Unbox Your Potential

Big ideas need room to move. The Side Centre connects you with advisors, resources, and support to help you grow into what's next.

3D rendering of the Side Centre's outside facade 3D rendering of the Side Centre's outside facade

Side Centre

Choose Your Side

Help us shape our future offerings by engaging in an interactive focus group. The brainstorming session will kick off with a brief overview of our plans to get the group inspired and ready to share ideas and a vision for what will bring the Centre to life when we open in January 2027. Join us afterward for a complimentary lunch and networking opportunity.

Event Details

  • Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
  • Time: 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
  • Location: Room L106

Register Online
 

Entrepreneurs in Residence

Waqar Khan

Waqar Khan is a business owner, investor, community leader, and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in business development, operations, and strategic growth across a variety of industries. 

Having lived and worked in the Peace Region for over 2 decades, Waqar has built and operated businesses in retail, food service, real estate development, and consulting. His entrepreneurial journey has given him firsthand experience with the opportunities and challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses, making him a strong advocate for business growth, innovation, and community development.

A smartly dressed Waqar smiling at the camera

As the Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) with the Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence at Northwestern Polytechnic, Waqar is committed to supporting entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses throughout the region. His role focuses on providing guidance, mentorship, connections to resources, and strategic advice to help businesses launch, grow, and succeed.

Waqar is passionate about strengthening the local business ecosystem by fostering collaboration between entrepreneurs, industry, educational institutions, community organizations, and economic development partners. He believes that strong businesses create strong communities and is dedicated to helping local entrepreneurs turn ideas into action and opportunities into sustainable growth.

Whether you are exploring a new business idea, scaling an existing company, navigating funding opportunities, or looking to expand your network, Waqar looks forward to connecting with you and supporting your entrepreneurial journey.

Let's build the future of business in the Peace Region together.

Waqar Khan is a business owner, investor, community leader, and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in business development, operations, and strategic growth across a variety of industries. 

Having lived and worked in the Peace Region for over 2 decades, Waqar has built and operated businesses in retail, food service, real estate development, and consulting. His entrepreneurial journey has given him firsthand experience with the opportunities and challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses, making him a strong advocate for business growth, innovation, and community development.

A smartly dressed Waqar smiling at the camera

As the Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) with the Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence at Northwestern Polytechnic, Waqar is committed to supporting entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses throughout the region. His role focuses on providing guidance, mentorship, connections to resources, and strategic advice to help businesses launch, grow, and succeed.

Waqar is passionate about strengthening the local business ecosystem by fostering collaboration between entrepreneurs, industry, educational institutions, community organizations, and economic development partners. He believes that strong businesses create strong communities and is dedicated to helping local entrepreneurs turn ideas into action and opportunities into sustainable growth.

Whether you are exploring a new business idea, scaling an existing company, navigating funding opportunities, or looking to expand your network, Waqar looks forward to connecting with you and supporting your entrepreneurial journey.

Let's build the future of business in the Peace Region together.

Jason Bacon

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. 

Through his work with Sunstone Strategic and a variety of community and economic development initiatives, Jason has worked closely with entrepreneurs at every stage of business. From exploring an initial idea to navigating growth, developing new opportunities, and overcoming the challenges that come with running a business. His experience working across Alberta, particularly in rural and northern communities, has shaped his practical and people-focused approach to entrepreneurship.

Jason Bacon, Entrepreneur in Residence sitting on a bench in brightly lit assembly hall

As an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) with the SIDE Centre at Northwestern Polytechnic, Jason focuses on helping entrepreneurs turn uncertainty into forward movement. He provides practical guidance, mentorship, strategic advice, and connections to resources that help entrepreneurs make informed decisions and take meaningful next steps in their businesses.

Jason is passionate about strengthening entrepreneurial communities and believes that entrepreneurs are best supported when they have access to the right guidance, relationships, and resources at the right time. His work brings together entrepreneurs, economic development organizations, educational institutions, community leaders, and other partners to create environments where businesses can succeed.

Whether you are exploring an idea, working through a challenge, building a business plan, looking for opportunities to grow, or simply need someone to help you think through what comes next, Jason looks forward to helping you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Every entrepreneurial journey is different. The next step is figuring out yours.

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. 

Through his work with Sunstone Strategic and a variety of community and economic development initiatives, Jason has worked closely with entrepreneurs at every stage of business. From exploring an initial idea to navigating growth, developing new opportunities, and overcoming the challenges that come with running a business. His experience working across Alberta, particularly in rural and northern communities, has shaped his practical and people-focused approach to entrepreneurship.

Jason Bacon, Entrepreneur in Residence sitting on a bench in brightly lit assembly hall

As an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) with the SIDE Centre at Northwestern Polytechnic, Jason focuses on helping entrepreneurs turn uncertainty into forward movement. He provides practical guidance, mentorship, strategic advice, and connections to resources that help entrepreneurs make informed decisions and take meaningful next steps in their businesses.

