Changing the Landscape of Women’s Entrepreneurship
There’s a steady rise in the number of women entrepreneurs within the Canadian business scene. This is substantiated by the recently launched Canada’s 2024 State of Women’s Entrepreneurship (SOWE) report. In fact, women make up a more significant percentage of Indigenous business owners (23.2%) than non-Indigenous women company owners (19.5%). However, the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub reports that only 4% of venture capital funding in Canada goes to female founders. Despite the obstacles, a group of fabulous Canadian women is transforming the corporate environment, breaking down boundaries and reshaping industries through their inventiveness, tenacity, and innovation. From tech disruptors to social changemakers, here are ten female entrepreneurs making headlines in 2025.
- Shahrzad Rafati: The Visionary Behind BBTV
Shahrzad Rafati, the creator and CEO of BBTV, has created a media empire that generates 28.7 billion monthly impressions worldwide. Born in Iran and later moved to Canada, Shahrzad was fascinated by media and technology from an early age. She has overcome industry preconceptions to carve a niche in digital video monetization.
BBTV’s creative solutions enable producers worldwide to increase their viewership and earnings. The company is a global leader in its field because its platform uses unique technologies to maximize video distribution and interaction.
Awarded the 2018 Ernst & Young Pacific Entrepreneur of the Year award and named one of Business in Vancouver’s Most Influential Women, Shahrzad never stops motivating others with her forward-thinking goal of changing the media environment.
- Joanna Griffiths: Transforming Intimates with Knix
Joanna Griffiths, the founder of Knix, has transformed the intimate apparel business by emphasizing comfort and diversity. Joanna launched leakproof and functional intimates for modern women, drawing on her INSEAD business education and a desire to bridge market gaps. Knix distinguishes itself by focusing on innovation and client interaction. Joanna was named EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Canada in 2023, and she set a new record for the most significant private sale of a woman-founded Canadian company.
Her relentless journey demonstrates that women-led companies can succeed in highly competitive marketplaces. Her dedication to supporting women is shown by her best-selling book, Life After Birth.
- Noura Sakkijha: Redefining Jewelry with Mejuri
Noura Sakkijha, CEO of Mejuri, has transformed how women perceive beautiful jewelry. Noura was raised in a jewelry-making household and aspired to make luxury accessible and wearable on a daily basis. Mejuri’s direct-to-consumer model eliminates customary markups and has shaken up the jewelry market. The brand’s elegant, straightforward designs have garnered global attention, including mentions from Forbes and CNN Money.
Noura is redefining the industry by emphasizing sustainability and customer-centric designs. It has received honours such as the Ontario Center of Excellence, and was named a winner of the Slaight Business Plan Competition.
- Carinne Chambers-Saini: Championing Sustainability with Diva International
Carinne Chambers-Saini, co-founder of Diva International, revolutionized menstrual care with the DivaCup. Motivated by a desire to give sustainable solutions, Carinne confronted society’s taboos and created an eco-friendly product range that lowers waste and promotes health. DivaCup’s invention has earned them awards, such as the EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Sustainable Products and a spot on Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. The brand’s position on the PROFIT 500 list demonstrates its importance in the expanding market for sustainable products.
Carinne’s devotion to breaking down stigmas and her emphasis on environmental sustainability distinguish her as a social entrepreneurial leader.
- Shelby Taylor: Elevating Nutrition with Chickapea
Shelby Taylor established Chickapea to make healthy eating more accessible. What started as a tiny enterprise in Ontario swiftly expanded into a global brand focusing on organic, protein-rich pasta.
Chickapea’s revolutionary approach, which blends health, sustainability, and taste, has propelled the company into the top 10% of all Certified B Corporations. Expansion into the United States in its first year and distinction on Canada’s Top Growing Companies list demonstrates the brand’s success.
Shelby’s aim goes beyond profitability, promoting sustainable farming practices and solving global health issues through food innovation.
- Amber Gunderson: Leading Green Innovation at ChamClad
Amber Gunderson, the creator of ChamClad, is a pioneer in environmentally friendly building solutions. Her path, which began with a strong desire to be environmentally conscious, resulted in the development of LEED-compliant goods that revolutionized outdoor design.
ChamClad’s influence on the market is demonstrated by its win of Best Outdoor Product at the 2024 International Building Show. Because of her dedication to sustainability, Amber is poised to become a leader in green innovation and a finalist for the 2024 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. She is a trailblazer in the field since her ideas for ecologically friendly buildings meet the expectations of sustainable practices around the world.
- Manjit Minhas: Brewing Success at Minhas Breweries
Manjit Minhas, the co-founder of Minhas Breweries, exemplifies entrepreneurial drive and vision. Manjit began her career in a male-dominated business and has now grown to a $225 million corporation with operations in 45 states and 16 countries.
Her brewery’s emphasis on price and quality resonates worldwide, making it a household name. As a long-time Dragon on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, Manjit mentors prospective entrepreneurs and shares her own path of overcoming obstacles.
Manjit has been named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, and his tale is one of resilience, creativity, and industry disruption.
- Arlene Dickinson: Driving Impact with District Ventures Capital
When it comes to encouraging Canadian business, Arlene Dickinson, CEO of District Ventures Capital, is a household name. Her venture capital firm gives preference to consumer products businesses, particularly those run by women. Arlene’s accomplishments include being inducted into the Marketing Hall of Fame and being named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women in the Top 100. Her advocacy for small firms and devotion to mentoring have revolutionized Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Her forward-thinking vision continues to enable firms to grow while fostering innovation in the consumer products industry.
- Stachen Frederick: Empowering Communities with Weston Frontlines Centre
Stachen Frederick, the charismatic head of Weston Frontlines Centre, affects people’s lives through youth-oriented activities. Her work as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Toronto and her leadership at a $5-million youth organization demonstrates her commitment to community development.
Frederick’s initiatives, which have earned her the 2024 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Social Change Award, focus on education, mental health, and skill training. Her inclusion in the Top 100 Powerful Women of Canada recognizes her contributions to social fairness. Stachen’s unwavering commitment to creating inclusive opportunities distinguishes her as a change agent in Canada’s social sector.
- Dr. Atefeh Mashatan: A Visionary Leader in Cybersecurity
Dr. Atefeh (Atty) Mashatan, PhD, CISSP, is a cybersecurity pioneer and a female entrepreneur to watch in 2025. She is the founder and director of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Cybersecurity Research Lab, where she conducts cutting-edge research in IoT security, blockchain, and cryptography. Dr. Mashatan, a Canada Research Chair in IoT security, creates effective frameworks for dealing with growing digital risks. She has been recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women and SC Magazine’s Women of Influence for her pioneering products, such as the Mosaïque Digital Wallet. Her commitment to promoting technology and empowering women in STEM strengthens her position as a visionary leader.
