Mompreneur 2015 conference another success

The 2015 National Mompreneurs Conference was held in Toronto over International Women’s Day Weekend in March. More than 200 entrepreneurs attended and gained valuable insights to help them further succeed in their entrepreneurial efforts.

Attendees networked with one another and heard keynote speakers from Microsoft Canada and Facebook, and received advice to help their businesses grow. Highlights of the event included a Fashion Show and cocktail party, and presentations from Cheryl Hickey (Host of Entertainment Tonight Canada, and spokesperson for OURS by Cheryl Hickey) and Dr. Kellie Leitch, Canada’s Minister of Labour and Minister for Status of Women.

The conference was capped with the announcement of Canada’s official Mompreneur of the Year. Calgary’s Andrea Iervella was awarded the Grand Prize of the 2015 Mompreneur Award of Excellence for her business SchoolWorx (see story at right). Cassie Krygsman was named the winner of the Startup Recognition for Mompreneurs. Her business, Curiosity Box, is a subscription for home-delivered crafts and activities to create with your little ones.

Runners-up included:

• Tri-Fun Kids Triathalons – Lianne Warne & Jennifer Stretch: The family race series that puts the FUN in swim, bike and run. Visit trifunkids.ca
• Love What You Eat – Ashley Srokosz: Turning kitchen-time into party-time, so that integrating real food into your real life is easy-peasy. Visit sacredchocolate.com
• Health Matters Homecare Services – Deborah Hilton: Finding reliable, trustworthy home care for your loved ones is a challenge. Health Matters provides the highest quality home care that best fits the needs of your family. Visit healthmattershc.com
• Dressed to Deliver – Julie Berg: Searching for an alternative to the uncomfortable one-size fits NONE recycled hospital gown which leaves you exposed? Look no further. The Dressed to Deliver 3-in-1 labour gown is the perfect fit! Visit dressedtodeliver.com

The team at Mompreneurs is already planning ahead for 2016, and looks forward to welcoming business women from all over Canada again.

Originally published in ParentsCanada magazine, May 2015.