Time is running out to register for StrikeUP 2025 – Resiliency Redefined, Canada’s leading digital conference for women entrepreneurs. Taking place on February 27, 2025, this free, world-class event will unite thousands of women across the country for a day of inspiration, networking, and business growth strategies.
COBOURG, ONTARIO, February 11, 2025 – StrikeUP 2025, Canada’s leading digital conference for women entrepreneurs, will be featuring an exciting agenda of interactive workshops, panels, and fireside chats designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and strategies to grow their businesses.
StrikeUP Canada is introducing innovative interactive experiences at its flagship digital conference for women entrepreneurs: StrikeUP 2025 – Resiliency Redefined. The event, set for February 27, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EST, offers a free, world-class program for women entrepreneurs across the nation.
Marking a milestone fifth year, StrikeUP Canada is gearing up to welcome thousands of women entrepreneurs from across the nation to its flagship digital conference: StrikeUP 2025 – Resiliency Redefined. Scheduled for February 27, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST, Canada’s signature event to kick off International Women’s Month offers a free, world-class program celebrating the strength and adaptability of women in today’s dynamic business landscape.
StrikeUP welcomes new partnership with Women Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada) for their fourth annual digital conference for women entrepreneurs. Launching this winter on February 29th, StrikeUP 2024’s conference theme, “Driving Change,” will focus on preparing women entrepreneurs for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Cobourg, ON – StrikeUP and the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) will unite at StrikeUP 2024 to continue their efforts in accelerating trade and export among Canadian women entrepreneurs. The Trade Commissioner Service is a key ally in ensuring that Canadian businesses of all sizes succeed and receive the support they need when entering global markets.
StrikeUP and the Trade Commissioner Service Empower Women to Go Global at StrikeUP 2024 Read More »
Cobourg, ON – StrikeUP is pleased to announce the return of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) as a key partner for their fourth annual digital conference for women entrepreneurs taking place on February 29, 2024. The theme for StrikeUP 2024, “Driving Change,” will focus on equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to face the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
Cobourg, ON – StrikeUP welcomes the return of the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) as a key partner in StrikeUP 2024, a free digital conference taking place on February 29, 2024. This year’s conference theme, “Driving Change,” will focus on preparing women entrepreneurs to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
StrikeUP and WEKH Collaborate to Advance Sustainability among Women Entrepreneurs Read More »
Cobourg, ON – StrikeUP 2024, Canada’s premier digital conference for women entrepreneurs, will return on February 29, 2024, with MNP joining as a co-presenting partner. StrikeUP Live Viewing Parties will also make a comeback at select locations across the country, with MNP as the primary host. The year’s conference theme, “Driving Change,” is designed to prepare women entrepreneurs for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
StrikeUP Welcomes MNP as Co-Presenting Partner for StrikeUP 2024 Read More »
Cobourg, ON – Export Development Canada (EDC) will return as a co-presenting partner for the annual StrikeUP 2024 digital conference to support women entrepreneurs in harnessing their authenticity as they expand their brand. As business owners, maintaining originality and upholding your core values can be a challenging step, whether you’re expanding your company within Canada or internationally.
PANELIST
CEO and Founder, Luna Nectar
Mia Fiona Kut is the founder of Luna Nectar, a sustainable, adaptogenic haircare brand with the mission to kick the stigma of women’s hair loss. Growing up with Eastern traditional medicinal herbs to ease her health and scalp issues, she aims to share the power of adaptogens with the world.
During an 8-year stint in the film industry as a writer and director of multiple award-winning short films (including a nomination for Best Canadian Short Film at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival), Mia launched Luna Nectar, and earned the 2019 BC Business 30 Under 30 Award. Since then, she was the recipient of the 2023 Visa She’s Next Award, and is currently a nominee for the 2024 YWCA Women of Distinction in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Her all-natural, waterless innovation Moon Boost Lash & Brow Enhancing Serum (an alternative to harmful chemical-based, hormone-disrupting lash enhancers), has been named as ‘Best Vegan Lash Serum’ in Vogue and ‘Top 10 Lash Serums’ in Women’s Health Magazine, and has garnered a ‘Best Hair Treatment’ nomination for the CertClean Awards, and ‘Best Haircare Innovation Award’ from BeautyMatter’s Next Awards.
She is a lover of hiking, horseback riding, tennis and exploring a growth mindset.
Panelist
Owner, Core Sales Inc.
Katrina Ramdath, Ecopreneur, second-generation entrepreneur and Owner of Core Sales Inc., a Canadian family-run company specializing exclusively in certified compostable foodservice packaging.
Entrepreneurship was part of Katrina’s life from an early age. Her late father started Core Sales Inc., from the family basement, and officially joining the business after completing her studies. When her father passed away unexpectedly in 2012, Katrina stepped into leadership, navigating grief while learning to lead the company he had built.
Today, Katrina leads Core Sales into its 29th year, helping cafés, restaurants, distributors, agencies, and food brands transition from traditional plastics to practical compostable solutions. Her experience as a second-generation business owner has shaped her passion for resilience, sustainability, and supporting women entrepreneurs.
Panel Moderator
Podcast Producer & Owner, Le Studio Quinze
Robyn Flynn is an award-winning media professional with more than 15 years of experience in radio, podcast production, content creation and social media marketing. She is the founder of Studio Quinze on Montreal’s South Shore, where she helps businesses, organizations and creators bring their ideas to life through audio, video and digital content.
A longtime broadcaster and experienced interviewer, Robyn brings a passion for storytelling, conversation and connecting with audiences across platforms.
opening remarks welcome
Business Banking National Lead, The Scotiabank Women Initiative®
Chris McMartin leads The Scotiabank Women Initiative Business Banking Strategy across Canada. Chris took on this role to help build and enhance a program that helps women overcome the challenges they face on their path to success when starting, sustaining, and growing a business. Chris loves to speak about women entrepreneurs and building impactful relationships; you may have had the opportunity to hear her on one of her podcast interviews or perhaps shared some laughs as she moderated an engaging panel.
Chris joined Scotiabank in 2008 as a Financial Advisor. In 2012 Chris progressed to the role of Business Banking Advisor where she found her passion for Business which she carried with her throughout her career to date.
Chris also has a passion for people which has led her to champion equity initiatives through many diversity, equity and inclusion roles within the bank. Outside of Scotiabank, Chris also sits on the Canadian Women Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board. Chris believes in the power of mentorship and participates as a mentor for StartUp Canada Women and Laurier Women Investment Society. Chris has been named 2025 Top 25 Women of Influence.
At home Chris leads another team; she is a mom of four. Chris has three young men and a young daughter that keep her on her toes. Chris loves being with her family especially if it is outdoors; add in a campfire and she is very happy!
Keynote Speaker
Founder & CEO, Growclass
Sarah Stockdale is the Founder and CEO of Growclass, an award-winning education company helping women and underrepresented professionals learn practical skills in marketing and AI to grow their careers. Growclass has a global alumni network of thousands of founders and marketers.
In her limited spare time, Sarah is also a Co-Host of Pagenerd, a popular scifi book club podcast.
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.
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.
