Entrepreneurship Unlocked: A 10-Part Journey to Business Success

Sarah Hopkins | Facilitator

About the Presenter

Sarah Hopkins is Turtle Clan of the Lenni Lenape, whose people were displaced from Lenapehoking (modern-day New York City) to Delaware Nation in southwestern Ontario. A Day School survivor, she was raised by strong matriarchs whose resilience shaped her commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices.

In 2018, Sarah founded Three Sisters Consulting, dedicated to supporting Indigenous success across business, professional, and community spaces, where she serves as Matriarch. She is an active community leader, having served in elected and board roles, and works across sectors including government, non-profits, and industry on Indigenous engagement, economic development, and policy.

Grounded by her family and community, Sarah continues to advocate for and connect Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.

Session Overview

Growth is exciting but it can also break a business if you're not ready for it. This session is for entrepreneurs whose business is picking up and who want to grow with intention. We'll talk about what scaling really looks like for small First Nations businesses, when to hire, when to move to a physical location, and how to manage the financial side of growth without losing control. We'll also explore what it means to grow in a way that stays true to your values.

Topics Covered

•       Signs your business is ready to grow and warning signs it's not

•       Staffing: when to hire, what kind of help you need, and how to find the right people

•       Physical location: pros, cons, and when the timing is right

•       Expanding your products or services: how to do it without spreading too thin

•       Financial planning for growth: cash flow, investment, and managing risk

•       Staying culturally grounded as your business expands

•       Delegating and letting go: building a team you can trust

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

•       Identify 2–3areas of your business that are ready to grow

•       Create a simple hiring checklist or staffing plan

•       Map out the financial steps needed to support your next growth stage

•       Name at least one boundary or value you want to protect as you grow

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Note: This session is most  valuable for entrepreneurs who have been in business for at least 6–12 months  and are seeing consistent demand. This is also a great tool for new  businesses to spot when they’re ready for growth.

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