Jason is passionate about strengthening entrepreneurial communities and believes that entrepreneurs are best supported when they have access to the right guidance, relationships, and resources at the right time. His work brings together entrepreneurs, economic development organizations, educational institutions, community leaders, and other partners to create environments where businesses can succeed.

Whether you are exploring an idea, working through a challenge, building a business plan, looking for opportunities to grow, or simply need someone to help you think through what comes next, Jason looks forward to helping you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Every entrepreneurial journey is different. The next step is figuring out yours.

What we Offer

Physical space is just the beginning. We connect entrepreneurs and business leaders with the tools they need to grow strong, sustainable businesses.

We are pleased to work with Calgary Economic Development to offer you the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP) Alberta. TAP is a unique, 4-session initiative designed to help entrepreneurs expand their businesses into international markets. The program will provide you with the tools, knowledge, and connections you need to successfully navigate the complexities of global trade and accelerate your business growth.

What you can expect

Day 1–3: In-Person Workshop Participants will engage in immersive, hands-on sessions covering key topics in international trade and business development. Each day builds on the last, guiding attendees through the strategic elements of crafting a customized export plan. Topics may include:

• Market research and selection
• Export financing and logistics
• International marketing strategies
• Regulatory compliance and risk management

Day 4: Virtual Mentorship Day Participants will reconnect virtually with the expert speakers and industry professionals they met during the in-person workshop. This dedicated mentorship day provides an opportunity to receive personalized feedback, refine their export plans, and gain deeper insights from those who shared their expertise earlier in the program.

To express interest in upcoming cohorts, email us at @email.

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.

Each week, up to 10 company leaders will meet in person for a 2-hour session that combines expert instruction, peer discussions, and hands-on exercises.

Over 6 sessions, with 1 to 2 hours of prep between each, participants will gain skills to create a concise 1-page strategic plan, define key metrics, and develop a clear growth roadmap.

Find out more about the program and the next available intake.

Our tailored mentorship program follows a "give first" philosophy built on trust, transparency and a shared commitment to success. When you are ready to build your business, our network will connect you with experienced business leaders who understand the challenges of entrepreneurship and know what it takes to succeed. Get a head start with:

  • Practical advice and strategic insight for smarter decisions
  • Valuable connections to peers, partners, and investors
  • Goal-aligned support tailored to your stage of growth

Ready to Connect?

Email @email and tell us a little about your business and what you're looking to explore.

Our expert advisors are experienced founders, strategists and business leaders who understand the real challenges entrepreneurs face. Whether you’re validating a new idea, navigating a growing business, or leading a team in an established business, you will get guidance on your next steps through:

  • One-on-one advisory sessions tailored to your stage, goals, or roadblocks
  • Strategic feedback on your business model, growth plan, or key decisions
  • A trusted sounding board to help you build momentum and clarity

Ready to Connect?

Fill out the form below with your contact information, and let's get started!

Connect Now

Our Speaker Series brings together experienced founders, industry experts, and community leaders to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and spark new thinking. These sessions offer valuable takeaways for entrepreneurs at every stage of business development.

Find out more about upcoming events in the series.

Have an Idea?

Email @email to share a topic or speaker you’d love to see.

We’re building a lineup of practical, relevant learning opportunities designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage. From workshops and short courses to hands-on advisory sessions, our goal is to deliver content that helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Stay tuned for upcoming sessions or email @email to let us know what topics matter most to you.

The Side Centre offers a growing library of ready-to-use templates, guides, and planning tools designed by experienced advisors and curated for real-world use.

What’s available:

  • Foundational Forms
  • Business Planning Tools
  • Financial Templates
  • Marketing and Branding
  • Entrepreneurial Profiles & Resources
  • Training and Evaluation
  • Continuing Education courses and Micro-Credentials through NWP

Ready to Connect?

Email @email to book a session and tell us a little about your business and what you're looking to explore.

Our 3D Maker Lab is open and ready to support your next project. We offer hands-on access to industry-grade tools for prototyping, product development, and interactive design, removing the typical barriers of cost and complexity so entrepreneurs and small businesses can innovate with confidence.

Tools available include:

  • 3D printing with Bambu Labs X1E printers
  • 3D scanning with the Artec Leo handheld scanner
  • 3D modelling with QUICKSURFACE software
  • Training and technical support to help you integrate these tools into your workflow

Avoid the tech gap. Mark your calendars for June 22, 2027, and get ready for another AI-focused learning and networking event.

Following the success of our inaugural AI Conference in October 2025, we are hosting another innovative event that provides our community with a platform to exchange cutting-edge ideas, learn from leading experts, and discover emerging trends.

Stay in the loop or get more information by emailing @email.

Get in Touch

We are here to nurture your entrepreneurial spirit.