This session explores how a small rural art studio can operate as an innovation lab by using technology, intellectual property, and digital platforms to build a scalable creative ecosystem. Discover how original artwork becomes the foundation of a self-reinforcing content-and-commerce loop through YouTube tutorials, social media discovery, a studio website, downloadable art, Amazon-published, and third-party fulfillment partners. Together, these tools …

Sourdough Bakeries rely on artisanal craftmanship and traditional techniques in their production. Social media influenced the image of slow bread baking profoundly by creating earth toned, slow paced, minimalistic reels. The missing piece to success even in artisanal bakeries is e-commerce in the form of online marketing and online shops. This presentation will take the audience through a short genesis …

The IRPP will lead a discussion on trade diversification as part of its new Global Ambition, Local Prosperity project. The goal will be to understand barriers that rural businesses and entrepreneurs face in exporting to non-U.S. markets or developing local supply chain alternatives to international imports. Presented by: Ricardo Chejfec

Cultural asset mapping is a powerful tool for understanding the cultural strengths, resources, and identities that already exist within a community. It helps communities focus on the intangible and tangible assets they have while celebrating their uniqueness. This also aids in community building, bringing a broad range of community members to provide input and shape future steps. In this workshop, …

Jill Ruep is a Métis entrepreneur from Saskatchewan who is redefining how traditional Indigenous art can thrive in the digital age. As the founder of Ma Fii Lii Rasaad —Michif for My Daughter’s Beads —she is developing one of North America’s first Indigenous-led digital platforms dedicated to beadwork design and learning. In this presentation, Jill shares the story behind her …

In this practical, no-fluff session, Gordon More shares how to design, launch, and scale a rural tech hub that actually works in a small community. Drawing from his experience building a rural innovation ecosystem focused on energy, entrepreneurship, and applied research, Gordon walks through the real steps—governance, partnerships, funding strategy, stakeholder alignment, and political navigation. This is not theory. It’s …

The IRPP will lead a discussion on trade diversification as part of its new Global Ambition, Local Prosperity project. The goal will be to understand barriers that rural businesses and entrepreneurs face in exporting to non-U.S. markets or developing local supply chain alternatives to international imports. Presenter: Rachel Samson, Sarah McInnis  .