WBE Canada Magazine Issue 10

RBC’S COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: Enhancing Women’s Participation in the Economy and Beyond

NAVIGATING SUCCESS: Get ready for the 2023

WBE Canada National Conference

Message from the President

GRATEFUL

I know - it’s not Thanksgiving yet. But when I look back at 2023, I am so grateful. Just think of all the events, webinars, mentorship programs, in-person events, Corporate development opportunities, our new WBE Meet & Pitch series, sold-out Women’s Day, the new and improved Toolbox and our being awarded funding from the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund to help with our goal of Empowering Women-Owned Businesses in Supply Chains – everything that’s been accomplished and taken place since January. And I’m excited to share that we’ve reached a new milestone – we now have more than 600 certified women-owned businesses in our WBE Community! I want to take this opportunity to thank the WBE Canada team, our champions and supporters for helping us reach these milestones as we strive to help more women-owned businesses scale up and access supply chains in Canada and abroad.

Perhaps the most exciting event in our Calendar is the 2023 National Conference. Last November more than 300 women-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, corporate and government representatives, champions and supporters came together in Toronto to experience two days of innovation, inspiration, networking and celebration. This year on November 8th and 9th we will gather at the Toronto Congress Centre to once again witness how Canada’s women-owned businesses and corporate and government leaders are fueling economic growth and prosperity all across this nation and globally. This year’s theme “Women Impact: Leading Innovation and Growth will showcase the collective power Canadian women entrepreneurs can bring to Canada’s leading corporate and government organizations committed to diversifying their supply chains for the economic benefit of all. I can’t wait to see you in Toronto!

The Fall Issue of WBE Canada Magazine celebrates our second annual Holiday Shopping Guide

featuring some of our Certified WBEs - check out their products and services and get a head start on your holiday shopping. We are also excited to share the stories of three WBEs who are making a difference, not just in their personal lives, but in the lives of those around them and their communities. Their stories will resonate and inspire long after you’ve met them in our Cover Stories. Also in this issue, RBC and Manulife, two of our corporate members provide insightful updates on their commitments to DEI within their organizations. And for an inside look at how BDC is helping Canadian women entrepreneurs, be sure to read “Partners in Entrepreneurship '' to learn how Atman Co., a certified WBE, has benefited from BDC’s vast resources for women-owned businesses.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of the Magazine. Let us know your thoughts at concierge@wbecanada.ca.

See you in Toronto this November!

SILVIA PENCAK President & CEO, WBE Canada

IN THIS ISSUE Fall 2023

Magazine Editorial Team

Silvia Pencak - President & CEO

Judy Carswell - Chief Editor

Alexandra Roy - Marketing Manager

Contributing Writers

Lauren Burke, Simika Kabir, Shelagh Stoneham, Anna Eliopoulos, Judy Carswell, Alexandra Roy, Silvia Pencak

Designers

Grassick Graphic Communications www.GrassickGraphic.com

WBE Canada Contact Details

Editorial queries and submissionsmarketing@wbecanada.ca

General queries - concierge@wbecanada.ca

WBE Certification - certification@wbecanada.ca

Corporate Membershipmembership@wbecanada.ca Partnerships - partner@wbecanada.ca

©WBE Canada, September 2023

https://wbecanada.ca

TheWBE Canada Magazine is a quarterly magazine designed to connect ourcommunities, empowerCanadianwomen entrepreneurs and inspireCanada’scorporateandgovernment organizations in theirsupplierdiversity Initiatives.

To subscribe to the WBE Canada Magazine, click here .

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THE BURNING FLAME CANDLE CO. Taking a Leap of Faith

RBC’S COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: Enhancing Women’s Participation in the Economy and Beyond

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POWER WEARHOUSE INC.

Putting Weighty Style into Fitness

BDC - PARTNERS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP Devoted to the Success of Canadian Women-Owned Businesses

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PETER & PAUL’S GIFTS

Inspiring and Thoughtfully Curated Gift Giving

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MANULIFE’S COMMITMENT TO SUPPLIER DIVERSITY

NAVIGATING SUCCESS Get ready for the 2023 WBE Canada National Conference

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HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

NEWS & EVENTS

Honoured to support Canadian WBEs

Proud supporters of Canada’s most innovative businesswomen and the ecosystem connecting the buyers and companies driving success with diversity and inclusion.

