Building a business that works with your brain starts by embracing your strengths. Drawing on research from neurodivergent entrepreneurs across Canada, this article explores practical strategies for designing sustainable businesses through systems, flexibility, community and strengths-based approaches to entrepreneurship.
After losing her mother to hospital-acquired delirium, Catherine Winckler founded MindfulGarden to bring calmer, more compassionate care into hospitals. With support from DELIA, her women-led health tech business is growing from research to real-world impact.
A Woman-Led Health Tech Business Growing with DELIA Support Read More »
Founded by Candace Tierney, Oat & Mill grew from a local farmers’ market favourite into a nationally distributed vegan ice cream brand with support from DELIA.
Oat & Mill’s Growth Story: Women-Owned Business Support Through DELIA Read More »
From Olympic finals to the emergency room, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser’s StrikeUP 2026 keynote offered women entrepreneurs a powerful perspective on leadership under pressure.
The Champion’s Edge: Lessons on Rising To The Challenge Read More »
StrikeUP is a national movement connecting women entrepreneurs across Canada. Through digital engagement, live viewing parties, interactive workshops, and ongoing networking opportunities, StrikeUP creates a vibrant community that empowers women to learn, grow, and collaborate.
Whether you’re just starting your business, scaling to new markets, or seeking connections with like-minded leaders, StrikeUP provides the resources and network to help you thrive.
Why StrikeUP Is Canada’s Most Powerful Community for Women Entrepreneurs Read More »
StrikeUP 2026 is Canada’s premier digital event for women entrepreneurs, designed to provide the tools, connections, and inspiration you need to take your business to the next level. From interactive workshops and expert panels to a nationwide network of peers and mentors, StrikeUP offers everything you need to grow with confidence.
Top 3 Practical Ways StrikeUP Fuels Your Growth in 2026 Read More »
At StrikeUP 2026, you’re in control of your learning journey. With multiple workshops running at the same time, you can choose the sessions that best fit your goals — whether that’s mastering marketing, building confidence, or planning for global expansion. Your adventure starts here!
Choose Your Path to Growth: StrikeUP 2026 Workshops & Panels Read More »
StrikeUP Canada is pleased to announce the return of its sixth annual digital conference that will welcome thousands of women entrepreneurs from across Canada on February 26, 2026. StrikeUP 2026 – Rise to the Challenge, Canada’s signature event to kick off International Women’s Month, is a free event that offers accessible, world-class programming that celebrates the power of women in today’s ever-changing business landscape. Â
Why You Need to Attend StrikeUP 2026 Read More »
StrikeUP 2026 is honoured to welcome Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser as this year’s keynote speaker. An Olympic gold medalist, Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, medical doctor, and senior executive with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dr. Wickenheiser is one of the most respected figures in Canadian sport and leadership. Her career reflects excellence, reinvention, and a lifelong commitment to building stronger communities.
Hayley Wickenheiser Keynote: The Champion’s Edge at StrikeUP 2026 Read More »
Running a business takes courage, creativity and drive but the most powerful tool in any entrepreneur’s toolkit is connection.
Connection sparks new ideas, builds trust and opens doors that hard work alone can’t unlock. It’s what turns inspiration into action, and ambition into results. Through shared learning and community, entrepreneurs gain the insight and confidence to grow stronger together.
Your Most Powerful Business Tool Isn’t a Tool. It’s Connection. Read More »
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.
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.
Â
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.
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.
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!
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.
