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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. Many women entrepreneurs are driven by a strong desire to make a positive impact on the world, whether it involves addressing community needs, championing social justice, or minimizing their environmental footprint. However, there’s no universal blueprint for achieving success in these endeavours. It demands unwavering determination, supportive networks, and self confidence to cultivate a sustainable, values-driven enterprise.   

This year’s program will include an exclusive workshop titled “The Power of Authenticity: Growing Your Business Your Way”, moderated by Myriam Francisque, EDC’s national lead of Inclusive Trade, focusing on Black and racialized exporters. During this empowering session, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in insightful conversations with three remarkable women entrepreneurs as they share insights on growing their brands based on their core values, and how they were able to discover their competitive edge.  

“We are thrilled to welcome back EDC as a co-presenting partner. Together, we aim to foster education, empowerment, and awareness regarding the benefits of embracing brand authenticity” expressed Wendy Curtis, Executive Director of NCFDC. “Authenticity is a powerful tool, and as more women embrace this key trait, the better prepared they are to respond to changing marketing conditions.”

“We’re pleased to partner with StrikeUP for the third consecutive year to help inspire, educate and build awareness of the benefits of exporting so that more women-owned businesses can scale their businesses globally.” said Catherine Beach, National Lead, Women in Trade, EDC. “Exports create jobs, promote innovation and grow industries. When exporting is inclusive, it can advance the interests of groups who have faced barriers to trade to help their businesses grow and succeed, positively impacting our economy and our communities.”                 

StrikeUP 2024 will take place on February 29, 2024 and will bring together more than 4,000 women entrepreneurs from across Canada and provide a forum for growth, mentorship, and financing. 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 Export Development Canada 

Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian businesses make an impact at home and abroad. EDC has the financial products and knowledge Canadian companies need to confidently enter new markets, reduce financial risk and grow their business as they go from local to global. Together, EDC and Canadian companies are building a more prosperous, stronger and sustainable economy for all Canadians. For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-800-229-0575 or visit www.edc.ca.

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.