To celebrate International Women’s Day, Innovation Factory is proud to feature the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC) as part of our Inclusivity Series. For many diverse women and non-binary business owners, the traditional business landscape often feels like it wasn’t built with their unique needs in mind. This reality can make finding the right funding, advocacy, and community support feel like an uphill battle. Join us for an empowering session with Lise Déesse Manirakiza to discover how CanWCC is changing the narrative by providing a dedicated space for economic equity and collaboration.

What you’ll learn

This interactive session is designed to provide you with a clear roadmap to the resources available through Canada’s only chamber of commerce dedicated to diverse women. In this workshop, you will:

• Learn how you can join CanWCC to ensure your voice is heard by all levels of government.
• Discover the specific programming, business tools, and funding resources tailored for women-led ventures.
• Find out how to engage with a network of over 1,000 members dedicated to mutual growth and support.
• Gain insight into why a dedicated chamber of commerce is essential for creating a level playing field in the Canadian economy.

Founders from underrepresented groups often face systemic barriers that mainstream business organizations may overlook. This event matters because it connects our local innovators in the Hamilton, Halton, Brant, and Norfolk regions to a national movement of advocacy and support. At Innovation Factory, we believe that fostering an inclusive innovation ecosystem is the key to building stronger, more resilient founders. By leveraging the tools provided by CanWCC, you can move from surviving to thriving in a community that truly represents your needs.

Who should attend

• Early-stage founders and solopreneurs looking for community and funding.
• Leaders of non-profits, charities, and social enterprises seeking advocacy.
• CEOs of women-owned organizations interested in economic equity and networking.

Meet the speaker

Lise Déesse Manirakiza, Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC)

Lise is a dedicated advocate for economic equity and community building within the Canadian business landscape. Representing CanWCC, she brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the unique challenges faced by diverse women and non-binary entrepreneurs. Her work focuses on connecting founders with the vital programming and resources needed to navigate government advocacy and secure sustainable business growth.

Accessibility and accommodation requests

This event is delivered virtually via Zoom. Closed Captioning (CC) will be available.

Innovation Factory is committed to hosting an inclusive and accessible event. We are committed to providing accessible event spaces. Please see our Accessibility Statement for details on our Hamilton and Halton locations.