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Social Venture Institute (SVI) Sea to Sky

April 30 - May 2, 2025
Level up yourself, your network, and your business
SVI Sea to Sky, held in the breathtaking town of Whistler, is an immersive gathering of visionary leaders and social entrepreneurs dedicated to leveraging business as a force for positive social change.

If you believe that business can—and should—drive social and economic transformation, SVI Sea to Sky is where you belong.

Join us to launch the next chapter of Canada’s longest-running social enterprise gathering. SVI Sea to Sky brings together 70+ CEOs, entrepreneurs, movement leaders, and impact investors in a stunning new setting to catalyze a values-based local economy.

Invest in yourself and in lasting relationships.

Take the time to work on your business, instead of in your business.

Be part of the inaugural SVI Sea to Sky.

This 3-day gathering takes place at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, BC on the unceded, shared territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Líḻwat7ul peoples.

Register now

Speakers

Melanie Bitner

Co-Founder, CMO, Business Development
FireSwarm Solutions Inc.

Olivia Hornby

Managing Partner
Spring Impact Capital Management Inc.

Ian Walker

President & Founder
Left Coast Naturals

Carla Mays

Co-Founder and Head of Global Research + Policy
#SmartCohort NGO

Jill Bester

Partner and Client Relationship Manager
Genus Capital Management

Meet Your Team

SVI Sea to Sky is produced by a team of entrepreneurs, investors, and facilitators committed to your growth:

Cheeying Ho

Cheeying Ho

SVI Sea to Sky Advisor
Former Executive Director, Whistler Centre for Sustainability
Diana Chan

Diana Chan

SVI Sea to Sky Advisor
Owner, Moguls Coffee House
Diana Mulvey

Diana Mulvey

SVI Sea to Sky Advisor
Principal, Seeds Consulting

Mark Busse

Consultant, Facilitator, and Coach
Independent
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre

Why attend SVI Sea to Sky:

There’s a reason SVI Hollyhock events consistently achieve a Net Promoter Score of 92; now, with SVI Sea to Sky, you can experience the same transformative connections and inspiration in Whistler, BC.

  • Find Your Community
    Entrepreneurship can be isolating, but SVI Sea to Sky brings together values-aligned leaders to create a supportive network you can rely on.
  • Solve Real-World Challenges
    Bring your pressing issues to One-on-One Advisors, Peer Coaching Circles, and Case Studies. Gain new perspectives and leave with actionable solutions to enhance your impact.
  • Forge Lifelong Relationships
    SVI connections last a lifetime. Show up as your full self to meet future partners, clients, board members, and friends. Become part of the thriving SVI alumni network of over 3,000 changemakers who champion each other year-round.
  • Restore and Re-Energize
    Amidst the beautiful surroundings of Sea to Sky, take time to reconnect with your passion and find fresh inspiration.
Be a part of the magic        
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True Confessions

We start each SVI with a True Confessions storytelling presentation. True Confessions are not canned speeches about how to become a wildly successful entrepreneur. They’re personal stories from leaders who have faced enormous challenges and made some big mistakes that they’re willing to talk about. They’re also real-life stories from leaders who made a decision to do something meaningful and were successful in doing so.

The True Confessions model is all about offering honest, vulnerable experiences of seasoned leaders so that listeners can apply lessons of trials and triumphs to their own venture.

Save your spot for SVI Sea to Sky
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Interactive Case Studies

At SVI Sea to Sky we will feature enterprises that have identified a specific strategic challenge to a panel of experts. The format is highly interactive and experiential. Participants present their business problems to a panel of experienced business leaders and fellow participants. In return, they receive advice, tools, and resources to strengthen and grow their enterprise in a socially conscious way.

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Skill Building & Mentorship

Peer Coaching: We gather in small groups for these interactive problem solving sessions. Each person can share a challenge and receive loving peer reflection in a safe, intimate space with support from SVI leaders and experts.

Workshops: 90-minute interactive skill-building workshops. Receive practical skills through the generous sharing of knowledge and expertise throughout our time together on topics like sales, marketing, finance, strategy, and leadership. Read on for more details on the workshop offerings:

  • Agile Strategy for the Social Venture: Mike Rowlands, CEO, Junxion Strategy
  • Non-Violent Communication for Entrepreneurs: Leonie Smith, Founder, The Thoughtful Workplace
  • How to Show Up with Authenticity and Impact: Messaging for Social Entrepreneurs: Shannon Emmerson, Founder & CEO, Forge & Spark Media
  • Funding Your Venture Q&A: Olivia Hornby, Managing Partner, Spring Impact Capital. Jill Bester, Parter, Genus Capital. Aki Kaltenbach, Founder & CEO, Save da Sea
View the Detailed Agenda Here
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
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  • SVI Sea to Sky is for CEOs, entrepreneurs, changemakers and investors who are using business as a source for good.
  • Non-profit leaders are welcome; use promo code NONPROFIT for 10% off your tuition.
  • While programming will centre Sea to Sky-based ventures, leaders from everywhere are welcome at this gathering in a breathtaking setting.
Register today

Agenda

Agenda details subject to change

Download the Session Agenda Here

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Pricing

Aava Whistler Hotel

Tuition:

Join us for an immersive 3-day program at $995 CAD. Your tuition includes:

  • 3 days of programming, including workshops
  • 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches
  • Dinner on Thursday evening
  • Celebration Party Thursday evening
  • Coffee and snacks throughout

Dive into an enriching experience designed for growth, connection, and insight.

Single Evening Tickets Now Available!

Can’t attend the whole gathering? A very limited number of True Confessions evenings tickets featuring Rosemary Stager and Charles Steele are now on sale. Register here

Scholarships:

  • Hollyhock recognizes that economic opportunity is not currently equal. Our scholarship program is one of our key strategies to expand program access to underrepresented and marginalized communities. A limited number of scholarships are available with awards ranging from partial to full tuition
  • We encourage applicants from those whose identities intersect with, but are not limited to: Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, newcomers, youth, and elders
  • SVI Sea to Sky Scholarships are now extended until April 15, 2025. Learn more about the scholarship process and apply here

Contact us at [email protected] for any support or further information.

Join your fellow CEOs, investors, and social venture leaders at SVI Sea to Sky 2025!

Our Partners

Thank you to our community partners for helping support, uplift, and work together to eliminate barriers to equity and economic access!

Chambar logo
Community Futures Howe Sound
Junxion logo

Community Amplifiers

Thank you to our community amplifiers for helping support, uplift, and work together to eliminate barriers to equity and economic access!