About NRG Inc.

Northern Research Group (NRG Inc.) is a 100% Métis-owned business consultancy based out of Saskatchewan with staff and associates in Saskatoon and Prince Albert. We are affiliated with a wide range of professionals from diverse backgrounds who have expertise in conducting large scale projects, obtaining information and knowhow in order to provide excellent consulting services tailored to the needs of our clients. Our partners and associates have extensive experience in the development of business plans, strategic plans, financial projections, feasibility analyses, forecasts, diversification plans, governance training sessions, marketing and distribution plans, risk analyses. We utilize a variety of econometric, statistical, and analytical techniques to provide professional and research-based consulting products and services.

Since our inception in 2010, NRG has worked with dozens of Métis and First Nations communities and hundreds of individual entrepreneurs throughout the province. From this diverse client base, we have gained a specialized understanding of how to best serve each individual or community within this environment.

As a Métis owned and operated company, we at NRG Inc. understand the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Although challenges exist, we see an opportunity to improve upon the socio-economic condition of Métis, First Nations, and Inuit people. In today’s society, it has become essential to provide these groups with more than just consulting advice and products, but rather a roadmap for success by improving their overall financial and human capacity through organizational training and governance.

Meet the Team

  • Deborah Fortosky, B.Comm., M.B.A.
    Deborah Fortosky, B.Comm., M.B.A. Chief Executive Officer

    As CEO, Deb brings extensive experience in strategic financial and operational planning, financial reporting, risk management and governance.  Deb has held positions as part of the senior management team of a federal sector council, a provincial agency, and an industry development board.  She holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Indigenous Management and a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting and Health Care Administration.  Actively involved in the Saskatoon community, Deb has served as a consultant and board member for various community based not-for-profits.

  • Kyle Hustej, B.A. (Hons), PMP, ECBA
    Kyle Hustej, B.A. (Hons), PMP, ECBA Senior Business Consultant

    Kyle has a vast amount of experience working with a variety of clients across a number of sectors. His experience includes feasibility analyses, business planning, marketing and distribution strategy development, and implementation of online marketing strategies and tools. Kyle also has experience in the area of applied research and cost-benefit analysis. Kyle holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Economics from the University of Saskatchewan, where he grew an interest in urban, environmental, and mathematical economics. He holds an Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) from the International Institute of Business Analysis, and a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute. Kyle has volunteered his time assisting various non-profits with their social media presence – helping them with attract more members and clients.

  • Shaun Dyck, B.A.
    Shaun Dyck, B.A. Senior Business Consultant

    Shaun brings considerable experience to NRG clients through his many years in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.  His knowledge stems from working in various capacities in the areas of economic development; business attraction, retention and expansion; labour market strategies; market research and analysis; managing federal program funding; budget development; and proposal writing. His most recent experience is in housing project development and management. A graduate from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Shaun focused his studies on economic development, trade, and econometrics.

  • Nicole Schroeder, B.Comm.
    Nicole Schroeder, B.Comm. Business Consultant

    Nicole is a business consultant with strengths in financial planning, financial analysis, financial reporting, and information governance. She is a distinguished Graduate from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Commerce.  Nicole has a passion for helping people succeed through mentoring and educating in the area of finance and has significant experience in the development and delivery of training materials.

  • Kale Clewis, B.A. (Hons), Cert. Business and Admin lvl II
    Kale Clewis, B.A. (Hons), Cert. Business and Admin lvl II Business Consultant

    Kale is a business consultant with experience in process mapping and process improvement as well as supporting the planning cycle from strategic planning to financial planning, feasibility analysis and business planning.  With significant work experience prior to completing his post-secondary education, Kale brings a passion for analytics and mathematics, which he utilizes in a professional sphere, to assist clients in launching and growing their businesses. Kale graduated from the University of Regina with his BA (Honours) in Economics and a certificate in Business and Administration Level 2. During his studies Kale specialized in growth economics, cost- benefit analysis, and econometrics. Kale also has a keen interest in the development and analysis of policy and recognizes the importance of this role work in many different sectors and industries.

  • Jerod Orb, B.A.
    Jerod Orb, B.A. Business Consultant

    Jerod brings a wealth of experience to NRG through his work in the government sector, specifically in legislative analysis and government relations which he gained by working on Parliament Hill. His experience also includes working as an executive director/CEO for several years in provincial health care advocacy and regulation; where he gained valuable experience in managing human resources, finance, and stakeholder relations. Jerod has two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Studies and a degree level certificate in Indigenous Governance and Politics with experience as a teaching/research assistant in the Department of Indigenous Studies.  Currently, Jerod is furthering his education in Political Studies as a graduate student at the University of Saskatchewan.  He is humbled to be recognized by the Office of the Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan as having the understanding and capacity to teach the Chronology of Treaties; The Spirit and Intent of Treaty, Breaches of Treaty, and to promote the message of resilience and Treaty implementation.

Our Work

Past Projects

NRG’s past projects include a large list of strategic plans, feasibility studies, financial forecasts, and market studies. Some past projects that NRG Inc. has been involved include:

  • Métis Nation-Saskatchewan – Human Health Pandemic Emergency Response Plan
  • Métis Nation-Saskatchewan – COVID-19 Program Response Evaluation
  • Clarence Campeau Development Fund’s Métis Community Capacity Strategy – Province-wide Business Consulting, Advisory, and Training Services such as:
    • Facilitating Strategic Planning Sessions
    • Providing Financial Statement Analysis and Governance Training
    • Conducting Feasibility and Market Analyses
    • Developing Business Plans, Annual Budgets, and Strategic Plans
    • Creating Financial Management, Accounting, and Investment Policies and Procedures
  • Clarence Campeau Development Fund – Socioeconomic Impact Assessment Study
  • Clarence Campeau Development Fund – Métis Procurement Study
  • COVID-19 Business Continuity and Adaption Consulting
  • Beauval Office Complex and Community Hall – Business Plan
  • Davin Lake Lodge & Wathaman Outpost – Business Plan
  • North Country Massage & Medi Spa – Relocation & Expansion Financial Projections, Marketing Plan, and Website Analysis
  • The Northwest Wild Rice Producers Cooperative Processing Plant – Pre-feasibility Analysis
  • Recovery Lake Addictions Treatment Facility – Pre-feasibility Analysis
  • Gabriel Dumont Institute – Business Planning for Entrepreneurs Course
  • Île-à-la-Crosse Fish Company Inc. – Marketing and Distribution Strategy
  • Proposal Development
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