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BDC logo representing support for Women Entrepreneurship and Small Business growth in Canada

We are the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs.

For more than eight decades, BDC has been committed to driving the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Canada. This dedication remains at the heart of our priorities as we look ahead to 2026.

Our inclusive entrepreneurship strategy ensures that every entrepreneur—particularly those from underserved communities—has access to the resources needed to succeed.

Canada’s economy is experiencing a significant transformation, creating a pressing need for more businesses to grow rapidly. Increased access to financing is essential. Through our Community Banking strategy, BDC is focused on simplifying the process for entrepreneurs to secure financing, thus increasing the number of active small businesses and enabling them to address today’s major challenges.

BDC continues to take a leadership role in supporting Canada’s innovative and creative women. Over the years, we have launched initiatives and programmes tailored to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs, recognising that challenges remain and that our ongoing support remains vital.

We are convinced that collaboration with trusted partners within the entrepreneurial ecosystem can drive the growth of women-owned businesses and foster the emergence of innovative, high-performing companies. BDC is well-positioned to close market gaps and provide support to women entrepreneurs who consistently demonstrate ambition and determination.

Drawing on our experience in business succession and transfers, BDC offers guidance to entrepreneurs involved in buying or handing over businesses across Canada. Our specialised team supports buyers and sellers through every phase—from business valuation and financing structuring to facilitating negotiations and ensuring ongoing growth after the transition.

Your Success, Our Commitment. BDC and its network of partners are dedicated to helping you build and transition successful businesses. 

For further information, we encourage you to reach out, visit our website, or explore the recommended resources provided on this page.

Fatiha Senhaji
Vice President, Inclusive Entrepreneurship, BDC

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Chantal Lavergne

PANELIST

Founder, Oh Colour Me

Chantal Lavergne is the founder of Oh Color Me, a Canadian company creating simple and bold coloring books designed to make creativity more accessible and less overwhelming. Inspired by her family’s experiences with ADHD and autism, she developed a collection of mini coloring books that encourage people of all ages to unplug, slow down, and enjoy moments of calm.

Drawing on more than a decade of entrepreneurial experience, Chantal has grown Oh Color Me into a brand carried by over 300+ retailers across Canada and the United States in less than 2 years. Passionate about creativity, innovation, and building businesses with purpose, she enjoys sharing her journey as a founder and advocating for products that support well-being and connection.

Ina Maria Toncescu

Panel Moderator

Founder & CEO, noLMIT Marketing

Ina Maria Toncescu is a marketing strategist with over 17 years of experience helping businesses grow with focus, purpose, and measurable results. Across small business, non-profit, and government sectors, she’s led transformative marketing strategies, built systems that last, and landed multi-million-dollar deals using the same frameworks she teaches today. As the founder of noLMIT Marketing, Ina works with clients through corporate marketing training, digital strategy building, website development, search and AI engine optimization, email marketing, and more.

 

Her philosophy is simple: in a world obsessed with AI and flashy branding, the businesses that win are the ones that get the foundations right, storytelling, strategic systems, and genuine connection with the people they serve.

Géraldine Jippé

PANELIST

Founder, Bloossoming House/Co-Founder at AssetsWaves

Géraldine Jippé is the founder of Bloossoming House, a curated ecosystem empowering female founders to thrive and access capital, the creator and host of the Female Founders Networking Breakfast, and the co-founder of AssetsWaves, a blockchain-based platform designed to facilitate digital asset investments.

Domenique Mastronardi

PANELIST

President, Beck’s Broth

Domenique Mastronardi is the President of Beck’s Broth, an innovative collection of bone-broth-based drinks including hot chocolate and coffee. Her specialty is developing and commercializing sustainable foods that are healthy, delicious, and profitable. She heads up Finance and Operations at Beck’s Broth, and just closed their $500K seed round!

Vivian Kaye

Keynote Speaker

Founder, KinkyCurlyYaki

Vivian Kaye is a serial entrepreneur and business educator who bootstrapped KinkyCurlyYaki, a beauty product-based e-commerce brand, to seven figures without outside funding. With over 15 years of experience in operations, inventory management, and digital commerce, she has mentored 1300+ entrepreneurs through programs with Amazon, Shopify, Toronto Public Library, and Humber College’s Longo School of Business.

Featured in The New York Times, Toronto Star, and on CityTV’s Cityline, Vivian has partnered with brands including American Express Canada. Porsche Canada and Desjardins Bank. She brings practical, founder-to-founder insights on building sustainable businesses, scaling without massive budgets, and staying authentic while growing. Her direct, no-nonsense approach cuts through the noise and focuses on what actually works.