THE BURNING FLAME CANDLE CO. Taking a Leap of Faith

Plato wrote in his famous dialogue “Republic” – “our need will be the great creator”. Over time that phrase morphed into the much more recognized proverb: “Necessity is the mother of invention”.

Lauren Burke, Founder of The Burning Flame Candle Company will tell you that she created her candle business out of necessity. When the pandemic shut down the service industry in March 2020, the young parent and former Server turned to candle making as a creative outlet and a means to generate extra income. The last thing Lauren expected was a new way of life and an up-and-coming business.

Burning Flame Candle Company may have started in a small 600 sq. ft home kitchen, however Burke's entrepreneurial spirit was instilled long before this venture. Burke was bitten by the small business bug at a young age. As she describes it, she never really had a choice. Born with two strong entrepreneurial parents, Burke had inherited many skills that have led her to owning her own business today. In an effort to remove toxic chemicals from everyday products a new age candle company was born. Burning Flame Candle Company - Premium, handcrafted 100% soy wax candles. Deliciously fragrant and long lasting.

With an educational background in Art and Design combined with the entrepreneurial DNA courtesy of her parents, Lauren decided to turn her candlemaking hobby into something she could monetize and share with the community. Lauren was ultimately inspired to create handcrafted candles

free of phthalates and parabens with a clean and slow burning process. From the moment of curation Lauren knew she was on to something, when she would post her candle products and they would immediately sell out. Fast forward a couple of months and Burning Flame Candle Company was in full swing. Lauren quickly learned the importance of digital marketing to grow its sales and customer reach. With social media tools like Facebook, Messenger and Instagram, Lauren had tapped into a network of people who were dying for her products. With a deep-rooted love for the East Coast of Canada, Lauren’s artistic creativity has resulted in wildly successful candle fragrances such as Moonmist, Someone in Nova Scotia Misses You, Fruit Loops, Vanilla Pineapple Margarita, Ice Cream Parlour and beyond proudly filling the shelves of more than 20 retail locations throughout the Maritimes.

“My mom has always been my creative inspiration. This woman is the original creator of something from nothing, the DIY Queen. She could take a piece of gum and a wire and turn it into a masterpiece. I watched my mom evolve through the years, supporting our family by creating products by hand. She baked, she sewed, painted, crafted, designed and built just about anything from wreaths to houses. And I was lucky enough to always get to come along for the ride.”

Success can sometimes come at a price. As a start-up the hard facts of being an entrepreneur can eventually overwhelm. Turning a kitchen into a candle making factory is no small feat. From hand pouring every candle from a pot on her

stove, to sourcing products, sales, marketing, customer service, deliveries, finances… the weight of owning a business began to take a toll. Like so many entrepreneurs, Lauren was trying to do it all herself. She quickly realized her strengths and her weaknesses and that not every creative individual is equally good at finances. There were many tasks at hand that seemed out of her wheelhouse. In a moment of despair, Lauren followed up on ways to further educate herself to help remedy the pain points in her business. A key turning point was when she joined the Centre for Women in Business (CWB) in Halifax. This led her to find the resources she needed to become successful. A big lesson not just for Lauren, but for so many women entrepreneurs is realizing you can ask for advice and seek help and in doing so, you do not take away from your independence, creativity or vision.

“Recognizing those weaknesses and asking for help has led me to a more healthy work home life balance and has truly helped me evolve as a person. I am so grateful to have a strong network within the WBE community. We are stronger together.” - Lauren

Burke

From making 15 units at a time in her kitchen in 2020, Burke has now produced more than 30,000 candles featuring 155 unique fragrances. Burning Flame Candles are available at retail locations throughout Nova Scotia including her flagship store in the CoffeePRO in Bedford, Nova Scotia. You can also find her candle products online at BURNINGFLAME.ca as well as directly through her very successful custom candle division which provides high quality custom candles for

TAKING A LEAP OF FAITH continued...

corporate, weddings, gift giving, fundraisers, holiday exclusives and more. Giving back to her community is an important core value to Burning Flame Candle Company. She proudly supports SPCA Nova Scotia, the Kidney Foundation as well as sports and arts programs across Halifax. What lies ahead? The future is a motivator. In three short years Lauren has moved out of her home kitchen into a manufacturing facility. “It was really scary not knowing if the business could sustain the upgrade and the move.” shares Lauren. “Making candles out of my home kitchen was great, but it would never be more if I didn’t take that leap of faith. By expanding production space, I have the ability to make and sell more candles efficiently, while creating a better work home life balance for me and my son. Being a sole proprietor is scary because I am a one woman show, but no risk no reward.”

