What is the Small Business Advisory Council?
The Small Business Advisory Council is a group of small business members from a variety of sectors. They work alongside our team at The Winnipeg Chamber to help shape things like our programming and events, based on current issues that are important to Winnipeg’s small business community.
Our advisory council helps plan and brainstorm events like the Small Business Forums, where our goal is to not only give you access to experts who can help you elevate your business, but also give you access to each other, for an opportunity to network, make some new connections, and learn from other local small business owners.
Kahla Evans
(Co-Chair)
Confident Communication Coach, Hey Kahla Media
What is one interesting fact about you people wouldn’t know?
My favourite animals are cows! I grew up on a farm and my very first pet was a baby calf I named “Baby.” I still have a picture of the two of us hanging up in my office!
Carman Johnston
(Co-Chair)
Director of Development & External Relations
Prairie Theatre Exchange
When you are not working, what is something you are doing?
I enjoy gardening, all arts and making fruitcake (once a year).
Elizabeth Czyrnyj
Lawyer, Pitblado Law
When you are not working, what is something you are doing?
Staying active outdoors – During all of Winnipeg’s seasons!
Jackie Wild
General Manager and Owner– Tito Boy
What is one interesting fact about you people wouldn’t know?
I’m the first elected female president of the Manitoba Filipino Business Council – and hopefully not the last!
Carine Bado
CEO & Founder at MY LITTLE TRIBE / Business Consultant at Little Tribe Consulting
Reanna Khan
Owner of Reanna Khan Creative
Co-Owner of Vibes Energy
What is one interesting fact about you people wouldn’t know?
I LOVE a good true crime book. 2024 has ignited my love of reading and you can often find me binging books in between life’s many demands.
Ernie Thiessen
Executive Director, Premier Personnel
When you are not working, what is something you are doing?
When I’m not working one of the things I am doing is playing senior men’s volleyball (often against people that are my kid’s age).
Jordan Friesen
President– Mindset Mental Health Strategy Inc.
When you’re not working on your small biz, what are you doing?
Although the work I do is all about the brain, I really like working with my hands. I enjoy building things – whether it be Lego with my daughter, or an office in my backyard!
Gwen Halchuk
CEO and Founder– Journee With Us
If you had a movie about your life, what celebrity would play you?
Kristen Bell would be a perfect fit because she brings a mix of warmth, wit, and relatability that aligns with my personality. Kristen has this natural ability to connect with people on an authentic level, which would capture my own approachable and friendly style. Her humor, combined with her nuanced emotional depth, could bring both the lighter and more complex aspects of my story to life. Plus, she’s known for her positivity and resilience—qualities I identify with and would want to see represented on screen.
