Heading into The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale, our largest annual fundraiser and celebration, we set an ambitious fundraising goal of $1.2 million. We're thrilled to announce that with the tremendous support of our community, we surpassed this milestone, raising a record-breaking $1.3 million! This funding will play a critical role in expanding The Forum's reach and deploying programming that helps entrepreneurs overcome systemic barriers.
Read MoreWhen Brianna Blaney and Aria Hahn found themselves on Brianna's couch in September 2020—drinking wine, eating pizza, and having the difficult conversation about shutting down their first software venture—they had no idea that this moment would spark an idea that would go on to help thousands of entrepreneurs secure over $200 million in funding.
Read MoreAhead of The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale on April 25, we caught up with the 2024/25 Finalists to learn what motivated them to tackle the challenges they're addressing, how The Forum has impacted their businesses, what wisdom they've gained from mentors, what they hope audiences take away from their pitches.
Read MoreEntrepreneurship is rarely a straightforward path, and for Connie Stacey, Founder & CEO of Grengine, the journey began with an idea she carried for nearly two years. In 2013, she recognized the potential of battery technology, but stepping into battery manufacturing—a highly technical, capital-intensive, and male-dominated industry—was daunting.
Read MoreWhen 22-year-old Tara Bosch stood in her kitchen experimenting with sugar-free gummy bears, she had a vision that would transform the candy industry. Just a few years later, Tara had created a revolutionary brand that would ultimately reach $125 million in annual sales and exit for $360 million.
Read MoreDionne Laslo-Baker never set out to become an entrepreneur. It wasn’t until a serendipitous moment in her kitchen that she realized she could create something truly impactful: organic, clean-label treats that parents could trust. This idea sparked what would become DeeBee’s Organics.
Read MoreFor Cassandra Hui, entrepreneurship wasn’t a lifelong ambition—it was a necessity. Frustrated by the complexity of the healthcare system and the lack of patient-friendly resources, Cassandra set out to build Heal Mary—an AI-driven platform that simplifies clinical trial matching for patients and caregivers.
Read MoreAcross Canada, people are increasingly choosing to support homegrown businesses, fueling the growth of the "Buy Canadian" movement. This shift has been driven by U.S. tariffs, but more importantly, it reflects a long-overdue moment of national pride—Canadians coming together to strengthen the economy by supporting local businesses.
Read MoreThis International Women's Day, as we embrace 2025’s theme of "Accelerate Action," The Forum continues its mission to unlock access to wisdom, financial, and social capital for women entrepreneurs across Canada.
Read MoreAt The Art of Entrepreneurship—an insightful gathering of women entrepreneurs, artists, funders, and supporters held in Vancouver's beautiful Parker Street Studios—renowned artist Carla Tak shared her remarkable journey of transformation, resilience, and creative awakening.
Read MoreAs the world continues to face unprecedented economic instability, women entrepreneurs are leading the way with resilience, creativity, and strategic thinking.
Read MoreThe Forum, a registered Canadian charity, has been connecting established and aspiring women entrepreneurs with the education, resources, and community that they need to thrive.
Read MoreWhen many entrepreneurs think about stepping away from a business they've poured their heart into, it can feel like the end of a dream. But for serial entrepreneurs Kirsten Koppang Telford and Joanna Track, these transitions have been crucial steps that led them to even greater impact and goal alignment as they grew.
Read MoreWhen we look at who's receiving the necessary funding to build and sustain these businesses, we uncover persistent gaps that disproportionately affect BIPOC women entrepreneurs.
Read MoreLearn how to find a hosting platform that meets your needs, design a website that aligns with your goals, and create clear and compelling copy that motivates your target audience to take action.
Read MoreWhether you’re searching for the perfect gifts for loved ones or treating yourself, let this guide help you discover the amazing businesses led by entrepreneurs who are a part of The Forum community!
Read MoreWith over 10 years of experience as a lifeguard, combined with her background in engineering, Carlyn Loncaric knew there had to be a way to improve open water searches by drastically reducing the time it takes to find missing people.
Read MoreAt The Forum, we’re proud to bring you mentorship programming that enables entrepreneurs across Canada to connect with seasoned business owners who help them rise above challenges and lead businesses that align with their values.
Read MoreWe’re delighted to announce that we’ve partnered with Uber Canada on a special project: The Forum x Uber: Driving Entrepreneurs Forward. Together, we produced a short film that celebrates entrepreneurship and the community it takes to support business owners in reaching their goals.
Watch the film, featuring Windfall Cider Co-Founder Nathaly Nairn and rideshare driver Yasmin Siso.
Read MoreThe Forum and Uber Canada joined forces to create a short film celebrating entrepreneurship and the power of community. The Forum x Uber: Driving Entrepreneurs Forward features Windfall Cider Co-Founder Nathaly Nairn and rideshare driver Yasmin Siso. It follows a day in the life of Nathaly as she does business on her terms, and shows why she’s chosen to carve a path of her own. Learn more about the exciting project here.
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