Women-led businesses in Canada have increased dramatically, with female entrepreneurs making outstanding achievements across a wide range of industries. These trailblazers are not only breaking down gender boundaries, but also redefining their areas through invention, perseverance, and vision. What’s more, women account for a higher proportion of Indigenous business owners (23.2%) than non-Indigenous women business owners (19.5%). As we gradually get on with 2025, several Canadian women stand out for their significant contributions to the commercial scene.
Tech Titans
Shahrzad Rafati, creator and CEO of BBTV, is at the forefront of media technology, having developed a global powerhouse that delivers an astonishing 28.7 billion monthly impressions. Shahrzad, who was born in Iran and later immigrated to Canada, has revolutionized digital video monetization, empowering content creators around the world. Her outstanding accomplishments have gained her prestigious acclaim, including the 2018 Ernst & Young Pacific Entrepreneur of the Year award.
As one of the co-founders of Borrowell, Eva Wong is democratizing financial services in the financial technology space. Eva provides Canadians with free credit scores, reports, and individualized financial product recommendations, allowing them to take charge of their financial futures.
Redefining Retail
Joanna Griffiths, the founder of Knix, has altered the intimate apparel business by emphasizing comfort, diversity, and functionality. Seeing a need in the market for leak-proof underwear, she used her experience to establish a brand that appeals to current consumers. Her accomplishment resulted in the largest private sale of a woman-founded Canadian company, illustrating the potential of female entrepreneurship.
Meanwhile, Noura Sakkijha, CEO of Mejuri, is reinventing the jewellery sector. With a background in industrial engineering and a family history in jewelry manufacture, she founded Mejuri with the goal of making exquisite jewelry more accessible for everyday wear. Mejuri’s direct-to-consumer concept and exquisite designs have earned it international praise and a dedicated customer base.
Leaders of Social Impact
Social change advocate Stachen Frederick is the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Toronto and the Executive Director of Weston Frontlines Centre. She oversees a $5 million youth organization that helps young Canadians with their education, mental health, and skill development. She was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Powerful Women and received the 2024 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Social Change Award for her significant contributions.
Arlene Dickinson, CEO of District Ventures Capital, is a strong champion for Canadian entrepreneurship. Her venture financing firm specializes in consumer packaged goods and primarily supports women-led firms. Dickinson’s passion for small company mentorship and advocacy has altered Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, earning her a seat in the Marketing Hall of Legends and recognition as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women in the Top 100.
Innovators in Health and Sustainability
In the medical field, CELLECT Laboratories is leading the way in a groundbreaking approach to reproductive health. By using menstrual blood for non-invasive early health issue diagnosis, the company is pioneering biotechnology and medical diagnostics. Globally, women’s health outcomes could be improved by this innovation.
With businesses like Mycotech creating environmentally friendly substitutes for conventional leather, sustainability is also becoming more and more of a priority. These businesspeople are developing sustainable materials that have the potential to upend the fashion and automobile sectors by utilizing mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms.
Empowering the Next Generation
These female entrepreneurs’ impact goes beyond their companies; they serve as role models for a new generation of Canadian women leaders. Organizations such as The Forum play a crucial role in assisting women-led businesses by providing tools, financial possibilities, and mentorship. The expanding network of support for female entrepreneurs is demonstrated by the Odlum Brown Forum Pitch program, which in 2024 attracted 255 submissions from female entrepreneurs.
It is clear that Canadian women entrepreneurs are not merely participants in the corporate world; instead, they are spearheading its transformation as 2025 draws near. These leaders influence Canadian industry, generate employment, and bolster the country’s economy with their ground-breaking inventions, environmentally friendly solutions, and social impact projects.
Their experiences are a compelling reminder of the boundless possibilities that arise when obstacles to business are removed. The upcoming generation of women entrepreneurs will produce even more outstanding accomplishments and game-changing inventions as long as Canada maintains its supportive and inclusive business environment.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information intended only for informational purposes. CanadianSME Small Business Magazine does not endorse or guarantee any products or services mentioned. Readers are advised to conduct their research and due diligence before making business decisions.
