COBOURG, ONTARIO, February 18, 2026 – StrikeUP 2026 is one week away, and women entrepreneurs across Canada are preparing to come together for a shared, national conference experience on February 26.
Taking place as a free, one-day digital event, StrikeUP brings together founders from coast to coast for conversations centered on leadership, decision-making and sustainable business growth. For many participants, the experience will extend beyond individual screens, as live viewing parties across the country hosted by organizations, coworking spaces and community groups create opportunities to take part together at a local level.
Since its launch, StrikeUP has engaged more than 22,000 women entrepreneurs nationwide, reflecting a continued demand for accessible programming that supports founders in real time.
As the conference approaches, organizers are also highlighting the return of interactive elements that were strongly embraced by attendees last year. These features are designed to encourage participation throughout the day and create moments of momentum alongside the learning.
Building on that engagement, StrikeUP 2026 will once again incorporate gamification across the conference experience, inviting attendees to explore sessions, connect with others and engage with resources in an active way. Participants will also have access to more than $10,000 in giveaways from StrikeUP’s featured founders, reinforcing the event’s focus on participation and discovery rather than passive viewing.
“StrikeUP is designed to be accessible from anywhere, but it is also designed to be experienced,” said Heather Cannings, Women Entrepreneurship and StrikeUP Canada Lead at Nventure. “As the conference gets closer, we are seeing women lean into the experience, whether they are attending individually or gathering together through live viewing parties.”
The conference opens with a keynote from Four-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, whose perspective on leadership under pressure will help frame the day’s discussions.
Co-presented by The Scotiabank Women Initiative® and Export Development Canada (EDC), StrikeUP 2026 runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST and is free to attend. Registration remains open at www.strikeup.ca.
About StrikeUP Canada
Founded by Nventure, StrikeUP Canada hosts Canada’s flagship digital conference unites women entrepreneurs and the women entrepreneurship ecosystem, to foster equity and inclusive economic growth through entrepreneurship. Throughout the year, StrikeUP Canada also delivers free webinars showcasing the diversity and ambition of Canadian women entrepreneurs with accessible programming focused on growth, funding, networking, digital adoption and global opportunities.
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For more information, please contact:
Daniela Scoppa
Marketing and Communications Manager
Nventure
dscoppa@nventure.ca
