologies, Organizational Development, Policy/Regulations/Business Licensing.
Key Industry Expertise: Accounting
Lori Olson
The WNDX GroupKey Skills: Lean Methodologies, Tech/Innovation/Emerging Tech, Web Development, Self Employment
Born in Calgary, and raised in Lethbridge, Lori is a trailblazer in the world of mobile app development and entrepreneurship. With four decades of software and technology experience, from software developer to architect to CTO, Lori's career has encompassed a range from multi-national oil companies to tiny tech startups. As the founder and chief instructor of the WNDX School of Mobile Apps, she has empowered hundreds of entrepreneurs to turn their app ideas into reality through her transformative 6 Pack Apps program.
Lori's expertise extends beyond the classroom; she is a published author, educating and captivating both technical and entrepreneurial audiences. A sought-after speaker at global tech conferences, Lori shares her wealth of knowledge and experience, inspiring audiences with her passion and vision for the future of mobile technology. Her commitment to mentoring and education is exemplified through her volunteer work with Canada Learning Code, dedicated to improving digital literacy for women and youth in Canada.
With a passion for innovation and a drive to empower others, Lori is shaping the future of mobile app development, one entrepreneur at a time.
Key Skills: Lean Methodologies, Tech/innovation/Emerging Tech, Web Development, Self Employment
Key Industry Expertise: App Development, E Commerce, Entrepreneurship, Social Media Marketing, Oil & Gas
Adetoye Oyebiola
Genesis Exotic MarketingKey Skills: Funding/Financing/Financial Opportunities, Leadership, Operations, Strategy, International Business, Market Research, Project Management
Adetoye (Ade) is a seasoned entrepreneur and professional. Adetoye is the co-founder of Genesis Exotic Market in Lethbridge. He is currently an Operations Manager at FedEx Lethbridge. He is also a Seasonal Instructor at both University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College.
Prior to his migration to Canada in 2015, Adetoye was the founder and CEO of Royal Priesthood Services. The company was one of the largest minority-owned cleaning companies in Denmark at the time. During his time in Denmark, he was involved in many innovative research projects funded by the European Union. Ade co-wrote dozens of successful funding proposals. He was also responsible for recruiting business and research partners across the EU countries. He oversaw the implementation and dissemination of project results.
Born in Nigeria, Ade moved to Denmark in 1995. He holds a MSc in Economics and Business Administration with a specialization in Management of Innovation and Business Development from Copenhagen Business School. He also holds a BSc in International Business from the same institution. He has PRINCE2 Project Management Certification. Adetoye speaks, reads, and writes English, Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian languages fluently. He lives with his family in Lethbridge, Alberta. Adetoye believes that innovation without market value is just an invention.
Key Skills: Funding/Financing/Financial Opportunities, Leadership, Operations, Product Development (market fit, product fit, validation), Strategy, International Business, Market Research, Organizational Development, Project Management
Key Industry Expertise: Supply Chain & Logistics (Transportation), Retail, Consulting, Technology, Education
Madison Pahl
Sunshine Marketing Ltd.Key Skills: Business Continuity, Planning, Strategy, Marketing, Self Employment, Team Building
I am a dynamic professional working with Pattison Media, where I specialize in helping businesses grow through strategic marketing and media buying tools. My approach focuses on innovative methods beyond organic social media to ensure local businesses thrive.
With a deep commitment to excellence and client success, I have quickly made my mark in the industry, earning the Personal Achiever Award, Team Champion Award, and Top Market Performer in Southern Alberta, all within my first year at Pattison Media.
My professional journey is fueled by a passion for marketing and business growth. I am enthusiastic, kind, and always eager to learn more, qualities that have earned me the trust and respect of my colleagues and clients.
I believe in the power of strategic marketing to transform businesses and am dedicated to sharing my expertise to foster local economic growth. Outside of my professional life, I am a devoted mom of two and enjoy a happy, fulfilling life with my family in Lethbridge. I am passionate about reading and love exploring the beautiful outdoors of Southern Alberta. These activities not only provide relaxation but also inspire my creativity and strategic thinking in my work. My role at Pattison Media allows me to combine my professional skills with my personal passions, creating a fulfilling and impactful career.
I am committed to continuing my journey of learning and growth, both personally and professionally, and to helping more businesses achieve their goals. My dedication to the success of local businesses and my drive for continuous improvement make me a valuable asset to the Pattison Media team and the broader business community in Southern Alberta.
