Small Business Forum – May 2026
ABOUT EVENT:
Small Business Forum: Why hustle culture often leads to burnout - even for successful entrepreneurs
Speaker: Amanda Buhse, Founder & CEO, Coal and Canary
For many entrepreneurs, success comes at the cost of burnout.
But it doesn’t have to.
At this Small Business Forum, join Founder & CEO of Coal and Canary Amanda Buhse as she unpacks why hustle culture often pulls ambitious people away from what actually excites and fulfills them, and shares strategies to help you step off that path and onto one that feels more like you.
Through practical exercises, you’ll identify misalignment in your work and priorities, learn a framework for designing a life you actually want, and leave with one bold step to take immediately.
You’ll exit this session with:
- Clarity on what’s draining your energy and no longer serving you.
- The ability to challenge beliefs that keep you stuck in constant grind mode.
- A practical framework to build a life and business that energizes you.
- A clear, actionable plan to move toward the life you actually want.
Come get honest about what’s working (and what isn’t), and design a business and life that feels sustainable.
PROGRAM
Friday, May 1, 2026 | 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. Registration
2:00 p.m. Program begins
2:15 p.m. Presentation – Amanda Buhse
3:00 p.m. Networking
3:30 p.m. Event ends
SOLD OUT
Click here to join the waitlist. You will be notified if spots become available.
Members: No Cost to Attend
Non-members: $30 +tax
To learn more about the benefits of a Chamber membership, including discounted ticket rates click here.
Small Business Champions
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Amanda Buhse is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and creative force known
for blending bold vision with heartfelt connection. As the Founder and CEO of Coal and
Canary founded in 2014, Amanda transformed a $40 idea into a beloved multimilliondollar
candle brand recognized by Forbes as “Canada’s beloved artisan candle
company.” Her products have been featured in the GRAMMY, Oscar, Emmy, and
Golden Globe gift bags, as well as Good Morning America, The Globe and Mail,
Canadian Living, Style at Home, and even Cameron Diaz’s The Body Book.
Amanda’s leadership style blends creativity, resilience, and a deep commitment to
community. As Chair of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, she is proud to use her
platform to advocate for small businesses, empower women in leadership, and support
creative entrepreneurs. Her previous Chamber involvement includes serving on the
Executive Board, Co-Chairing the Small Business Advisory Council, advising the
Mayor’s COVID-19 Business Task Force, and contributing as a board member for the
World Trade Centre Winnipeg.
Her accolades include the “Women-Led Award” (Women of Inspiration Awards North
America, NYC), “Women Entrepreneur of the Year – Contribution to Community
Award“ (WBOM), Female Entrepreneur of the Year Overall Winner” (WBOM), “Small
Business of the Year” (TWAD), and two Spirit of Winnipeg Awards (2019 & 2023). She
also represented Canada on the global stage at the G20 YEA Summits as a Canadian
delegate in Milan, Italy and Hamburg, Germany.
She is also the co-host of The Exec Hotseat Podcast, where she interviews prominent
and inspiring business leaders from Manitoba and beyond, offering listeners real, candid
conversations about leadership, growth, and the stories behind success.
Amanda’s mission is to infuse business with bold creativity and human heart. A soughtafter
keynote speaker, she has shared her insights with audiences at Wix, Verizon, and
leading business schools, inspiring others with talks on entrepreneurship, marketing
innovation, leadership, and personal transformation.
When she’s not building brands or speaking on stages, Amanda is passionate about
singing, painting, or cooking for family and friends. She lives in Manitoba and finds her
greatest peace on the shores of Brereton Lake.
Amanda Buhse is a visionary leader who believes that business done with heart has the
power to change everything.