The Burning Flame Candle Company was born in the pandemic out of necessity. After three years of leaning into her passion, meeting countless challenges, supply chain disruptions, literally slugging it out over a hot stove, acknowledging and embracing her weaknesses and finding a home

finally found her path - she just needs to keep that path clear for continued success.

“I feel a sense of pride that I get to be a business owner. Not only does my son have someone to look up to, but I am able to teach him that the sky's the limit. Entrepreneurship has no boundaries. I get the opportunity to be my creative passionate self which often felt lost at other jobs. I’m proud to be a woman entrepreneur because our instincts are strong. I am proud that I am developing my skills as a woman in business which means adopting my assertiveness, action minded, risk taking and problem-solving abilities to shatter glass ceilings.” - Lauren Burke

For more information about The Burning Flame Candle Co.: www.burningflame.ca; Instagram: @burningflamecandleco

in candle making Lauren is prepared to continue to grow. - to step outside of her comfort zone and to continue to network with other amazing women entrepreneurs just like her. Lauren is living her dream. Like many young entrepreneurs, she’s

Lauren Burke, Founder and Chandler, worked in the Hospitality Industry for over 15 years before opening Burning Flame Candle Co. It has been her life's work to find a creative outlet that would translate into a small business. Burning Flame Candle Company has grown from a pandemic passion project to a brick + mortar manufacturing facility in short time. Lauren is truly invested in exploring ways to celebrate culture, build community and use artistic expression as a means to connect with other local businesses and beyond.

When she's not working in the lab being a mad candle scientist, you might find Lauren at a live music show, running around making memories with her son Jaxon, taking a long road trips across the beautiful province of Nova Scotia or thrift shopping. As a kid, Lauren grew up playing sports, and was very active in theatre. She owes a lot of her passion and dedication to those early days. It was on the basketball court and on stage that she acquired the capacity to develop self-esteem, regulate behaviour and habits, learn leadership and communication skills, learn patience and develop resilience when things don't go to plan.

RBC’S COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY: ENHANCING WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN THE ECONOMY AND BEYOND

by Simika Kabir, Director, Business Banking Strategy , Women in Business, Black Entrepreneurs and Business

Owner Planning at RBC

At RBC, Diversity and Inclusion is more than a value, it is core to our Purpose and a fundamental strength of our organization. We also believe that diversity and inclusion is an engine for innovation and economic prosperity, and as Canada’s biggest bank, and a top global financial institution, we are committed to playing a leadership role in accelerating a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future. As one of the largest financial institutions in Canada, RBC places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, making it a core pillar of the organization. Our D&I vision is to be among the most inclusive workplaces and successful companies, putting diversity into action to help employees, clients and communities thrive.

Promoting gender equality, particularly women’s participation in the economy, benefits everyone. While progress has been made, and more and more women are looking to start, grow and sell their businesses, there is still much work to be

done. There is no “one size fits all” solution for clients, but there are common themes often encountered by women. RBC’s focus on women in business aims to encourage, support, and inspire full and equal participation of women entrepreneurs. The goal is to inspire women to unleash their own power through strategic partnerships that drive their participation in the Canadian economy, provide access to advice, strengthen their networks and offer valuable thought leadership content.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS WANT AND NEED ACCESS TO FUNDING AND ADVICE

When it comes to women in business, we know one of the biggest barriers for women is access to financing. The barriers are a result of an interconnected web of policies, socio-economic factors, and historical institutional practices,

RBC'S COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITYcontinued...

among other factors. RBC takes proactive steps to bring down these barriers by making women aware of the financial options and banking solutions available to them, whether that’s understanding different types of loans and grants, attending workshops on how to prepare documentation, and/ or having an easily navigable due process to apply for fundings.

Supplementing these options, RBC provides women with access to strong advisory services, so they can consider the benefits and costs of the products and solutions available in the market. This process starts with trusted partners who offer personalized advice and unwavering support tailored to the vision and business maturity of the entrepreneur. RBC also hosts advice panels, workshops, and financial literacy events for women throughout the year.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS THRIVE WHEN THEY HAVE A TRUSTED NETWORK OF PEERS AND MENTORS

Thriving women entrepreneurs often have a trusted network of peers and mentors to expand their networking circles so they can start up, scale up and or sustain their businesses. RBC understands the importance of knowledge-sharing, networking, and

support for women-led businesses. We know this is a powerful way we can help women-led businesses thrive, and create the equitable, inclusive economy we all envision.

