About the Class

Escape the day-to-day. Refocus your strategy. Get expert guidance to grow your business through this intensive program, designed to help business leaders step back from day-to-day operations and focus on growth.

Over the course of the masterclass, participants will gain the skills to create a concise 1-page strategic plan, define key metrics, and develop a clear growth roadmap.

Rendering of the collaboratorium, an open plan auditorium area of the new Side Centre Rendering of the collaboratorium, an open plan auditorium area of the new Side Centre

Side Centre

Masterclass Details

  • Start Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
  • Time: 1:00 to 3:00 pm
  • Cost: This is a fully funded pilot program; your time is the only investment.
  • Location: Centre 2000, Grande Prairie, AB

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Participant Profile

Designed to support small and mid-sized operations, participants should be:

  • Associated with companies with at least one year of operations and annual revenue between roughly CAD 500K and CAD 5M.
  • Located in Grande Prairie or the surrounding area.
  • Leadership committed to growth and able to invest around 2 hours weekly in workshops, plus additional time for preparation.

Time Commitment

Participants can expect to dedicate approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours each week over six weeks. This includes around 2 hours for an interactive workshop facilitated with peers, 1 to 2 hours for pre-reading materials, articles, templates, and diagnostic surveys, and an optional 30 minutes for one-on-one coaching or check-ins tailored to individual needs.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the masterclass, participants will:

  • Have a clear strategic growth plan summarizing their vision, market focus, differentiators, and measurable objectives.
  • Implement a Balanced Scorecard or OKR system that links financial, customer, process, and learning goals.
  • Develop an actionable 90‑day roadmap with priorities and accountability rhythms.
  • Gain market and industry insights relevant to Grande Prairie and the Prairie provinces.
  • Build a peer network for ongoing support and collaboration.

Weekly Topics

  • Conduct a baseline assessment of the business using diagnostic tools and peer discussion.
  • Identify key strengths and bottlenecks across marketing, operations, finance, and people.
  • Establish baseline metrics to measure revenue growth, staffing levels, and capital readiness.
  • Introduce two proven operating frameworks, Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and Scaling Up, at a high level. Participants choose the framework that best fits their business.
  • Build a Balanced Scorecard or define Objectives & Key Results (OKRs) to translate vision into measurable targets across financial, customer, process, and learning perspectives.
  • Draft a one‑page strategic plan summarizing mission, market focus, differentiators, and growth goals.
  • Analyze customer segments and refine value propositions.
  • Develop marketing and sales strategies, including digital tactics, brand positioning, and pricing.
  • Explore growth opportunities specific to key local industries such as energy, transportation, forestry, agriculture, healthcare, and services.
  • Map core processes and identify operational bottlenecks.
  • Explore productivity tools and digital adoption to enhance efficiency.
  • Discuss workforce planning: recruiting, retention, leadership development, and organizational culture.
  • Review financial management fundamentals: cash‑flow forecasting, working capital, pricing, and margins.
  • Assess funding options (debt vs. equity, government programs, and private investment) and prepare for capital pitches if needed.
  • Understand financial metrics that influence valuation and lender/investor confidence.
  • Finalize the one‑page strategic plan and Balanced Scorecard or OKRs.
  • Develop a 90‑day execution roadmap with quarterly priorities and weekly accountability rhythms.
  • Present growth plans to the cohort for feedback. Discuss structures for ongoing support and mentorship.
Jason Bacon, Entrepreneur in Residence sitting on a bench in brightly lit assembly hall Jason Bacon, Entrepreneur in Residence sitting on a bench in brightly lit assembly hall

Side Centre

Meet the Facilitator

Jason Bacon is an entrepreneur, business advisor, facilitator, and strategist with more than 15 years of experience supporting entrepreneurs, organizations, and communities through business development, strategic planning, and entrepreneurship programming.

More about Jason

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