Funders 2019

Funders are community members who believe deeply in our vision for the future of entrepreneurship and want to support women identifying entrepreneurs in a bigger way.

Some of our funders also create impact as mentors. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a funder, email us at hello@foundersfund.ca

Sheena Brady

"Those who have found success as entrepreneurs have an important obligation: pay it forward."

Sheena is a certified tea sommelier and the CEO and founder of Tease Tea. Sheena's passion to help other entrepreneurs find success is what led her to create the Tease Tea Founders Fund and give back to those starting their entrepreneurial journey.

CANWCC

The Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC) is a national not-for-profit organization that advocates for the economic priorities of women-owned businesses. CanWCC provides supports to its members through skills development, resources, and community in order to strengthen the role of women in Canada’s business ecosystem.

Komal Minhas

"I'm here on Earth to remind you of your potential"

Komal is the founder of KoMedia and Komal Minhas Inc. and invests in startups and media productions that will change the world. Komal is dedicated to helping others find their true potential and educating them on how to get there.

Greg MacDonald

"Identifying and supporting female entrepreneurs who are aiming to create positive change within an industry is something that I am extremely passionate about."

Greg is the President and Co-Founder of Bathorium, whose manifesto is to #bringbackthebath and promote the feeling of rejuvenation, relaxation and restoration. Greg and his team at Bathorium have created a truly unique product and he is dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs create and share their ideas with the world.

Chivon John

To ‘hustle with intention’ is at the center of Chivon John’s work as a Wellbeing Strategist, Speaker and Entrepreneur. In a world that encourages wearing our accomplishments and accolades as badges of honour, Chivon pulls back the curtain on what is revered as success (money, power and ‘likes’) to reveal a life of more meaning and purpose.

Recognized as a Top 100 Black Woman to Watch in Canada and Black Canadian Role Model, Chivon uses her own experiences and research rooted in positive psychology to teach individuals and organizations how to bridge the gap between achievement and fulfillment.

Kim Kirton

"I love everything about this. The world needs a collective effort of individuals and organizations who are willing to take action now."

Kim is an experienced and passionate social entrepreneur who thrives on bringing ideas to life. Kim considers her curiosity a superpower and by asking questions and learning, she sparks her creativity into new ideas.

Karlyn Percil

“When you, as a woman know who you really are, you make a powerful impression, when you truly love yourself, you own your emotions, master your mindset, make better decisions and live a purpose-driven, passionate, beautiful life you love.”

Karlyn is a Certified Emotional Intelligence and Growth Mindset Coach. She is an advocate for gender equity and her goal is to empower more women to be leaders. She has been featured on the OWN Network, Global, CP24, Huffington Post Live and Planet Africa.

Golnaz Golnaraghi

“There is inequality in the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Women entrepreneurs are under supported and underfunded - racialized women even more so. As a collective we need to challenge stereotypes and build inclusive programs and funding models that meaningfully support diverse women entrepreneurs."

She is an educator, facilitator and entrepreneur. Golnaz is the Founder of Divity Group & Accelerate Her Future. Her areas of focus include leadership and team development, diversity and inclusion, and women in leadership. Watch her TEDTalk here.

Kiersten Hanly 

“I’m done being my own biggest limitation in business - and I want to help others find a seat at the table. It’s time to give yourself permission to be flawed, brilliant and human while recognizing you belong.”

As the Co-Founder of Scrub Inspired and Senior Lead at Shopify, Kiersten knows what is takes to become a successful entrepreneur. Her business was founded in 2013 with the intent to create natural skincare with wholesome and organic ingredients while advocating and educating about the things we put on our skin everyday. Today they bring you fragrance-free, eco-friendly and vegan skincare crafted with the environment in mind.

Lindsay Taub

Lindsay is a foodie, an entrepreneur, a wife, and mom of 2 little girls. A former child psychotherapist, Lindsay chose to follow her passion and contribute to her community by opening @sundaeschoolottawa , a local ice cream shop. She is also a food contributor on 580CFRA, a popular Ottawa radio show.

Invest in yourself. Pay it forward.

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