RBC sponsors several events and initiatives to create spaces and platforms where women entrepreneurs connect with each other, and to establish peer/ mentor networks to foster relationship building and create opportunities for growth and future entrepreneur development. An example of how we foster this is our partnership with Coralus (formerly SheEO) which facilitates funding, learning and mentorship for new ventures to women and nonbinary-led ventures.

Another recent example is RBC’s sponsorship of Collision Conference 2023 and the Women in Tech Lounge where attendees were able to drop by and see how #Tech@RBC uses innovation and advanced technology to positively impact our clients and their communities. The lounge provided attendees – mostly entrepreneurs, tech leaders and financial experts – a chance to connect with like-minded people, to engage in conversations around diversity and inclusion and learn more about creating value through technology from women leaders in the industry.

WOMEN DESERVE RECOGNITION FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS

RBC is deeply committed to championing the successes and the journey of all women entrepreneurs. We’re proud to celebrate the successes, resilience, creativity, and endurance of women entrepreneurs by profiling their journeys on our website, and sponsoring initiatives such as The Honest Talk, a podcast featuring strong female entrepreneurs, business leaders and professionals. These episodes provide women in business another way to learn and inspire each other and celebrate the resilience of women in the workplace and in business.

For over two decades, RBC proudly sponsored the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards in partnership with Women of Influence+. This fantastic annual event celebrates and recognizes the country’s most accomplished women entrepreneurs, ranging from micro-startups to well established, profitable, national, and international businesses.

The awards spotlight women who make a significant impact on the Canadian economy and communities through their passion, determination, capability, and vision, contributing to a more inclusive, equitable business landscape.

INCLUSIVITY OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IS A WIN FOR ALL

Acknowledging women’s contributions to the economy is merely a small first step in breaking down invisible and institutional biases impacting women entrepreneurs’ experiences today. Collaboration among government, non-profit, financial institutions, and other stakeholders – to drive changes in infrastructure, policies, regulations etc. - is essential to building the inclusive economy sought by all. Profiling women-led businesses, providing networking opportunities, access to funding, and celebrating their journeys all send a powerful message to the world: women-led businesses are here to stay.

Simika Kabir is currently the Director, Business Banking Strategy at RBC and responsible for the overall development, leadership and accountability for the Women in Business, Black Entrepreneurs and Business Owner Planning enterprise strategies. Since joining RBC in 2015, she has held progressively senior roles in different transformational and strategic teams focused on workforce strategies. Prior to RBC, Simika worked in mergers and acquisitions for Sybase (a Silicon-Valley tech company), and as a social venture consultant for Care Canada (a non-profit). She firmly believes that diversity, equity and inclusion is a key driving force of a successful and thriving society.

Simika holds an MBA from Schulich School of Business, a MA in Economics from Dalhousie University, and an Honours BA in Economics and Anthropology from McMaster University.

POWER WEARHOUSE INC. PUTTING WEIGHTY STYLE INTO FITNESS

What if someone told you you could amp up your fitness routine without adding more kilometers to your power walk or run. What if you could actually increase your metabolic rate thereby burning more calories, improve your cardiovascular health, muscle mass and bone health just by adding weight to your fitness apparel; Do we have your attention?

Meet Shelagh Stoneham, founder and owner of Power Wearhouse Inc. certified WBE, former Chief Marketing Officer with large corporations both in Canada and the US, and of course, fitness and sports enthusiast.

Sports and fitness have always been an important part of Shelagh’s life, playing a vital role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and combating a life of chronic migraines. Always looking to increase the benefits of her workouts, she discovered weighted fitness accessories and the benefits of wearing weighted vests to increase calorie burn and build muscle tone. Except what was currently in the marketplace was ugly, bulky, ill-fitting and uncomfortable and looked like combat gear. With a decades long background in marketing, and encouraged by her late husband, she germinated the idea of developing and designing a weighted vest that would be attractive to both beginners and pros, comfortable (goodbye chafing and ill fitting) was light weight, flexible in design to let the wearer add or subtract weights depending on their workout, unisex and key to it all -stylish. Using Linkedin, she sourced one of the top freelance sportswear designers in the UK and set her plan in motion.

