# Inspiring Business Leader Award

**Source**: https://haskayne.ucalgary.ca/community/signature-events/inspiring-business-leader-award
**Parent**: https://haskayne.ucalgary.ca/

**Gala: Wednesday, June 17, 2026**

[Purchase your ticket today](https://engage.ucalgary.ca/Inspiring_Business_Leader_Award_Gala)

### **Announcing the Hunter Family as the 2026 Inspiring Business Leader Award Recipient**

The Haskayne School of Business and Calgary Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce the Hunter family as the recipient of the 2026 Inspiring Business Leader Award.

Selected for a legacy of entrepreneurial thinking that has shaped business, philanthropy, and innovation in Calgary, the family's humble-yet-fearless approach has stretched from early ventures in the oilpatch and early-stage tech to public service and community leadership.

(Pictured left to right: Hunter family – Adam Hunter, Derrick Hunter, Doug Hunter)

As the founders of [Bluesky Equities](https://www.blueskyequities.com), a privately held investment firm established in the early 2000s, the Hunter family has become a driving force within the Western Canadian innovation ecosystem, investing in more than 100 seed-stage businesses since 2012.

Through the [Hunter Family Foundation](https://www.hunterfamilyfoundation.ca/), the Hunters have generously supported numerous initiatives designed to tackle complex social challenges. Their transformative contributions in areas such as entrepreneurial thinking, health and wellness and free markets have created lasting impact across communities and industries.

[**Learn more**](https://haskayne.ucalgary.ca/community/signature-events/inspiring-business-leader-award/2026-recipient) about the Hunter family and their remarkable legacy.

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## Gala 2026

### Date

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

### Time

- Reception: 5:00 p.m.
- Dinner and Program: \
  6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

### Location

Macleod Hall Ballroom\
Calgary TELUS Convention Centre \
136 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2P 0K6

### **Purchase a Table and Support Student Scholarships**

Proceeds from the Inspiring Business Leader Award gala support a scholarship endowment for Haskayne School of Business students along with student memberships with the [Jim Dewald Emerging Leaders Scholarship](https://calgarychamber.com/jim-dewald-emerging-leaders-scholarship/) offered through the [Calgary Chamber of Commerce](https://calgarychamber.com).

Join us on June 17, 2026 to recognize the inspirational leadership of the Hunter family, and to support the future generation of aspiring business leaders who shape our city.

Get your tickets today and be part of the celebration! \
Registration closes on **June 9, 2026 at 11:59 P.M.**

[General Table of 8](https://engage.ucalgary.ca/Inspiring_Business_Leader_Award_Gala)
[Non-profit Table of 8](https://engage.ucalgary.ca/Inspiring_Business_Leader_Award_Gala_nonprofit)

*You will receive a tax receipt for the charitable donation portion of your ticket price. Your tax receipt will be sent via email within 7-10 business days of your ticket purchase. Longer processing times may apply during periods of high volume.*\
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*Proceeds from the event will be directed toward the endowment for a scholarship to support undergraduate students at the Haskayne School of Business and student memberships with the Jim Dewald Emerging Leaders Scholarship offered through the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. The University is responsible for the management of the Fund with the intent that enough income is generated to support the student award on an annual basis and to maintain the Fund's real capital value, after inflation, in perpetuity.*\
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*Become one of our*[event sponsors](https://haskayne.ucalgary.ca/inspiring-business-leader-award/sponsorship) *and help support future business leaders.*

## Need more info?

For more information about the Inspiring Business Leader Award, please contact: **community@haskayne.ucalgary.ca**

[Email us](mailto:community@haskayne.ucalgary.ca)