The Canadian Women’s International Network (CanWIN), presented by Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada), is pleased to invite you to our inaugural CanWIN Global Summit (CGS). The theme of this year’s summit is Beyond Boundaries: Gender Inclusive Prosperity in Canada and Asia. This day of programming will include engaging keynote speakers, panel discussions, a showcase of innovations from women entrepreneurs in our network, and networking between female leaders from both Canada and the Asia Pacific region.

When: Friday, June 21, 2024, all day
Where: Manulife Headquarters, 200 Bloor Street E, Toronto, Ontario
Cost: Non-CanWIN Members: $125.00, CanWIN Members: Free, Students: Free

Benefits of Attendance

Networking session with international women thought leaders and business experts
High-level keynote speakers
Informative panels on Asia Pacific markets, entrepreneurship, and leading innovations in tech
Gain insight into Canada and Asia’s economic relationship and gender equity in both regions

Women continue to be underrepresented in the venture capital (VC) industry, both as investors and as founders of funded startups. This lack of diversity has far-reaching consequences for the types of innovations that get funded and the perspectives that shape the industry. 

To address this issue, Ethical Digital, the Diversity Institute (Toronto Metropolitan University) National Angel Capital Association (NACO), and Neal Dempsey, Managing General Partner of Bay Partners, partnered to create a literature review, “Women and the Venture Capital Industry in Canada and the United States”. 

The report identifies the barriers that women face in entering and advancing in VC and to propose strategies for increasing their representation. 

In this webinar, we will explore the most common challenges women face getting into VC, such as lack of access to networks and mentors, unconscious bias, and a culture that values “pattern recognition” over diverse perspectives. You’ll have the opportunity to download and explore the literature review that summarizes the research findings in detail, including interview snippets and collected quotes of actual lived experiences from professionals in the industry.

Whether you’re a woman interested in entering VC, a current VC professional who wants to support diversity, or an entrepreneur curious about the impact of VC diversity on startup success, this webinar will provide valuable insights and actionable recommendations.

Did you know: 

• In 2019, women comprised just 13% and 15% of partners in U.S. and Canadian VC firms, respectively.
• Companies with over 30% women on leadership teams tend to outperform companies with fewer women in leadership.
• A 10% increase in women partners at VC firms resulted in a 1.5% increase in annual financial returns.

You can download the research here: https://www.ethicaldigital.ca/women-and-the-venture-capital

Join us in Toronto on March 1, 2024, for a one-day Summit to connect with The Forum community and explore, leverage, and activate the key forms of capital that you need to thrive in business.

Location: The Quay – 100 Queen’s Quay East 3rd Floor Toronto, ON M5E 1Y3

Let’s Build Your Version of Success

Join candid conversations. Get advice from the experts. And grow your network of support.

In just one day, we’ll dive into each of the moving parts that enable you to grow and sustain a thriving business that aligns with your vision.

We know that entrepreneurship is anything but predictable–so we’re here to help you activate and access the resources and community that you need to navigate both the challenges and opportunities that come your way.

We want to meet you where you’re at and support your in your journey!

At The Forum Entrepreneur Summit, you can expect to:

• Feel supported, connected and inspired by The Forum community
• Hear from experts, alumnae, and entrepreneurs in a learning stream of your choice to help you build your version of success.
• Discover and connect with organizations that can support your business growth.
• Meet new peers and deepen your connections with fellow entrepreneurs and supporters

Not located near Toronto? We also have an Entrepreneur Summit in Vancouver on February 16, 2024!

Thanks to all our generous sponsors and supporters, tickets are $39.

If the ticket price is a barrier to your participation in this event, please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected]

The Forum Entrepreneur Summit – Toronto is funded in part through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

Join us in Vancouver on February 16, 2024, for a one-day Summit to connect with The Forum community and explore, leverage, and activate the key forms of capital that you need to thrive in business.

Location: Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver – 900 Canada Place Way Vancouver, BC V6C 3L5

Let’s Build Your Version of Success

Join candid conversations. Get advice from the experts. And grow your network of support.

In just one day, we’ll dive into each of the moving parts that enable you to grow and sustain a thriving business that aligns with your vision.

We know that entrepreneurship is anything but predictable–so we’re here to help you activate and access the resources and community that you need to navigate both the challenges and opportunities that come your way.

We want to meet you where you’re at and support your in your journey!

At The Forum Entrepreneur Summit, you can expect to:

• Feel supported, connected and inspired by The Forum community
• Hear from experts, alumnae, and entrepreneurs in a learning stream of your choice to help you build your version of success.
• Discover and connect with organizations that can support your business growth.
• Meet new peers and deepen your connections with fellow entrepreneurs and supporters

Not located near Vancouver? We also have an Entrepreneur Summit in Toronto on March 1, 2024!

Thanks to all our generous sponsors and supporters, tickets are $39.

If the ticket price is a barrier to your participation in this event, please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected]

The Forum Entrepreneur Summit – Vancouver is funded in part through the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

On November 9, you’re invited to join us at Mount Royal University for a special in-person event to celebrate Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Alberta.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous women entrepreneurs, innovators, and sector leaders will leave this inspiring afternoon with new connections and new perspectives on how economic reconciliation is an integral part of the future of an inclusive innovation ecosystem.