News

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.

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StrikeUP Welcomes MNP as Co-Presenting Partner for StrikeUP 2024

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.

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StrikeUP Partners with Export Development Canada to Propel Women Entrepreneurs in Embracing their Authenticity 

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.

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StrikeUP and The Scotiabank Women Initiative Empower Women Entrepreneurs with Grant Funding Workshop

Cobourg, ON –  StrikeUP Canada is delighted to announce the return of The Scotiabank Women Initiative® as an esteemed co-presenting partner for StrikeUP 2024, Canada’s leading digital conference for women entrepreneurs. Launching this winter on February 29, 2024, StrikeUP will unite over 4,000 women entrepreneurs from every corner of Canada, granting them access to mentorship, financing opportunities, and a powerful network of like-minded individuals.

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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.