Small Business Week 2026

For many small businesses, human resources is managed piecemeal. Contracts are adapted from templates, policies are written as issues arise, and difficult decisions are made without a clear framework. Legal risk rarely stems from a single decision. More often, it builds over time through gaps in how employees are hired, managed and transitioned out of the organization.

 

This session focuses on taking a proactive approach to those risks. We will welcome Deanne Beis, Founder of Tenfold HR Solutions and Gabriel Joshee-Arnal, Labour and Employment Lawyer at Neuman Thompson to share how small businesses can protect both their organization and their employees throughout the employee life cycle. Attendees will gain an understanding of what a strong employment contract should include and how to establish clear expectations from the outset. The session will also cover how to develop policies that are clear, compliant and consistently applied, and how to draft termination clauses that are enforceable if they are ever challenged.

 

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to partner with CPHR Alberta to present this session as part of Small Business Week 2026.

For small and medium-sized businesses, finding the right people is only part of the challenge. Competition for skilled, innovative and experienced talent continues to intensify, and many organizations find themselves competing against larger employers with greater resources. In this environment, relying on traditional hiring methods alone is no longer enough. Businesses that succeed are building deliberate pipelines that bring talent in and give people a reason to stay.

 

Caitlyn Bontje, Senior HR Generalist at Tenfold HR Solutions and Ian Stephenson, Director of PowerED, will examine how organizations can take a more strategic approach to recruitment and retention. It will explore how partnerships with post-secondary institutions can connect employers with emerging talent, support workforce development and strengthen long-term retention. They will also share practical strategies for developing alternative talent pipelines beyond conventional hiring, and for evaluating a candidate's work experience alongside their formal education to find the right fit.

Get personalized HR support during one-on-one consultations with Caitlin Bontje and Kayla Hedley from Tenfold HR Solutions. Sit down with an HR expert to talk through your specific challenges, from hiring and onboarding to compliance and employee relations, and leave with clear, practical guidance tailored to your business.

 

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to partner with CPHR Alberta to offer these consultations as part of Small Business Week 2026.