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StrikeUP Canada Enters 2026 Building on National Momentum Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

COBOURG, ONTARIO, January 5, 2026 – As a new year begins, StrikeUP Canada is reflecting on a year marked by growth, collaboration and a continued commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs across the country.

In 2025, StrikeUP continued to grow its role as a national connector for women-owned businesses, reaching more entrepreneurs across Canada and strengthening the partnerships that make its free programming possible. With more than 22,000 women entrepreneurs engaged nationwide to date, StrikeUP remains focused on advancing equity and inclusive economic growth through entrepreneurship. 

“The start of a new year is often a time for reflection and planning,” said Heather Cannings, Women Entrepreneurship and StrikeUP Canada Lead at Nventure. “What we hear consistently from women entrepreneurs is the need for space to step back, connect with others and gain perspective they can carry forward. StrikeUP exists to create that space, and as we move into 2026, our focus remains on supporting women as they plan what comes next for their businesses.”

That focus will continue at StrikeUP 2026, when women entrepreneurs from across the country will gather for a free, one-day digital conference designed to support thoughtful leadership and sustainable business growth. The event brings together founders, ecosystem partners and national organizations for a focused experience centered on leadership, decision-making and building resilient businesses in an ever-changing economic environment.

Co-presented by The Scotiabank Women Initiative® and Export Development Canada (EDC), StrikeUP 2026 continues to bring national partners into the conversation around women’s entrepreneurship. The conference will open with a keynote from Four-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, whose perspective on leadership and decision-making under pressure helps frame the day and invites reflection on how founders lead and adapt in fluid conditions.

StrikeUP 2026 will also create space for connection through built-in networking and interactive workshops that encourage meaningful exchange alongside practical learning. The conference takes place on February 26, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST and is free to attend, with registration now open at www.strikeup.ca.

About StrikeUP Canada

Founded by Nventure, StrikeUP Canada delivers Canada’s flagship digital conference for women entrepreneurs, alongside year-round free programming focused on growth, funding, networking, digital adoption and global opportunities. To date, StrikeUP has supported more than 22,000 women entrepreneurs nationwide, bringing together founders and ecosystem partners to foster equity and inclusive economic growth across Canada.

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For more information, please contact: 

Daniela Scoppa

Marketing and Communications Manager

Nventure

dscoppa@nventure.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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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.