Ag-West Bio and Mink Learning are partnering to offer a specialized bootcamp, “Swimming with the Sharks,” aimed at helping startups in Saskatchewan’s agri-food sector strengthen their investment readiness. The programme is scheduled to take place in Saskatoon over two separate sessions on May 29 and June 19. The bootcamp is designed to address the growing difficulty companies face in securing investment capital. Through structured training, personalized feedback, and practical exercises, participating startups will learn to navigate the capital-raising process with greater awareness and preparation.
The programme will feature one-on-one coaching and workshop-based learning led by Steve Balaban, CEO and Founder of Mink Learning. Balaban is known for his work educating entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses around the world, including Saskatoon’s Canwest Commercial & Land Corp., and teaches private equity at the University of Waterloo.
Steve Balaban to Lead In-Person Training Sessions in Saskatoon
On May 29, Steve Balaban will arrive in Saskatoon to conduct the first session of the bootcamp. He will guide participants through a full-day workshop, followed by personalized one-on-one coaching on May 30. A second full-day session on June 19 will serve as the official pitch day, and June 20 will offer additional optional one-on-one meetings to reinforce the learning experience. The bootcamp includes several elements designed to help companies refine their investment strategy, including mock negotiations, investment structuring exercises, and customized pitch development.
Balaban notes that companies which are better prepared and more informed about the capital-raising process are more likely to succeed. The program includes multiple opportunities for direct interaction with Balaban, both during the bootcamp and after its conclusion, with an option to continue sessions digitally.
Institutional Support and Sector-Specific Focus
The event is supported by the ABIC Foundation. Jeremy Lang, Director of Innovation and Business Development at Ag-West Bio, emphasized the importance of early preparation for capital raising and welcomed the support provided by the foundation. He stated that the bootcamp will give companies tools and strategies to help secure investment capital when it is most needed, even if they are not actively raising funds at the moment.
The initiative by Ag-West Bio and Mink Learning is targeted specifically at Saskatchewan’s agri-food sector, with the broader objective of enhancing the sector’s ability to secure funding and support long-term development. Participants will receive practical knowledge that applies directly to the challenges of raising capital in this domain.
Structured Format with Pre-Work and Follow-Up
The bootcamp includes pre-training materials and video modules to be completed before the in-person sessions. This pre-work is expected to take approximately seven hours and will prepare participants for the intensive hands-on activities during the live events.
The May 29 workshop will begin with a focus on the specific challenges faced by each attending company, followed by a customized goal-setting exercise designed to show how strategic planning is linked to capital raising. In the afternoon, attendees will take part in a detailed negotiation simulation and investment structuring exercise, followed by a session on best practices for delivering a pitch. An optional workspace will be available in the evening for participants to work on their pitch decks.
On May 30, one-on-one sessions with Steve Balaban will be conducted throughout the day. These meetings will offer companies the chance to discuss their goals, receive tailored advice, and ask questions in a private setting. Scheduling for these sessions will occur either at registration or during the May 29 event.
Also read: ITC’s Sivakumar Advocates for Seamless Agri Services, Citing Car Buyer Experience as Benchmark
The second major session will be held on June 19 and will serve as pitch day. During this session, participants will present their updated pitches and receive detailed feedback. The format will also include an opportunity to assess and learn from the pitches of others in the group. The day will focus on refining each participant’s approach and strengthening their overall investment narrative. A certificate of completion will be awarded to participants after the final session.
On June 20, optional follow-up meetings will be available for participants who wish to review their experience and seek additional input. Those who cannot attend these sessions in person will have the option to schedule digital meetings with Balaban.
Registration and Participation Fees
The registration fee for the program is US$ 300 for Ag-West Bio members and US$ 400 for non-members. The bootcamp by Ag-West Bio and Mink Learning is intended to equip Saskatchewan’s agri-food startups with the skills, confidence, and resources required to improve their chances of securing investment capital, with the goal of contributing to the continued development of the sector.
