StrikeUP 2025 Windsor-Essex Viewing Party

The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre is hosting an intimate viewing party for this year’s StrikeUP 2025: Resiliency Redefined national digital conference, specially designed for women entrepreneurs. Join a select group of amazing women from Windsor-Essex to connect, share insights and chat about the key takeaways from the presentations.

Complimentary food and beverages will be provided. The event opens at 9:30 a.m. and we’ll begin streaming the live conference at 10 a.m.

StrikeUP 2025 Windsor-Essex Viewing Party is free to attend. Please register below to reserve your spot at the viewing party. Pre-registration on the StrikeUP conference website is also required and will provide you with additional valuable resources.

StrikeUP Canada is Canada’s flagship digital conference convening 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 reflects the diversity and ambition of Canada’s women entrepreneurs as an accessible, free and world-class program focused on growth, funding, digital adoption and global opportunities.

Conference Agenda

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM: Opening Remarks

• Emcee: Heather Cannings
• Highlights:
  • Land acknowledgment by Algonquin Elder and Knowledge Keeper Claudette Commanda
  • Insights from Wendy Curtis, CEO of Nventure and Founder of StrikeUP
  • Special address by The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business

10:15 AM – 11:00 AM: Keynote Presentation

• Title: Pursuing Joy and Not Approval: The Power of Heart-Centered Businesses and Leading with Authenticity
• Presenter: Jillian Harris
• Description: Jillian shares her journey to business success, emphasizing the value of leading with the heart and pursuing joy, not approval.

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM: Concurrent Workshops

1. Workshop A
   • Title: Using AI to Build Stronger, Smarter Businesses
   • Presenter: Susan Diaz
   • Description: This session will help you see AI not as a challenge but as a practical tool and personal ally for innovation.
2. Workshop B
   • Title: Topic to be Announced
   • Presenters: Karen Greve Young and Véronique Dorval
   • Description: Details will be provided soon.

11:45 AM – 12:30 PM: Networking

• Connect with other like-minded women entrepreneurs and industry partners in virtual breakout rooms.

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Panel Discussion

• Title: Leveraging Your Network: Financial Empowerment Through Strategic Connections
• Panelists: Gwladys Tapsoba, Chris McMartin, and Marie Chevrier
• Description: This dynamic panel discussion will explore how to strategically connect with mentors and trusted financial advisors to enhance business growth and resilience.

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM: Concurrent Workshops

1. Workshop A
   • Title: A Template for Success: Create Your Export Vision to Grow Globally
   • Presenters: Catherine Beach, Lora Rigutto, and Melissa Malcolm
   • Description: This session provides practical direction on crafting effective strategies to tackle market challenges, adapt products and services, and manage export transactions.
2. Workshop B
   • Title: Reaping the Benefits and Managing the Risks: Adopting Responsible AI in the Workplace
   • Presenter: Dr. Wendy Cukier
   • Description: This session will discuss how the use of AI has transformed the workplace as Canadian businesses face barriers to AI adoption.

1:45 PM – 2:15 PM: Networking

• Connect with other like-minded women entrepreneurs and industry partners in virtual breakout rooms.

2:15 PM – 2:45 PM: Concurrent Sessions

1. Fireside Chat
   • Title: Trailblazing Beyond Borders
   • Participants: Barb Stegemann and Dr. Julia Bao
   • Description: In this session, Barb and Julia will share their unique entrepreneurial journeys, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they faced while expanding their businesses internationally.
2. Workshop
   • Title: Mastering Entrepreneurial Stress: Strategies to Go from Burned Out to Balanced
   • Presenter: Brittany Freeman
   • Description: This session is designed to provide you with actionable tactics and practical techniques to manage your stress and stay emotionally regulated all while thriving in business.

For more detailed information, please visit the official agenda page: StrikeUP