Celebrating Women-Led Businesses of the Growth Catalyst Program — International Women's Day 2024

On this International Women’s Day, we want to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women-led businesses that we've had the privilege to support through our program. These leaders bring expertise, innovation, and leadership to their companies, and we're proud to champion their endeavours.

Here are some interesting statistics:

• Out of the 68 businesses that have participated in our program to date, 27 are women-owned or equally owned.
• According to a 2023 study by the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) on ‘The State of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Canada 2023’, approximately 18% of all businesses in Canada are majority-owned by women.
• In contrast, 40% of Growth Catalyst businesses are women-owned or equally-owned, surpassing the national average.
• Among the 236 individuals who have participated in our program, 37% are women executives.

We are committed to increasing these numbers, creating a safe space for learning, and fostering a diverse community of entrepreneurs from various backgrounds.

Do you know of a dynamic women-owned business seeking to scale its operations? Our next Cohort begins in Edmonton this April, and we're actively recruiting. We encourage them to apply today!

Without further ado, here are the 27 women-led companies of the Growth Catalyst program. If any of these organizations resonate with you, we encourage you to consider supporting their business:

Advantage Refrigeration ❄️ — Offers premier HVAC and refrigeration maintenance services for commercial buildings in Edmonton. Owned by Jennifer Davis Keith and Ryan K. , Advantage Refrigeration Inc prioritizes professional service and proactive maintenance. Visit their website.

Amborella Floral 🌸 — Founded by Misha White , Amborella Floral provides daily flower delivery services in Calgary and beyond, nurturing creativity and appreciation for floral art. Visit their website.

BLU'S 👗 — Led by President Kerry Tham , BLU'S is an Alberta-based designer fashion boutique offering exquisite fashion choices since the late 1970s. Visit their website.

Champion's Creed 🥋 — Founded by Sheila Bird , Brian Bird , and Chad Angeliger, Champion's Creed MMA is a premier martial arts hub offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai/kickboxing since 2009. Visit their website.

Clean Club Calgary 🧹 — Led by CEO Judith Virag , Clean Club Calgary challenges conventional cleaning norms, offering superior cleaning services driven by innovation and commitment. Visit their website.

CSS Office Solutions 🪑 — Led by CEO Jaclyn R. Reid , CSS Office Solutions Inc has been a global leader in office furniture manufacturing since 1984, offering comprehensive services and personalized solutions to enhance workspace environments. Visit their website.

Eight Ounce ☕ — Owned by Jennifer Farnell and Wesley Farnell , Eight Ounce is Canada's largest specialty coffee equipment distributor, serving thousands of cafes, roasters, and hotels. Visit their website.

EWI Works 💼 — Led by CEO Linda L. Miller , EWI Works Inc. is a leading Canadian occupational ergonomics company, optimizing workplace well-being and productivity since 1991. Visit their website.

Heart Fit Clinic ❤️ — Co-owned by Karen Xekominos and Diamond Fernandes , Heart Fit Clinic is Canada's leading cardiac rehabilitation and prevention centre, committed to preventing and reversing heart disease. Visit their website.

Jenik Services 📦 — Founded by Theresa Onwughalu, MSc. and Chukwujekwu Onwughalu , Jenik Freight | International Freight Forwarder arranges shipments for personal and corporate deliveries worldwide, facilitating seamless logistics from Canada to international destinations, ensuring efficient and reliable transportation solutions. Visit their website.

JSK Consulting 🏗️ — Co-owned by Stacy Thygesen and Mike Thygesen , JSK Consulting Ltd. excels in executing decommissioning projects across Western Canada, delivering cost-effective solutions with expertise and efficiency, boasting over 28 years of experience. Visit their website.

Medlior Health Outcomes Research Ltd. 📊 — Led by Founder and President Tara Cowling , Medlior Health Outcomes Research Ltd. offers robust research solutions specializing in real-world evidence and health technology assessments. Visit their website.

Nexix Inc. 💻 — Owned by Carrie Gibson and Blaine Gibson , Nexix Inc. is a globally recognized software development and IT services provider, specializing in enhancing productivity and workflow management. Visit their website.

OGL Engineering 🗺️ — Under CEO Tammy Smith 's leadership, OGL Engineering specializes in tailored GIS solutions, providing comprehensive geospatial intelligence since 1980. Visit their website.

Paradis Valley Honey 🍯 — Offers high-quality Grade A raw honey and pollen using sustainable methods passed down through seven generations. Led by Ginette Paradis and Danny Paradis , they ensure traditional practices while delivering top-notch products. Visit their website.

Standens 🛠️ — A Canadian manufacturing company specializing in alloy steel products. Under CEO Cheryl Hacking's leadership, Standen's prioritizes quality and environmental responsibility. Visit their website.

Sturgess Architecture 🏢 — Led by Liana Burak Harrison and Kevin Harrison , Sturgess Architecture leads with expansive creativity and meticulous collaboration, offering tailored design solutions deeply enlightened by context and surroundings. Visit their website.

Sunnybrook Welding 🔩 — Under CEO Kyla S. 's leadership, Sunnybrook Welding & Machine Shop Ltd. excels in manufacturing high-quality combine parts for the agricultural industry. Visit their website.

Towne & Countree Kitchens 🪚 — Led by owner Tara P. , Towne & Countree Kitchens has been designing custom cabinetry in Edmonton since 1978, emphasizing quality and client satisfaction. Visit their website.

Questor Technology 🌬️ — Led by President and CEO Audrey Mascarenhas , Questor Technology specializes in clean air technology, reducing pollution emissions and maximizing energy efficiency worldwide. Visit their website.

Yama Vans 🚐 — Co-founded by Alex Welsh , who serves as the CMO alongside co-founder Pat Bruns , Yama crafts premium Sprinter van upfits for off-grid living since 2018, prioritizing thoughtful design and sustainability, empowering individuals to live their journey. Visit their website.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the remarkable women-owned and equally-owned businesses. Your dedication, ingenuity, and leadership play a vital role in shaping a vibrant entrepreneurial landscape in Alberta.

Here's to celebrating your achievements today and every day.

Happy International Women's Day!