Date
Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time
12:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location
Bayview Yards, 7 Bayview Station Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2C5
Cost
Free
About the Forum
The Immigrant Women Entrepreneurs Forum is a half-day, high-impact gathering for immigrant, newcomer, and gender-diverse women entrepreneurs in the Ottawa area.
Whether you're just getting started, ready to grow, or exploring business ownership for the first time — this forum offers a unique blend of hands-on learning, community connection, and real opportunity.
From inspiring speakers and skill-building workshops to a vendor marketplace presented by Square where you can sell your products and discover trusted services — this is where immigrant women entrepreneurs come to learn, launch, and lead — together.
We’re also thrilled to be screening the Canadian documentary "How She Dares", which follows Vietnamese-Canadian trailblazer Zoonie Nguyen on her journey from Vietnam-war refugee to corporate leader to advocate for women. After a life-altering crisis, she sets out to connect with inspiring women entrepreneurs worldwide, amplifying their voices and rising together in resilience and empowerment.
This 57-minute screening will be followed by a live fireside chat with Zoonie and her co-producer, diving deeper into what it means to lead, dare, and build in the face of uncertainty. It’s not just a film — it’s a movement for resilience, representation, and visibility.
This event is possible thanks to our funding partners: United Women/United Way and the StartUp Women Fund presented by UPS and Scotiabank Women Initiative, as well as our venue event partner, Cours Bayview Yards.
What You’ll Experience
🌱 Hands-on workshops
🎬 A powerful documentary screening "How She Dares" followed by a fireside chat with the filmmakers
🎤 Inspiring speakers and real-life success stories
🤝 Connections with like-minded entrepreneurs and support organizations
🛍️ Marketplace presented by Square to showcase and sell your business offerings
💬 Opportunities to ask questions, get guidance, and feel seen
Who Is This For?
Immigrant and newcomer women — including non-binary and trans women — from Ottawa and surrounding areas who are:
Running or dreaming of starting a service- or product-based business
At any stage of the journey — from idea to startup to growth or acquisition
Looking for confidence, clarity, and real community support
Eager to learn through practical, culturally informed workshops
Agenda
12:00 pm
Arrival + Registration
12:30 pm
Welcome + Opening Remarks
12:45 pm
Learning Block 1 - Three simultaneous options
-
Main Stage - Keynote: Personal Branding for Business Growth | Lissa Appiah
-
Workshop A - Starting a business: Strategies and Resources | Paula Hopkins
-
Workshop B - Panel discussion: Going from Side Hustle to Full-Time Entrepreneur | Panelists: Leila Hojabri, Anastasiia Kulikova, Ruth Aliu, Bukola Ajilore | Moderator: Sowmya Rajasekaran
2:00 pm
Learning Block 2 - Three simultaneous options
-
Main Stage - Panel discussion: “Trailblazers: Immigrant Women Shaping Canada’s Business Landscape” | Panelists: Carina Guzmán, Cherry Chan, Mona Kalra, Liz Mok | Moderator: Karla Briones
-
Workshop A - Creating Power Partnerships & Community Impact Through Your Business | Sheena Brady
-
Workshop B - Networking with Confidence for Business | Aya Shalak
3:00 pm
Networking + Marketplace Presented by Square
4:00 pm
Documentary Screening: How She Dares - This documentary is more than just a film; it is a call to action for supporting women entrepreneurs and advocating for gender equality. How She Dares aims to ignite conversations and empower communities to create spaces where women can thrive and be celebrated. | Zoonie Nguyen
5:00 pm
Fireside Chat with Zoonie Nguyen & Co-Producer | Moderator: Nickie Shobeiry
5:30 pm
Closing Remarks
6:30 pm
Marketplace presented by Square remains open until 6:30 pm
Speakers Lineup
Lissa Appiah
Top 20 Career Coach in Canada | Certified Career & Executive Coach
Zoonie Nguyen
Vietnamese-Canadian entrepreneur, speaker, and coach
Sheena Brady
Founder and CEO of Tease Wellness
Aya Shalak
Community impact leader, mental health advocate, and marketing strategist
Carina Guzmán
Founder, Creative Dev Ventures | Land Developer | Coach
Leila Hojabri
Founder of Insurance and Financial Services | Desjardins
Anastasiia Kulikova
Founder, Ladies Space Dance Studio Ottawa | Choreographer | Entrepreneur
Ruth Aliu
Founder, Techity Consulting | Cybersecurity Expert | Entrepreneur
Bukola Ajilore
Founder, Legend Trailblazers | Co-founder, Grey Matlock Bakery | Leadership Coach
Cherry Chan
Founder of Real Estate Tax Tips and owner of OTUS Financial Solutions
Sowmya Rajasekaran
Panel Discussion Moderator
Founder @ #BuildUp & #BuildUpWomen Series
Nickie Shobeiry
Fireside Chat Moderator
Journalist (Globe & Mail, CBC) | Documentary filmmaker (Bell, CBC), Public speaker | Comms consultant
Mona Kalra
Co-Founder, MapleCare Physiotherapy Clinic
Paula Hopkins
Director of Entrepreneurship (SBEC) with Invest Ottawa
Liz Mok
Founder of Moo Shu Ice Cream
Karla Briones
Main Stage Panel Moderator
Entrepreneur, mentor, and advocate for immigrant women in business
Purpose
To empower immigrant women entrepreneurs with practical tools, community support, and visibility through workshops, connections, and a marketplace where they can both learn and sell.
Vision
To create a welcoming, inclusive space where immigrant and newcomer women can build skills, confidence, and community to take their business to the next level.
Mission
A vibrant community where immigrant women — from dreaming to doing — come together to grow their business and support one another.
Our Values
At Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada, we know that building a business is about more than just strategy — it’s about belonging, visibility, and access. That’s why this forum is more than a conference. It’s a place where immigrant and newcomer women (including non-binary and trans folks) come together to learn, connect, and grow — as a community.
Community
We rise together.
Empowerment
Knowledge and visibility unlock potential.
Collaboration
We grow stronger by sharing.
Belonging
You are not alone on this journey.
Our 2025 Partners
We’re thankful to have the following partners join us on the Immigrant Women Entrepreneurs Forum
Lead Partner
Marketplace presented by
Program Partners
Venue Partner
Community Partner
.png)
Entrepreneur Support Partners
Creative Partner
DJ Selnas will set the vibe
Selnas, also known as Julia Palces, is a free-spirited artist whose sound lives at the intersection of groove and freedom. Recently relocated from Ottawa to Montréal, she sees DJing as one of the many ways she shares her energy, curiosity, and voice. Her sets are rooted in intentional soundscapes that tell a story ~ crafted with care, curiosity, and a deep love for the energy that music can create in a space.
Get Involved
.png)
Follow us on Instagram:
@ImmigrantEntrepreneurCanada
Organized by:
