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Startup companies are the ‘engine’ of the new economy. They represent innovative ideas, entrepreneurial energy, employment opportunities and wealth creation, and can alter the very fabric of our society.
 
As exciting as they are, startups are often shrouded in mystery. Where do you find them? How do they work? How do you get involved? Do they need our ‘traditional’ methods of governance? Spoiler alert! Everything we’ve learned can help, but not in the traditional ways we’ve been taught.
 
This session will demystify the startup world, and reveal how seasoned business professionals can become part of the next generation of companies.
Our panelist brings substantial personal and professional insights from working with angel investors, launching a startup incubator, and starting a new venture capital business in Saskatchewan. 

Panellist

Eric Dillon Headshot

Eric Dillon

ICD.D

MBA

Eric Dillon

ICD.D

MBA
Eric Dillon is the new President of General Bank of Canada, a challenger bank with roots going back to Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan.

Eric is passionate about leadership, innovation, community and finance. In his former role of CEO at Conexus Credit Union, a community-based leader in financial services, Eric engineered the launch of Cultivator, Canada's first credit union-led business incubator, and Conexus Venture Capital, which now manages almost $100 million in locally based venture capital. The goal for both entities was to help founders start, grow and scale their business ideas locally. 

Eric holds the ICD.D designation and has served as a board member of the Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club, Concentra Bank, Economic Development Regina, the Filene Research Institute (a consumer finance think tank) and a few health foundations.
Eric Dillon Headshot

Moderator

Mark Borgares Headshot

Mark Borgares

FCPA, ICD.D

B. Admin

Mark Borgares

FCPA, ICD.D

B. Admin
Mark Borgares has held executive positions within the co-operative, technology and health sectors. He is always passionate about innovation and leadership.
 
Mark is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, as well as a venture capitalist, consultant and governance expert. He served on many boards and committees, including the University of Regina - Senate, SGI Canada, CPA, and University of Regina Leader’s Council. He is currently the Chairman of the Conexus Credit Union Board.

A graduate of the University of Regina, Mark has completed many education and professional designations including the MIT Artificial Intelligence Program, the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program (DEP), and Queen’s University’s Executive Development Program.
Mark Borgares Headshot
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