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 •
April Luncheon
April 30, 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.
Karen McCarthy - Inspire Group of Companies Ltd.
Karen McCarthy is the visionary entrepreneur behind Inspire Group of Companies, a multi-brand enterprise deeply rooted in Indigenous values and a mission to empower communities through commerce. With decades of experience building and scaling businesses across Alberta, Karen has become one of the most trusted and respected voices in the Indigenous business landscape. She leads with both strategy and spirit — and her track record speaks for itself.
Her entrepreneurial journey has been anything but linear. From navigating the complexities of rebranding an entire company to making high-stakes decisions in the face of uncertainty, Karen has learned what it truly means to build something that lasts. She understands the weight of carrying a vision forward — and what it takes to stay true to your values when the pressure is on. At this luncheon, she shares the unfiltered story behind Inspire Group — the tough calls, the pivots, and the cultural grounding that has kept her moving forward through it all.
Lenore Janvier - IndigiMerch
Lenore Janvier is a Dane Suline woman from Cold Lake First Nations and the creative force behind IndigiMerch, a 100% Indigenous-owned and operated business she founded in 2021. Blending artistic talent with entrepreneurial drive, Lenore develops customized goods and Indigenized content that celebrate culture, spark meaningful conversations, and spread awareness of Indigenous realities, history, and healing. What began as a passion project has grown into a purposeful brand that tells Indigenous stories on Indigenous terms.
Lenore's path to entrepreneurship was built on the belief that Indigenous creativity deserves to be seen, valued, and sustained as a real business. She has learned to turn her artistic vision into a thriving livelihood while staying grounded in the values and teachings that guide her work. At this luncheon, Lenore shares the honest story behind IndigiMerch — the risks she took, the lessons she learned, and what it truly means to build something that is unapologetically, authentically yours.
Get Your Business In
Front of Entrepreneurs
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 March 26th and we'll send you everything you need.
Niwâpamitin • We'll See You at the Edmonton Inn & Conference Center
