Small is Strong: Turning Size Into a Strategic Advantage in Growing Your Business

Discover how small-scale producers and companies can leverage their size as a key advantage in the agri-food industry. This session will delve into how being small allows for greater flexibility, quicker decision-making, and the ability to tailor products and services to meet unique customer needs. We’ll explore practical strategies for driving innovation and growth by working closely with diverse audiences, including local communities, niche markets, and Indigenous groups. Learn how to build meaningful partnerships, adapt to changing market demands, and turn your size into a powerful tool for sustainable success.

Biography

Bryanna is a facilitator, community builder, and entrepreneur. Growing up on a mixed farm in Northern Alberta, Bryanna developed a passion for agriculture and food. Bryanna founded Bar OA Farms, a regenerative local cut flower farm providing people with unique locally grown flowers and on-farm experiences. Bryanna is passionate about regionalized food systems and works to increase food access and security through local food and horticulture projects.

Bryanna also works for Leduc County as the Economic Development Coordinator responsible for the growth of the agri-food sector and the continued success of the Business and Entrepreneur Centre. Bryanna connects businesses to resources, facilitates economic development projects, and identifies services within the County to support investment.

Beyond her professional work, Bryanna volunteers with the Edmonton Food Council and is a former board member of Food Secure Canada. As a grassroots volunteer with Community Learning in Lac La Biche, she developed the Kids Edible Garden program, which annually supports more than 200 kids in growing vegetable gardens. Bryanna was instrumental in creating the Stone Soup Food Centre, which redistributes surplus food from local grocery stores to people, animals and local compost instead of the landfill.

Bar OA Farms