Building something meaningful can feel overwhelming, and at times, isolating.

Social Venture Institure (SVI) is a place to come together and reimagine what’s possible alongside others doing similar work.

This is a gathering of entrepreneurs, leaders, and change-makers navigating the real work of building something that matters. A space to step back from the day-to-day, think more clearly about what's important, and learn alongside others who are asking the same hard questions.

SVI is not a typical conference. It’s a chance to spend meaningful time with a community that understands both the weight of what you’re building, and the drive behind it.

At SVI: Alberta - Calgary Edition, you can expect:

Time to step back and work on your business—not just in it

Honest keynote talks from award winning founders and innovators

Workshops offering practical insights you can apply right away

Small group dialogue with people who are asking the right questions

Space to reflect, reset, and reconnect with your purpose

Meaningful connection with a thoughtful, values-driven community

Time on the land, including opportunities to learn from Indigenous perspectives

Shared meals designed for conversation and connection

Apply Now!

I've been to many events and found this one to be the most engaged group of people, willing to support, collaborate, and provide genuine support.

Denise Kirk

GBV Resource Collective Inc

I was blown away with the level of vulnerability, insight and learning SVI presented…it was beyond my expectations.

Sherilyn Trompetter

MT Consulting Group

SVI:Alberta is burst of energy! A conference unlike any I've attended—it attracts the makers, the doers, and the dreamers in our community.

Diane Cassidy

Vacant Lots Farm Club

A special gem of an experience…highly recommend!

Adrienne Furrie

Prête Studios

If you are wanting to get inspired, connected, and refreshed then SVI is the place to go.

Adaeze Hubbard

Innovate Calgary

SVI: Alberta was nothing short of transformative. This is a must-attend event for anyone serious about making a sustainable social impact.

Zach Manntai

For The City

Speakers

True Confessions talks are not canned success speeches. They’re honest, behind-the-scenes stories from leaders sharing the challenges, mistakes, doubts, and failures that shaped their journey.

Holly Singer

Speaker

Since launching nearly a decade ago, Milk Jar has grown into a multi-million dollar, internationally recognized brand—now carried in over 600 retail locations worldwide. Yet for Founder & CEO Holly Singer, success has always meant more than just growth.

Käthe Lemon

Speaker

Käthe Lemon is President & Co-Owner of RedPoint Media Group, one of Western Canada’s leading independent media companies.

Kevin Kent

Speaker

CEO and Founder of Knifewear Group, whose mission is not only to sell exclusive high performance Japanese blades but also make retail a real career for staff by paying them a living wage

Celestina Akinkunmi

Celestina Akinkunmi is the Head of Operations at the Centre for Newcomers in Calgary, bringing more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. She supports the growth and sustainability of CFN’s social enterprises, including EthniCity Catering, with a focus on improving performance, generating revenue, and advancing community impact.

Arthur Cunningham

Attendee

Art Cunningham is a proud Métis Elder and a respected leader in Indigenous relations, corporate policy, and resource development, with over 35 years of experience shaping how industry and Indigenous communities work together. Connect with Art for personalized guidance during a 1:1 expert advisory session.

What Will You Walk Away With?

Clarity, Calm & Meaningful Connection

Step away from the daily grind and reconnect with your purpose in a setting that blends time in nature, personal reflection, and meaningful community.

A Supportive Network of Peers

Build real relationships with values-aligned entrepreneurs who lead with impact and heart. Expect genuine support, future collaborators, and a sense of not doing this alone anymore.

Fresh Insight & Strategic Breakthroughs

Leave with new ideas, aha moments, and practical tools—thanks to thoughtful facilitation, honest conversations, and the wisdom of fellow changemakers.

Renewed Energy & Motivation

Refuel your drive. You'll return home feeling uplifted, focused, and more confident in the path you're walking as a social impact leader.

Apply Now!

What People are Saying

“I’ve gotten much more than I expected… I’m so inspired by all of the different businesses and taking away practical tips and ideas as well.”

Karina Birch, CEO Rocky Mountain Soap Co.

“There is a convergence of all these different perspectives that we can learn from, and I think this type of environment allows for those conversations to happen.”

Colby Delorme, CEO Imagination Group

“The opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs who share the same values is just indispensable. We often feel like lone wolves as entrepreneurs, and the opportunity to bring our pain, our purpose, and our mission together—and learn from one another—is just invaluable.”

Tonya Surman, Centre for Social Innovation