EWB™ Platform Day 2026: Women in Business Summit (GTA)

An intimate, high-impact innovation summit. +100 leaders. One day. Hospitality included. Join the Year of Momentum in 2026.

Less Noise. More Impact. Welcome to the evolution of the Empowering Women in Business Conference. We are now The EWB™ Project. Building on the legacy of our 2024 and 2025 conferences—which featured powerhouses like Maayan Ziv (Founder, AccessNow) and Manjit Minhas (Dragon’s Den)—we are launching a new format for 2026.

From Conference to National Movement. We have evolved from a single conference into a Year of Momentum. While we are driving change nationally with activations in both Ontario and New Brunswick, this Greater Toronto Area Platform Day is our dedicated, high-impact in-person summit for the Ontario business community.

In the GTA, we have curated an intimate gathering limited to +100 visionary leaders. By reducing the crowd size compared to massive trade shows, we increase the value of every handshake. This is a day for deep strategy, meaningful connection, and actionable growth.

Theme: Managing Your Business in a Shifting Global Environment A complete diagnostic and prescription for the specific challenges Canadian and GTA-based businesses face right now. Not just inspiration— tactical path forward with insights from government, industry, community, and academia.

Sharing our agenda https://ewbproject.ca/agenda-gta/ 📝

The Problems (Mar-Jun 2026 Context)

✅ 54% insufficient demand (CFIB) → Scaling in Uncertain Markets → 3 revenue paths mapped

✅ Tight capital markets → Fueling Her Growth → Pitch framework ready

✅ Slow economic growth + Policy uncertainty → Stakeholder influence plan

✅ Burnout epidemic (women 2x faster) → Wellness Blueprint → 4 pillars checklist

✅ AI overwhelm (skills/time/cost barriers) → Technology Without Overwhelm → Starter tools identified

✅ Funding gaps → Tools, Levers & Pathways → A growth roadmap

When you join EWB, you don't just attend an event; you enter a high-performance ecosystem that reflects the true face of Canadian business.

• High-Level Leadership: Connect with a room where 20% of attendees are C-Suite Executives or Corporate Leaders, and 34% are in the Emerging Growth phase.
• True Diversity: We move beyond buzzwords. Our audience reflects a vibrant mix of women entrepreneurs from all diverse communities.
• GTA Economic Drivers: Our program tackles Ontario’s most urgent challenges—from housing/talent costs to tech adoption—delivering practical, GTA-ready strategies.
• Proven Connection: In previous years, our gatherings generated 960+ business leads for our partners.

• Influential Voices: Keynotes designed to provide inspiration and actionable knowledge for 2026.
• Full Hospitality: Enjoy morning refreshments (coffee/tea/cookies), a nourishing buffet lunch (sandwiches, wraps, and samosas), and an afternoon energy break (water/coffee/tea/chips).
• The EWB Energy: A unique, high-energy atmosphere where professional growth meets genuine sisterhood.
• EWB Impact List Celebration: We will honor the "unseen impact" of local women demonstrating resilience and growth with our prestigious recognition ceremony.
• Unified Networking: A dynamic zone merging the Networking Lounge and Exhibitor Hall for seamless interaction with partners.
• All-Access Pass: Entry to all sessions, presentations, and vendor areas in a professionally set cabaret-style room.

Don't just take our word for it. Here is what the EWB community has to say:

"Exceptional women, exceptional leaders—the feeling of sisterhood this weekend was incredible. I'm so glad we were part of it, and I honestly can't wait for next year."

"I received my first local award here. This award is for every woman breaking barriers."

"From insightful panels to meaningful connections, it was a powerful reminder of the impact women create when we support and uplift each other."

We do not sell logos. We build alliances. The EWB™ Project is currently vetting partners for our Ontario Activation. We prioritize organizations ready to offer tangible value—thought leadership, market access, or resources—to our attendees.

To request a Partnership Prospectus for Ontario:

• Please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
• Visit our website (https://ewbproject.ca/) to review our mission and national opportunities.

Venue: conference space C506 Hall — a modern, innovation-hub style venue at C-Wing 5th floor, Sheridan College - Hazel McCallion Campus, Mississauga (4180 Duke of York Boulevard Mississauga, ON L5B 0H7). A new venue you’ll definitely want to know.

Info: We are honoured to welcome a distinguished group of leaders who will open our Platform Day with their remarks: The Honourable Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity; The Honourable Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business, joining us virtually; Mayor Carolyn Parrish of the City of Mississauga; and Fautoma Ahmed, Director of Special Projects at the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. Their presence underscores the importance of advancing women’s economic leadership and strengthening the ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs across the Greater Toronto Area.

Info: Whilna Stewart-Franklin is the Community Relations Director at UPS and a National Guest speaker, recognized for her leadership in bridging corporate logistics with impactful community investment. With a career centered on social responsibility, she specializes in building sustainable partnerships that drive local and national economic growth.

Info: Robyn Saccon, CHE, is the Vice President of Public Affairs at BD-Canada. Context: Governing for impact is about results that matter in peoples daily lives. Join Robyn Saccon for this fireside chat exploring how gaps in women’s health, inclusion, and representation at decision-making tables impact business resilience, productivity, and growth across all sectors. Women business leaders will discover practical ways to connect policy, workplace well-being, and business strategy — and learn how to amplify their voice and influence, whether leading small businesses or large organizations.

