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Igniting Innovation: StrikeUP and BDC Inspire Women Entrepreneurs to Shape the Future at StrikeUP 2024

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. Through captivating keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, participants will be exposed to innovative ideas, technologies, and industry best practices that will revolutionize their business approaches. This year’s conference agenda will feature an exclusive workshop titled “Investing and Building for the Future” hosted by BDC. This engaging session will dive into the visionary world of responsible entrepreneurs who are shaping a sustainable future.

Participants will gain insights from a dedicated panel of innovators who will share their experiences in guiding their companies with compassion and inclusivity, all while addressing the needs of future generations. Attendees will also gain insights into how they can implement strategies, with a keen eye on tomorrow’s sustainability requirements, and learn how a forward-thinking approach not only benefits the environment but also fuels the success of their businesses. 

“Women are spearheading innovation, generating fresh ideas, concepts, and solutions that are transforming the business environment,” remarked Wendy Curtis, Executive Director of NCFDC. “With the support of our partners at BDC, StrikeUP 2024 is looking forward to amplifying remarkable women leaders who are making significant strides in driving their brands towards greener and more sustainable practices.”

“Women will lead us to a more sustainable future. They are more likely to spend substantial time on DEI and create social ventures, yet they remain underrepresented and underfunded,” said Fatiha Senhaji, Vice President, Client Diversity, BDC. “Working with partners like StrikeUP, BDC is working to empower these female leaders by the funding, support, resources and network they need to succeed. “

StrikeUP will once again offer its virtual video networking platform, enabling attendees to make meaningful connections and interact with the experts at BDC. This interactive platform provides opportunities to explore the array of tools and resources available through their programs.

Join us as we come together for an empowering day that promises to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and drive positive change. Attend StrikeUP 2024 for free by registering now.

StrikeUP was founded in partnership with the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).  

About StrikeUP

StrikeUP is Canada’s flagship digital conference uniting women entrepreneurs and the women entrepreneurship ecosystem, with a united vision of equity and inclusive economic growth through entrepreneurship. Founded by Northumberland CFDC and presented in partnership with The Scotiabank Women Initiative®, Export Development Canada, and MNP, StrikeUP 2024 will showcase the diversity and ambition of Canada’s women entrepreneurs through an accessible program focused on growth, funding, networking, digital adoption and global opportunities. Find out more about StrikeUP’s mission, vision, and community at strikeup.ca.

About BDC

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), as the only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs, supports small and medium-sized businesses in all industries with a combination of financing and advisory services to guide you to the next stage of your development.

Press and Media Inquiries

For interviews and further information contact:
Victoria Pichler
vpichler@ncfdc.ca  

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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.