Thinking about expanding your home-based business into a physical location or scaling your operations? This workshop is for you. In this hands-on, expert-led session, you’ll learn how to assess your financial readiness, estimate startup and operational costs, and build a sustainable budget to support your business growth. Discover funding options, craft a cash flow strategy, and walk away with practical tools and insights to help you move forward with confidence.

Key takeaways:
✔️ Startup cost estimation & break-even analysis
✔️ Monthly budgeting for year one
✔️ Funding sources and how to apply
✔️ Real-world case studies and expert advice

Whether you’re planning to open a physical space, invest in new equipment, or grow your team, this 2-hour session will help you make informed, financially sound decisions.

Bonus: Participants will also have the opportunity to sign up for follow-up coaching sessions to support their individual business planning journey.

Speakers:

Maria Gafiuk - Coach, Entrepreneur Strategy - ATB Financial

Maria serves as a primary contact for Alberta entrepreneurs and the Alberta ecosystem partners to “Make it possible” for her clients. Prior to this role, she helped over 2,500 businesses start and grow by providing imperative business planning guidance. An entrepreneur herself, Maria operated her own management consultant company and worked with a brokerage company valuing and selling businesses. This gave her indepth exposure to various business types including print shops, food manufacturing facilities, banks, bars, cleaning companies, and organic groceries. Maria emphasizes her dedication to clients, stating, "I am a personable and hardworking person and, most importantly I SHOW UP and give my all for my clients every day. With my background and experience, I can relate to what they are going through, and I know I can help motivate them to success.”

Cole Brown - Business Advisor - ATB Financial

Cole leverages his NAIT Business Management diploma alongside a significant nine-year background in the mechanics and construction trades to provide clients with insightful and practical financial guidance. This powerful combination of formal business education and extensive hands-on industry experience allows him to deeply understand the unique challenges and opportunities his clients face. It also fosters a strong connection with business owners, enabling him to offer practical, effective advice and tailored solutions specifically designed to support their success.

Aravind Parameswara - Business Advisor - ATB Financial

Aravind brings over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. Currently, managing small to medium sized businesses at ATB Financial, Aravind specializes in credit structuring, relationship management and business growth strategy for clients across Alberta. He began his career at TD Bank, progressing through roles in personal and business banking, where he developed a strong track record of delivering tailored financial solutions and strategic insight. Known for his client first approach and analytical mindset, Aravind brings both technical credit acumen and genuine commitment to long-term relationship building. Aravind holds a Bachelor of Science from MacEwan University, where he also pursued electives in Finance and Economics.