Bram Strain
President & CEO
Business Council of Manitoba
*With 2+ Entrepreneurs
October 21, 2026 • Delta Hotel Winnipeg
2026 Program
Our program is packed with insightful, educational and inspiring content around growth and transition delivered by local business owners and experts.
Attending the BTF Winnipeg conference provides you with invaluable insights, experiences and actionable strategies for growing your business, managing transitions, and executing successful acquisitions so you are ready for the eventual exit of your business.
Bram Strain
2026 Conference Chair
Bram Strain is the President and CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba, where he is focused on driving economic growth and creating the conditions for a competitive business environment in the province. With senior leadership experience across all three levels of government – including roles as City Manager, Deputy Minister, and Assistant Deputy Minister – Bram brings deep expertise in economic development, infrastructure, and public-private collaboration. A strategic, relationship-focused leader, he also serves on multiple boards and works closely with stakeholders to deliver meaningful results for Manitoba.
Manitoba lawyers may consider including this course as a CPD learning activity in your mandatory annual Continuing Professional Development Plan as required by the Law Society of Manitoba. The Law Society of Manitoba has discretion over eligibility.
This conference is recognized by the Family Enterprise Canada for 3 hours of professional development for FEA designations. CPAs may also report 7 verifiable CPD hours.
Events
Thursday, July 30 , 2026
Monday, April 4 , 2022
VIP Welcome Reception – By Invitation Only
Join us for an evening of drinks and appetizers at our VIP Welcome Reception. This exclusive INVITE ONLY event offers a unique opportunity to connect with Alberta’s top entrepreneurs and industry leaders in a relaxed setting. Make valuable connections, and set the tone for a successful conference experience.
Join us for an evening of drinks and appetizers at our VIP Welcome Reception. This exclusive INVITE ONLY event offers a unique opportunity to connect with Alberta’s top entrepreneurs and industry leaders in a relaxed setting. Make valuable connections, and set the tone for a successful conference experience.
Tuesday, April 5 , 2022
Forum Overview By Conference Chair
Introduction by: Tabreez Lila, Managing Director, Growth and Transition Capital, BDC Capital
Introduction by: Tabreez Lila, Managing Director, Growth and Transition Capital, BDC Capital
Opening Keynote: The Big Picture-Overview of Canadian Business Going Forward and the Impacts of COVID 19
What do economic conditions and market trends look like in a world recovering from COVID? How has the pandemic affected your business and will the economy rebound to pre pandemic numbers? This session will provide insights into both a macro view of the economy, as well as provide insights on regional and industry…
What do economic conditions and market trends look like in a world recovering from COVID? How has the pandemic affected your business and will the economy rebound to pre pandemic numbers? This session will provide insights into both a macro view of the economy, as well as provide insights on regional and industry sector differences. You will also get an understanding of the current mergers and acquisitions environment and factors which might impact it in the future.
What do economic conditions and market trends look like in a world recovering from COVID? How has the pandemic affected your business and will the economy rebound to pre pandemic numbers? This session will provide insights into both a macro view of the economy, as well as provide insights on regional and industry…
The Roadmap Checklist: How to Build a Saleable Business
Whether the sale of your business is on the horizon or many years away, most experts agree that it can take years to optimally structure a company to increase the probability of a successful sale. Who’s to know if and when there may come a knock on your door? What exactly should you be doing now in order to get your…
Whether the sale of your business is on the horizon or many years away, most experts agree that it can take years to optimally structure a company to increase the probability of a successful sale. Who’s to know if and when there may come a knock on your door? What exactly should you be doing now in order to get your business ready?
This session will provide you with an understanding of the extensiveness of the process and how much advanced planning is required so that you can build your own roadmap with exactly what you need for a successful transition.
- A bird’s-eye-view of the mechanics of selling and/or transitioning a business
- At what stage should you be considering hiring advisors or other transition experts
- How to mitigate risk to maximize reward and successfully exit your business with confidence
Whether the sale of your business is on the horizon or many years away, most experts agree that it can take years to optimally structure a company to increase the probability of a successful sale. Who’s to know if and when there may come a knock on your door? What exactly should you be doing now in order to get your…
Lessons (and Ideas) from Seasoned Buyers
What do buyers look for when assessing a potential acquisition? Growth prospects, financial health, management team, COVID impacts and strategic fit are just a few of the considerations.
In this panel strategic buyers and private equity purchasers will discuss the metrics that matter most to them, lessons they have…
What do buyers look for when assessing a potential acquisition? Growth prospects, financial health, management team, COVID impacts and strategic fit are just a few of the considerations.
In this panel strategic buyers and private equity purchasers will discuss the metrics that matter most to them, lessons they have learned along the way and what to consider if you are just looking for liquidity options (ie, you just want to take some cash off the table).
What do buyers look for when assessing a potential acquisition? Growth prospects, financial health, management team, COVID impacts and strategic fit are just a few of the considerations.
In this panel strategic buyers and private equity purchasers will discuss the metrics that matter most to them, lessons they have…
Strategies to Negotiate the Best Deal & Terms
Negotiating the sale of your business can vary significantly, not only between bidders but also with any particular potential buyer. The process selected and terms dictated by the seller in a transaction will impact the “price” paid. It is fundamental to understand how the selling process will impact what you receive…
Negotiating the sale of your business can vary significantly, not only between bidders but also with any particular potential buyer. The process selected and terms dictated by the seller in a transaction will impact the “price” paid. It is fundamental to understand how the selling process will impact what you receive for your company.
The panel will discuss and elaborate on best practices, industry myths and misconceptions, and alternatives for consideration in designing a process to structure your transaction for a fair price. Through an interactive discussion you’ll learn:
- Why companies should be sold, not bought
- How to decide on the breadth and nature of a sale process
- Why timing and deal tension matters, and how to create it
- Which terms have an impact on price, and which do not
- The roles an advisor can play through the sale process, and when and how to manage them
Negotiating the sale of your business can vary significantly, not only between bidders but also with any particular potential buyer. The process selected and terms dictated by the seller in a transaction will impact the “price” paid. It is fundamental to understand how the selling process will impact what you receive…
Common Deal Challenges: How to Address & Avoid them
In order to attract a wide range of financial and/or strategic buyers, you must identify the areas of risk within your business well in advance. Potential buyers and their advisors will be on the lookout for red flags and trouble spots once an offer is on the table; this is your chance to learn about “deal breakers”…
In order to attract a wide range of financial and/or strategic buyers, you must identify the areas of risk within your business well in advance. Potential buyers and their advisors will be on the lookout for red flags and trouble spots once an offer is on the table; this is your chance to learn about “deal breakers” that work within your business so that you and your advisors can prepare. Common challenges that will be discussed include:
• Working capital and tax structure issues
• Declining company or economic performance during the process
• Unsophisticated legal counsel
• Delays in obtaining third-party consents
• Tactics to avoid major post-sale surprises
• “Deal fatigue”
In order to attract a wide range of financial and/or strategic buyers, you must identify the areas of risk within your business well in advance. Potential buyers and their advisors will be on the lookout for red flags and trouble spots once an offer is on the table; this is your chance to learn about “deal breakers”…
October 21, 2026 • Delta Hotel Winnipeg
Early Bird Sale!
SAVE UP TO $400!*
But Wait, There’s More!
We have a lot more exciting things for you to check out about this event!
NEW!
Our 2026 Speakers
Explore the leaders and experts sharing insights on stage this year.
NEW!
Our 2026 Advisors
Meet the advisors shaping the vision and experience for this year’s event.
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