Link-Up Luncheon
The Ignite Link-Up Luncheon is a monthly sit-down event held on the last Thursday of every month at the Edmonton Inn & Conference Centre. Doors open at 11:30 AM and we wrap up at 1:30 PM — giving you two full hours to eat, connect, and leave inspired.
Each month features two Indigenous entrepreneurs who take the stage to share their real business journeys — the wins, the hard lessons, and the honest advice they wish someone had given them. Every luncheon centres around a fresh topic relevant to where you are in your business right now.
Tickets include a full hot buffet lunch, free parking, and full accessibility — because everyone knows the best conversations happen over bannock. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot early and come ready to connect with a room full of people who get it.
Nistam Mâmawîhitowin •
Luncheon
June 25, 2026
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Edmonton Inn & Conference Center
Join us on the last Thursday of every month for 2 hours of recharging and meaningful connection. Free parking, full accessibility, and a $35 hot buffet lunch – because good conversations deserve good food.
Luncheon Topic: Rebranding & Restructuring: What They Don't Tell You
Everyone talks about the glow-up — the fresh logo, the new name, the polished website. But nobody talks about what actually happens behind the scenes when you decide to rebuild something from the ground up—the sleepless nights questioning every decision.
The moments you wonder if you're making a massive mistake. The pressure of staying true to your culture and community while also running a business that needs to survive.
This month, two Indigenous entrepreneurs get honest about their rebranding and restructuring journeys — what triggered the change, what the process really looked like, and what they would do differently if they had to do it all over again. No highlight reels, no polished talking points. Just real stories, real lessons, and real talk about what it takes to transform a business while keeping your values intact.
Whether you're thinking about a rebrand, in the middle of one, or just curious what it takes — this conversation will give you something you can actually use.
Our Speakers Two Speakers, Real Stories
Both speakers receive a complimentary exhibitor booth where you can pull them aside for one-on-one conversations and get specific advice for your own business.
Mikayla Renas
Mikayla Renas is a proud member of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation in Treaty 6 and the founder of Indigenized Beauty Studio & Empowerment Academy. As a lash artist, educator, and entrepreneur, she created a unique three-day certification program that combines hands-on lash training with empowerment, mentorship, affirmations, and vision board sessions. Inspired by her own journey, Mikayla is passionate about creating opportunities for Indigenous youth and women to gain skills, build confidence, and pursue entrepreneurship in a supportive and culturally grounded environment.
Melissa Minks
Melissa Minks is the owner of Awe-Sum Bookkeeping and Business Solutions, helping small business owners keep their books “awe-sum.” With a background in entrepreneurship and business management, she brings practical, real-world experience to her clients. As an Indigenous entrepreneur, Melissa is passionate about supporting business growth and making bookkeeping approachable and judgment-free. She lives in Edmonton with her husband and stays close to their adult children.
Get Your Business In
Front of Entrepreneurs
Email karen@inspiregroupltd.ca if you’re interested in speaking at or sponsoring Indigenous Ignite Luncheon
Become a Speaker
Have a story that would benefit Indigenous entrepreneurs? We're looking for authentic voices who are ready to get real about the highs, the lows, and the hard-won lessons of building a business. Speakers receive a complimentary exhibitor booth, a platform to share their expertise, a hot buffet lunch, and no speaking fees — it's completely complimentary. If you've walked the path and want to give back to the community, we want to hear from you.
Become a Sponsor
Sponsoring the Link-Up Luncheon is more than just brand visibility — it's a direct investment in Indigenous entrepreneurship. Your support helps keep this space accessible, welcoming, and impactful for the entrepreneurs who need it most. In return, sponsors receive prominent recognition, a complimentary exhibitor booth, and the opportunity to connect directly with an engaged room of Indigenous business owners and community members.
Major Sponsor
$2,500 per luncheon
✓ Logo on all event materials
✓ Recognition in communications
✓ Speaking opportunity
✓ Complimentary exhibitor booth
✓ Social media recognition
✓ 2 complimentary tickets
Supporting Sponsor
$1,000 per luncheon
✓ Logo on event materials
✓ Recognition in communications
✓ Complimentary exhibitor booth
✓ Social media recognition
✓ 1 complimentary ticket
Annual Sponsorship
Want to support Indigenous entrepreneurship all year long?
Ask about our annual sponsorship package and show your commitment across all 12 luncheons.
Annual sponsors receive priority placement, consistent brand visibility throughout the season, and a dedicated feature in our year-end recap.
It's the most impactful way to invest in the community.
Come Join Us
Whether you're showing up to learn, connect, or just curious – we can't wait to meet you. Register below for June 25th, and we'll send you everything you need.
Niwâpamitin • We'll See You at the Edmonton Inn & Conference Center
