Photo credit: brandingwithisa, Aguilar Media Group.
Toronto, ON – May 30, 2025 – The Self-Made Breakfast Tour kicked off in Toronto this week and the energy was contagious. Nearly 200 women entrepreneurs gathered for a high-impact day of networking, expert-led discussions, access to financial and social capital, and tangible business- building opportunities. The event was a huge success and marked a celebration of what’s to come in four upcoming city stops.
Hosted by award-winning marketing agency Sinclair Creative Agency Inc. (SCA) and presented in partnership with PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise-Canada (PARO Canada), the event brought together a leading lineup of women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and advocates committed to advancing women’s economic empowerment and spotlighting Canadian small businesses. Featured speakers included Eva Redpath, award-winning Wellness Leader and Solution-Focused Life Coach; Rosalind Lockyer, CEO and Founder, PARO Canada; Hena Quadri-Cappuccio, Director, CIBC Business Banking; Pauleanna Reid, Founder and CEO, WritersBlok; Sarah Jordan, Deals Partner, PWC Canada; Anna Sinclair, Creative Director and CEO, Sinclair Creative Agency Inc; Christina Hatziioannou, Head of Industry, Financial Services, Google Canada; and Hannah Yen, Dove Marketing Lead, Unilever. Each of these powerhouse women shared their insights, experiences, and strategies for success in today’s evolving business landscape, helping founders like Beverley Swaby, Founder and CEO of Mama Juiice, feel confident and ready to take her business to the next level.
“Women in business need to be celebrated more, and this event was very exciting because it does that,” Swaby said. “We’re all here to support each other, to learn, grow and gain wisdom from each other since we’re all experiencing the same struggles in business. The Self-Made Breakfast Tour helps us learn and grow exponentially.”
This national event series was designed to drive real support and to act as a soundboard for women entrepreneurs in response to the realities small business owners are facing, particularly women entrepreneurs who are pivoting, changing their business models and navigating these difficult times.
Throughout the day, attendees took part in a vibrant program that included one-on-one advisor sessions, expert panels, networking, and the highly anticipated CITs, led by PARO Canada. These roundtable discussions, funded in part by Women and Gender Equality Canada, were designed to not only help shape future-forward policies and programs that directly support women in business, but to spark province to province business trade opportunities.
“The Toronto event was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when women entrepreneurs, community leaders, and corporations come together with purpose,” said Rosalind Lockyer, CEO of PARO Canada. “Through the Collaboration Innovation Tables (CITs), we saw real connections spark and solutions take shape. This stop of the Tour was about more than conversations and networking, it really did create the momentum we’re committed to carrying forward across the country.”
The Learning Lounge offered women entrepreneurs personalized, one-on-one advisory sessions with seasoned industry experts and to build industry connections. These conversations delivered practical insights, real-world strategies, and guidance on next steps, covering everything from funding hurdles to scaling challenges. It quickly became a hub for meaningful mentorship and collaborative problem-solving.
Another major event highlight was the AMEX Founders Lounge: Small Business Connections, a stunning, immersive marketplace where attendees were transported to Cloud 9 through activations from brands such as Saranghae Skincare, Orris Labs, Kat International Wellness, Sol Kyst, Sinclair Creative Agency Inc., PARO Canada, and Dove. The AMEX Founders Lounge: Small Business Connections created the perfect space for attendees to shop local, fall in love with Canadian brands and make new connections and sales.
Inside were also two dedicated financial spaces, giving women entrepreneurs a chance to connect, recharge, and access expert advice. One of those spaces was the CIBC Business Banking Lounge, hosted by the official Financial Partner for the Toronto stop, which offered personalized guidance, resources, and one-on-one conversations.
“The Self-Made Breakfast Tour in Toronto was an empowering experience that truly showcased the strength and resilience of women entrepreneurs,” says Cynthia Sanlian, Vice President, CIBC Business Banking. “As proud sponsors, we are honored to support these incredible women who are driving innovation and growth across Canada. The connections made and insights shared during the event have inspired many to take their businesses to the next level. This event reinforces our commitment to empowering women in business by providing the resources and guidance they need to thrive. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive economy, and we look forward to continuing this journey with our partners and the vibrant community of women entrepreneurs.”
The second financial activation, hosted by the official FinTech Partner, was the Intuit QuickBooks Financial Café. This gorgeous and inviting space allowed founders to grab a coffee and a delicious treat before diving into candid conversations with the Intuit QuickBooks team about managing money in business.
“Connecting with so many passionate women entrepreneurs in Toronto is inspiring, and hearing their stories only further solidifies our commitment to helping this incredible community grow and prosper,” says Sarah Triantafillou, Director of Communications, Intuit QuickBooks, Canada/LATAM. “We are proud to witness firsthand their achievements, and to see how Intuit QuickBooks is playing a role in empowering them to navigate their finances with greater confidence and positively impact their journeys towards success.”
With Toronto setting the tone, the tour now heads to St. John’s in September, followed by stops in Calgary, Ottawa, and Vancouver. Each city promises to build on the momentum of this movement, offering even more access, community, and capital to the women entrepreneurs shaping Canada’s economy.
“We kicked off this national movement in Toronto with one goal in mind: to keep Canadian small businesses thriving in these uncertain times. These women are mothers, they are community members and the backbone of the communities driving meaningful change through their products and services,” says Anna Sinclair, Founder and Creative Director of SCA. “This is not just another women’s event, this is a movement that fosters community, representation and connections, something we can all use right now.”
For more information, please visit the Tour blog.
About PARO Canada
For 30 years, PARO Canada has been a driving force in empowering women entrepreneurs through funding, mentorship, and community support – helping thousands break barriers, access millions in funding, and achieve financial independence. Their impact extends beyond Ontario, collaborating with organizations across Canada to ensure women entrepreneurs have the tools, resources, and networks to succeed. PARO believes that when women succeed in business, entire communities thrive.
About CIBC
CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 14 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets businesses, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada with offices in the United States and around the world. For more information, visit cibc.com.
About Sinclair Creative Agency Inc.
Sinclair Creative Agency Inc. (SCA) is an award-winning, creative marketing agency founded in 2014. SCA specializes in event production, virtual programming, and unforgettable brand experiences that build community, amplify reach, and drive meaningful impact through a heart- centred approach.
Blending communications, creativity, and technology, SCA powers purpose-driven brands through best-in-class experiences and viral content that deliver extraordinary results. From
digital storytelling to innovative programming, the agency connects audiences with brands that stand for something — sparking engagement across diverse industries.
As a market leader in creative strategy and award-winning execution, SCA constantly challenges the status quo, delivering full-service solutions that fuse art, culture, and technology. Every project is rooted in intention — with bold ideas and results-driven outcomes at the heart of every client partnership.
Media Contact
Carmen Doucette
Director, Strategic Communications
carmen@sinclaircreativeagency.com