Introducing Business Playbook, the Hunter Hub’s newest entrepreneurial program

For those looking to build and grow a traditional business, the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking just launched a program designed to help students do exactly that. 

In the age of high-tech startups and digital ventures, traditional businesses — from brick-and-mortar shops to service-based enterprises — call upon a different type of innovation. The Hunter Hub’s Business Playbook, a comprehensive, hands on-program open to UCalgary students, faculty, staff, and alumni, is the first step towards starting a traditional business. 

Unique to the Hunter Hub, Business Playbook is the first offering of its kind here at the University of Calgary. In line with the university’s mission to embrace innovation with Start Something, Business Playbook was created to be the first entrepreneurial touchpoint for aspiring traditional business owners.

Making your next best move with Business Playbook

Created and lead by Alessandra Amato, venture programs specialist at the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking, Business Playbook is designed for students ready to hit the ground running.  

“Whether you have an idea for brick and mortar, consultancy, or service-based business, this is the program for you,” Amato says. “Business Playbook is for anyone in the UCalgary community who has an idea and is ready to start taking action to build that business.” 

Traditional businesses are a critical pillar of economic development and social well-being. In 2023, 94.5% of businesses in Calgary were small businesses. Beyond their economic impact, traditional businesses foster a sense of place and community within the city.

So, what defines a traditional business?

“A traditional business can encompass so many types of businesses. This program could be for those looking to start their own consultancy firm, such as a marketing agency,” Amato says. “Or maybe you're a veterinarian or a lawyer looking to open your own clinic. You could be a personal trainer looking to offer that as a service. Perhaps you want to open a cafe or brick-and-mortar store or even an online Etsy store.”

A fast-track to success

Starting on Feb. 6, the program will run every Thursday. During each weekly two-hour session, participants will learn the foundational skills they need to start their business, including financial planning, market research, customer discovery, customer experience management, and more. Further, Business Playbook will feature a small cohort size, which will encourage peer learning throughout the program. 

In between sessions, participants will complete work on their own time, implementing their learnings. 

The program will also provide mentorship from seasoned business owners. “A big benefit of being mentored is that you're working with and learning from those who have already started their own businesses,” Amato says. “You get the chance to learn from their mistakes and apply those learnings as you build a successful business for yourself.” 

Amato summarizes Business Playbook in a few words: “It’s creative, hands-on, actionable, community-based and inspiring.” By the end of the program, participants will be ready to launch their business with confidence. 

Applications for Business Playbook are open until Jan. 26, 2025