News

Women Entrepreneurs: Get Exit Ready with Simple Steps

Whether you run a solo practice, a partnership, or a corporation, every owner needs a plan for “what’s next.” This StrikeUP Connects session walks through the essentials of exit and succession planning — from timing and valuation basics to the choices that protect what you’ve built — so you can start the right conversations and move forward with confidence.

Save your spot: Registration is free for women entrepreneurs across Canada

Read More

Feeling Stuck? Signs Your Business Needs a Reset and What to Do About It

During BDC Small Business Week StrikeUP Connects is hosting a timely webinar designed to help founders break out of stagnation and reset for growth. Join us on Tuesday, October 21 at 12:00 PM EST for “Feeling Stuck? Signs Your Business Needs a Reset and What to Do About It.” The session is led by BDC expert Siobhan McManus and will offer practical, actionable guidance you can apply right away.

Read More

Why Authentic Connections Matter: Join the StrikeUP Summer Social

For women entrepreneurs, networking is often one of the most powerful ways to grow a business. But let’s be honest: traditional networking can feel awkward, overwhelming, and at times, downright exhausting. That’s why StrikeUP Canada is bringing something fresh, fun, and truly different to the virtual stage this summer.

Read More

Canada’s Premier Free Digital Conference for Women Entrepreneurs Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

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.

Read More
Scroll to Top

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.