Teresa Shaver is the Manager of the Business Advisory Centre Durham, one of Ontario’s 54 Small Business Centres. She is also representing the nonprofit association, Small Business Centres of Ontario.

For more than 30 years, SBCs have supported entrepreneurs and small businesses across the province. They are funded through the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, along with local counties and municipalities. SBCs deliver a wide range of programs, including Digital Main Street, Starter Company Plus, Summer Company, Foodpreneur Advantage, and My Main Street.

Across Ontario, SBCs host more than 3,000 events each year, support over 15,000 businesses, and contribute to the vibrancy of local communities.

Teresa has also operated several of her own businesses and has been a business coach for more than 10 years. She earned her Registered Business Coach designation in 2014 and her Economic Development Certificate in 2017.

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FOR OFNEDA MEMBERS ONLY

• Internal Communication 101
• Writing with purpose; reaching a range of internal audiences
• External Communications
• Writing for specific audiences; active vs. passive voice; less is more
• Document types: email (requests, follow-up etiquette), crisis/urgent communication, press release, MOU, partner communications
• Report writing; grant writing (workshop: two types)
• Using AI Without Losing Your (Community’s) Voice
• Intro to AI/LLM tools; healthy skepticism; using AI without letting AI use you
• Wrap-Up

Whether you're drafting a grant proposal, responding to a partner email, or managing a community crisis, strong communication is the backbone of economic development. This hands-on session walks First Nations communicators through the full spectrum, from sharpening internal messaging for your own team to crafting press releases and MOUs that land with outside audiences. 

Caroline Starr is a graduate of the University of Waterloo's Master's in Economic Development program, Caroline is an economic development consultant with a deep experience in public and private sector communications. Her work focuses on creating, accessible, transparent economic development outcomes for small and rural communities, and supporting accessible, clear storytelling with a range of partners. 

Katherine Skene is a communications and marketing executive known for building institutional reputation, leading through change, and turning strategy into stories that inspire action and connection. She brings depth across brand, issues management, digital transformation, and stakeholder engagement, with a reputation for galvanizing teams and earning trust across complex organizations. 

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FOR OFNEDA MEMBERS ONLY

Know Your Customer & Tell Your Story

Session Overview

Every business needs customers, but finding them starts with knowing who they are. In this first marketing session, we go back to the basics: who you are selling to, what problem you solve for them, and how to talk about your business in a way that feels true to who you are.

We will cover your brand story, your value proposition, and how to build a simple, authentic marketing message that works whether you are speaking to a client, posting online, or building your first website.

Topics Covered

• What marketing really is and what it is not
• Identifying your target customer and why “everyone” is not an answer
• Your unique value proposition, including what makes your business different
• Building your brand story using your values and identity
• Introduction to the sales pitch, including elevator pitch practice
• Business directories and free listings that work for Indigenous businesses
• Simple, low-cost marketing tools for new entrepreneurs

Learning Outcomes

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

• Define their target customer clearly
• Write a one-sentence value proposition for their business
• Deliver a confident 60-second pitch about their business
• List at least three directories or platforms to promote their business for free

Note

Session 4 is Part 1 of a two-part marketing series. Session 5 builds on this foundation with digital marketing tools and strategy.

OFNEDA is pleased to invite Economic Development Officers and First Nations Entrepreneurs to join us for a new monthly virtual gathering. This space is designed to be casual and welcoming, whether you join with a coffee, tea, or whatever you enjoy at your desk.

These monthly conversations offer EDOs and Entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with one another, share ideas, discuss challenges and successes, and highlight what is happening in their communities. It is a chance to build relationships, exchange practical insights, and strengthen the network that supports economic development across First Nations in Ontario.

We look forward to meaningful conversations and building lasting connections.

Digital Marketing & Growing Your Reach

Session Overview

Now that you know your customer and your message, it is time to get in front of them. In Part 2, we move from foundational marketing into the digital world, including social media, email, and online presence.

We will look at which platforms make sense for your business and which ones are not worth your time. You will also learn how to build a simple content strategy and how to track whether your marketing is working. This session also covers how to market on a budget, recognizing that most entrepreneurs are working with limited time and money.

Topics Covered

• Builds on Session 4
• Social media platforms, including which ones fit your business and why
• Creating content that connects, with a focus on authenticity over perfection
• Building a simple content calendar that you will actually use
• Email marketing basics, including building a list and writing a newsletter or blog
• Google Business Profile and search basics
• Tracking what is working using simple metrics every entrepreneur should know
• Marketing on a budget using free and low-cost tools

Learning Outcomes

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

• Choose one to two social media platforms that fit their business
• Create a simple one-month content plan
• Set up or update their Google Business Profile
• Identify two to three ways to measure their marketing results

Note

Session 5 is Part 2 of the marketing series. It is recommended that participants attend Session 4 first.

FOR OFNEDA MEMBERS ONLY

Archaeological and environmental participation in major and minor projects creates jobs and revenue, builds community capacity, and engages communities in both Western and traditional land-based practices while building sector relationships and direct investment confidence.

Zack is a heritage and economic development sector professional of 13 years, a professionally licensed archaeologist and historian, the Director of Economic Development and Resource Management for Ginoogaming First Nation, and the Principal of Round Lake Consulting. He has a Bachelor of Arts, Honours and Master of Arts from the University of Windsor. Zack began in archaeological surveys and fieldwork in 2012, started a sole-proprietorship in academic editing in 2015, entered built heritage research work in 2016, and transitioned to heritage project management between 2018 and 2021 across southern Ontario before starting work in-community in environment and consultation, leading eventually to managing and directing First Nations economic and lands departments. He has developed and launched several First Nations project participation programs focused on archaeology and environmental work. He founded Round Lake Consulting in 2025, and lives and works in Longlac, Ontario with offices in Longlac and Windsor.

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