Key Skills: Business Continuity, Planning, Strategy, Marketing, Self Employment, Team Building
Key Industry Expertise: Events & Entertainment, Social Media Marketing, Food & Beverage, Media Purchasing
Chris Rabl
2314159 Alberta IncKey Skills: Business Analysis Tools, Lean Methodologies, Team Building, Design Thinking, Organizational Development, Tech/Innovation/Emerging Tech
Chris is the lead front-end developer at Autovance, a division of Quorum Information Systems. For the past six years, Chris has been involved in building Autovance's full suite of automotive retail applications, used in hundreds of dealerships across Canada. These include Autovance Desk, their flagship payment quoting and F&I menu tool as well as MyDeal, an online retail solution for car dealers built for the 21st century. Chris' greatest strength is in designing tools that make it easy for people to accomplish their goals: from rapidly prototyping applications and workflows to iterating on and polishing the user experience, he strongly believes that people deserve better, more humane software systems.
Another one of Chris' passions is building and coaching high-performing teams. Software development is a team sport, and in order to solve tough problems and develop sustainable, well-architected systems, teams need the support and guidance of great coaches. Throughout his career, Chris has sought to give developers the tools they need to make good decisions and work together as a team.
Since 2019,
Chris has been the chair of the CIT Industry Advisory Committee at Lethbridge College. He is committed to developing Lethbridge's IT ecosystem using home-grown talent and believes that we have what it takes to build a thriving, tech-driven, entrepreneurial hub right here in Southern Alberta. Finally, when he's not slinging code or power-walking through the coulees, Chris is an avid curler and loves to get out on the ice whenever he can!
Key Skills: Business Analysis Tools, Lean Methodologies, Product Development (market fit, product fit, validation), Team Building, Design Thinking, Organizational Development, Scaling Up/Growth, Tech/Innovation/Emerging Tech
Key Industry Experience: Technology, Interactive Digital Media, Consulting, Software Development, Entrepreneurship
Darren Rea
2636600 Alberta Inc.Key Skills: Business Continuity, Design Thinking, Facilitation, Indigenous Business, Self Employment, Team Building
Darren is a young Cree-Métis man with cultural ties to his mother’s home community of Lac Ste. Anne. Born and raised in Calgary (Mohkinstsis), Alberta, Darren grew up immersed in the city’s cultural vibrancy and the natural beauty of the nearby mountains, fostering a deep respect for nature and the land.
A BComm graduate from the University of Calgary specializing in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership, Darren is recognized as a local artist, Indigenous relations consultant, and tech-savvy entrepreneur. His work bridges cultural heritage and modern enterprise, reflecting his journey of self-discovery and reconnection to his Métis and Cree roots.
Darren supports other Indigenous artists through Maskwa Mitehi (Mitehi.com) and Moccasin Telegraph (MoccasinTelegraph.org) while showcasing his art on LightNow.ca, where his spiritual, nature-inspired pieces connect with a global audience.
Darren states, “It is a great honour to live, work, and play on this land, serving the community through inspiring and empowering works.”
Key Skills: Business Continuity, Design Thinking, Facilitation, Indigenous Business, Self Employment, Team Building, Tech/Innovation/Emerging Tech
Key Industry Expertise: Consulting, E Commerce, Education. Entrepreneurship, Interactive Digital Media, Non-Profit, Public Speaking, Social Media Marketing, Consumer Packaged Goods
Sylvia Waive
Sylwaive Consulting Ltd.Key Skills: Project Management, Change Management, Business Analysis Tools, Human Resources, Non-Profit
My name is Sylvia Waive. I am a Business Owner and also the Business Manager for the Brooks and District’s Women’s Safe Shelter Society.
I am a Chartered Professional Accountant and also have a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance.
I have over 10 years of experience dealing with various clients, both individual clients and businesses and have worked with a lot of start-up businesses helping them with bookkeeping, tax filing, grant applications, human resources, payroll needs & some technical needs.
I have been able to manage projects effectively and one of such projects was the Make Tax time Pay (MTTP), working with volunteers, community organisations and program partners to file taxes for low income Edmontonians and also helping them to access government benefits. I also assisted the financial empowerment coordinator with financial literacy trainings and coaching.
I worked with the Royal Bank of Canada as a banking advisor, where I helped clients with their banking, credit and investment needs, handling client’s inquiries and complaints.
As a business consultant, I have helped organisations achieve their objectives by providing professional guidance and support. Helping businesses navigate complex challenges, making informed decisions and creating a path to long term success.
For leisure, I enjoy reading, keeping fit, watching movies, travelling and spending time with my family.
Key Skills: Project Management, Change Management, Business Analysis Tools, Human Resources, Non-Profit
Key Industry Expertise: App Development, Data Analysis, Events & Entertainment, Restaurants & Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), Retail
