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StrikeUP and the Trade Commissioner Service Empower Women to Go Global at StrikeUP 2024

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. With over 99% of potential customers located beyond Canada’s borders, exporting can be a crucial step to diversify your client base and grow your business. As part of next year’s StrikeUP agenda, the TCS will guide a workshop entitled “Go Global: Expanding Beyond Canada’s Borders”, a session designed to share the export journey of women-led technology businesses and equip you with essential tools and resources for international expansion. 

This engaging workshop will offer a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insights from fellow women founders on market evaluation and selection, exporting risk mitigation and management, and scaling strategies to support business expansion. The panel will also showcase tech entrepreneurs who have gone global at different phases of their business journey, as they share their experiences, advice, and practical tips on how to enter and grow in new markets. 

The workshop will be moderated by Sara Wilshaw, Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner, and include speakers Kathy Cheng, Founder and CEO of Nexxt Intelligence; Miriam Tuerk, Co-Founder and CEO of Clear Blue Technologies Inc.; and Nandini Jolly, Founder, President and CEO of CryptoMill Cybersecurity Solutions.

“Canada knows that investing in women is not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do to build a strong and inclusive economy. The Trade Commissioner Service is committed to supporting Canadian women entrepreneurs in their efforts to grow their business globally. We are excited to partner with StrikeUP to share export-related resources, tools and best practices that are designed to help Canadian women succeed on the world stage.” – Sara Wilshaw, Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner

“The Trade Commissioner Service’s contributions to StrikeUP have greatly benefited our community, offering essential connections and opportunities for global growth. Together, we are driving positive transformation in the trade industry and empowering more women to excel internationally.” expressed Wendy Curtis, Executive Director of NCFDC. “With the TCS’s support, StrikeUP 2024 can ensure business owners gain free access to valuable materials, enabling them to grow with confidence.”   

StrikeUP 2024 is scheduled to be broadcast live on February 29, 2024, and will bring together over 4,000 women entrepreneurs from across Canada, providing them with access to mentorship, financing, and valuable networking opportunities. 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 The Trade Commissioner Service 

The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helps Canadian businesses of all sizes succeed in international markets with export advisory services, funding and accelerator programs. With a presence in more than 160 cities worldwide, the TCS can help you go global.

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

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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

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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

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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.