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Why You Need to Attend StrikeUP 2026

Canada’s Premier Free Digital Conference for Women Entrepreneurs Returns with a Stellar Speaker Lineup

StrikeUP Canada is pleased to announce the return of its sixth annual digital conference that will welcome thousands of women entrepreneurs from across Canada on February 26, 2026. StrikeUP 2026 – Rise to the Challenge, Canada’s signature event to kick off International Women’s Month, is a free event that offers accessible, world-class programming that celebrates the power of women in today’s ever-changing business landscape.  

This one-day event will be a space for women entrepreneurs to gain knowledge and insight from industry experts and trailblazing businesswomen who will provide the tools and inspiration needed to adapt and grow despite the current economic uncertainty facing SMEs across the country. To kick off the day’s agenda, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, Four-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Member of the Hockey of Hall of Fame will deliver the conference’s keynote address. Dr. Wickenheiser is a true pioneer whose resilience, vision and leadership have reshaped Canadian sport and inspired generations. Her journey is a master class in courage and possibility and her message will inspire attendees to think bigger, lead boldly and rise to the challenge in their own entrepreneurial paths.

The conference will run from 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. EST where attendees are invited to participate in interactive workshops and engaging panel discussions that will provide ample guidance and tools.

Topics of Focus:

StrikeUP was a game changer for me and my business. It expanded my network like no other and opened doors to new opportunities

  • Leading through change and creating winning cultures in uncertain times
  • Pricing, packaging and closing with confidence
  • Financial empowerment and strategies to leverage capital for growth
  • Building strong networks that turn collaboration into impact
  • Global expansion and export readiness for women-owned businesses
  • Integrating AI into your marketing workflow

Co-presented by The Scotiabank Women Initiative® and Export Development Canada (EDC), this year’s StrikeUP conference will continue to provide a platform for women entrepreneurs to connect with one another and ecosystem leaders via AI-powered entrepreneurial matchmaking, live chat rooms and themed networking rooms. Over the years, the virtual networking at StrikeUP has been a valuable feature for the attendees. “StrikeUP was a game changer for me and my business. It expanded my network like no other and opened doors to new opportunities,” remarked a past attendee.

To date, StrikeUP Canada has engaged more than 22,000 women entrepreneurs nationwide through its programming, advancing a shared vision of equity and inclusive economic growth.

To learn more about and register for StrikeUP 2026, visit: www.strikeup.ca

Image Announcing StrikeUP 2026 Digital Conference for Women Entrepreneurs on February 26, 2026
StrikeUP 2026 Free Digital Conference for Women Entrepreneurs streams on February 26, 2026

 

About StrikeUP Canada

Founded by Nventure, StrikeUP Canada hosts Canada’s flagship digital conference uniting women entrepreneurs and the women entrepreneurship ecosystem, to foster equity and inclusive economic growth through entrepreneurship. Throughout the year, StrikeUP Canada also delivers free webinars showcasing the diversity and ambition of Canadian women entrepreneurs with accessible programming focused on growth, funding, networking, digital adoption and global opportunities.

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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

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.