Info: Sheridan EDGE, Guide Dialogue and Networking

Info: 54% of Canadian Business report insufficient demand as their #1 growth barrier (CFIB Business Barometer, Dec 2025). This practical session reveals how to unlock new revenue streams through three proven growth paths: dominating intra-Canada markets first, mastering province-to-province expansion, and strategically preparing for cross-border when ready.

Info: A gourmet lunch featuring a premium sandwich platter (1.5 sandwiches per guest) with salad, pickles, assorted desserts, and soft drinks. Includes a variety of wraps and ciabatta options such as Chicken Caesar, Turkey Cranberry, Harvest Vegetable, and Grilled Chicken on Rosemary Focaccia.
Also served: beef and vegetable samosas with plum sauce (approx. 2 per person).

Info: In this session, discover the various programs and services offered by the Government of Canada to help women entrepreneurs navigate the business landscape and access the support they need for growth and success. Representatives from Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), Competition Bureau (CB) and OPO BOA Office/Bureau of the Procurement Ombud will share valuable insights on how to tap into government funding, procurement opportunities, and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. Learn how these initiatives can help your business thrive and stay compliant, while fostering innovation and sustainability in your entrepreneurial journey.

Info: Your journey matters. Your voice shapes the future.

We’re inviting women across sectors to share their health and business journeys — stories of resilience, breakthrough, and transformation. These stories will be collected during the event and become the foundation of next year’s awareness campaign named “Behind the Business: Her Health Story” lead by Bluefire Strategic Communications.

Whether you’ve navigated chronic illness while building a business, advocated for workplace wellness, or redefined success through self-care, your experience can inspire others and shift the conversation.

Info: Refugee Women’s Network — Established in 2016 as a response to the needs of refugee women settling in Canada by bridging the language barrier and supporting newcomer women through education, advocacy, and supportive programs.

Women That Give — A Registered Charity since 2016, is run by women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Volunteers. The mission is to advance education by providing employability and entrepreneurial skills, training, workshops, and seminars to women in need, including women residing in shelters.

Info: This session is ideal for women entrepreneurs, business owners, founders, and leaders across industries—including those in STEM, tech, professional services, creative sectors, and community‑driven organizations—who are seeking strategic pathways to scale, access capital, expand visibility, and strengthen their impact within Canada’s evolving economic and supplier‑diversity landscape. Dr. Georgette Zinaty stands at the forefront of global business transformation, innovation, and scaling organizations leveraging data, AI and strategic foresight, anchored in a people centric and sustainable approach to growth.As the President of Women Business Enterprises (WBE) Canada she leads a national organization that works to build and grow a strong Canadian ecosystem connecting women-owned businesses to procurement opportunities through advocacy, certification, development, and promotion and helps corporations & governments to deliver on their supplier diversity commitments.

Info: Sarah Pick is the Regional Director at Futurpreneur, Ontario, where she specializes in empowering the next generation of business owners through mentorship and financial resources. With a deep commitment to entrepreneurship, she has spent her career helping founders navigate the complexities of starting and scaling businesses in a changing economic landscape.

Info: Session Description

As the business landscape rapidly shifts due to AI and automation, female leaders and entrepreneurs face unique challenges and opportunities. This panel brings together industry experts to explore how women in business can leverage smart tech to scale their operations, foster inclusive leadership, and build resilient teams. Attendees will discover strategies for upskilling their workforce, preventing algorithmic bias in business tools, and utilizing strategic partnerships to thrive and manage effectively in a digital economy.

Info: When customers are cautious, a clear and authentic personal brand becomes your biggest advantage. In a market where many women entrepreneurs feel “not ready enough” to be visible, Marie‑Pier Tremblay (PCC coach, Futurpreneur Entrepreneurship Coach & host of the Self‑Growth Nerds podcast) shows you how to stand out with a brand rooted in clarity, courage, and consistency.
Key Takeaways:
Clarify the core message and values you want to be known for.
Identify your unique strengths and story so you stop hiding and start showing up with confidence.
Create a simple visibility plan you can sustain, even when you’re busy or afraid of being “too much.”
Perfect for: Women in business who want to be seen as the trusted, go‑to choice in their field, without pretending, posturing, or burning out trying to be someone they’re not.

Info: Featuring Kat Ostroumova, Founder & CEO of Kat International Wellness— whose transformation from hypothyroidism, exhaustion, brain fog, and 183 lbs back to thriving proves sustainable health fuels business success.

Info: In a world where markets, regulations, and supply chains are shifting faster than ever, growth demands more than resilience— it requires strategic reinvention, financial clarity, and decisive leadership. In this intimate VIP conversation, Southern Ontario women entrepreneurs share how they navigate complexity on the ground: knowing their numbers, leading in highly regulated environments, managing supply-chain pressures, shifting from survival mode to CEO energy, and making bold decisions under uncertainty.

Key Takeaways:

Identify where you are in this shifting environment: starting over, standing out, scaling, or stabilizing.
Translate their lessons into one concrete action you can take in the next 7 days in your own business or career.
Perfect for: Women entrepreneurs, career rebuilders, and emerging leaders who want honest, practical insight — without pretending everything is perfect.

Info: Join us as we reveal the remarkable leaders, builders, and innovators making a measurable impact across the province. This celebration highlights their achievements in business, their contributions to community, and the momentum they’re creating for women across New Brunswick.

An inspiring moment to honour their work — and spark what comes next.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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