There were more boxes to tick (let’s not forget the self explanatory “no-stink fabric”) as her vests became reality, production was set, marketing

strategies were created and rolled out, important retail partners were secured (her first customer was Sport Chek) and support from the prestigious BHOF (Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation) were nailed down. In fact the CEO of the BHOF, Claire Gill, is on her advisory board. In January 2021, the weighted vest was born and Shelagh Stoneham was now the founder of Power Wearhouse Inc, a Canadian female-owned company offering a bestin-class weighted wearables line. Since the vest was launched, Power Wearhouse has added a weighted belt as well as wrist and ankle weights.

As every woman entrepreneur will tell you, their dream of being a successful business owner is an ebb and flow day to day journey with hurdles and challenges (including supply chain disruptions) coming at you like a never-ending game of whacka-mole. Power Wearhouse products continue to be manufactured outside of Canada simply because of exorbitant costs but there is the very real dream of bringing production closer to home and diversifying their supply chain. Currently product arrives at the warehouse in Etobicoke, ON, is picked, packed and shipped to customers. The majority of sales continues to be through www.powerwearhouse.com even though all products are available at major retailers like Sportchek, Walmart and Canadian Tire. Having product on store shelves is important but as Shelagh will attest, retail staffing issues including lack of staff and the even greater absence of expertise and product knowledge at most major outlets does not provide for the important customer interaction that her product requires at point of sale. The reality is that the on-line consumer gets the opportunity to read, understand and ultimately develop trust in not just Power Wearhouse’s products, but in their story.

Aside from creating a product that builds on healthy lifestyles, supporting those with health challenges including osteoporosis, Shelagh has deliberately built a diverse team in terms of cultural background, education, gender and age. “This offers us the natural advantage of different perspectives which is important as creative thinking is required in every role (except accounting). We encourage team members to try new approaches to everything from social media to supply chain with one caveat….share the results. We accept the measured risk of negative results and always celebrate the wins.” There is a shared sense of values at Power Wearhouse that is ingrained in everything they do and everyone they work with. Those they do business with must share those same values. She has also placed an emphasis on her customers, asking for and acting upon feedback which often has resulted in design adjustments, additions to colour choices and a big one, the twoway zipper.

“We design from the customer out, We leverage customer feedback as our inspiration super-power”

Shelagh Stoneham gives back – her dream of making a difference to people’s health has resulted in product endorsements by major health focused organizations, an incredible customer satisfaction rate (less than 1% of product is returned) even a growing corporate gifting and loyalty program built around fitness accessories – a nod to promoting healthy employees. She is on the Board of International Women’s Forum Canada and she also coaches other entrepreneurs and promising young women building corporate careers. Her advice to other women starting out building a business?

Power Wearhouse is not a giant (yet) in manufacturing but leadership, effective leadership is key to today’s success and tomorrow’s growth. Her corporate marketing background has given Shelagh her superpower to use white space to see opportunity, create, envision, and ultimately fulfill unmet needs that can have impact. In terms of leadership, Shelagh asks for feedback from her team and is inspired by leaders of widely successful companies. She cites Four Seasons for their commitment to outstanding customer experience which is not about a rigid employee code of conduct but rather empowering employees to make the right decisions, to be respectful of the brand while delighting the guest. Again, instilling values that are shared, respected and ingrained in everything that they do.

Have a clear idea of your target and a clear unmet need that your business addresses. For all those things that are not your forte… there is someone whose forte it is… outsource. Build a trusted advisor network. View your business plan as evolutionary. Allow experience to fine-tune your strategy.

As Power Wearhouse launched, Shelagh realized very quickly that the companies she was looking to partner with, were looking to diversify their vendor base. As a woman-owned business she knew that this included her. After being introduced to WBE Canada certification and its multitude and wideranging benefits by a colleague, she was convinced that it was a direction in which she absolutely had to go. Prior to Power Wearhouse, Shelagh’s experience in the male dominated corporate world wasn’t always easy. Doors were not automatically open. Even as she launched Power Wearhouse, she was still regarded as a small business woman and constantly fighting barriers. “WBE Canada certification gives us a ‘stamp

– Shelagh Stoneham

”Every year I write 3 professional and 3 personal goals to keep me accountable for growth. Patience continues to be on the list, year after year!!” – Shelagh Stoneham

of approval.’ In fact we are part of the RangeMe US platform and once I shared our WBE certification process they added it to their certification options for female owned businesses.” explains Shelagh.

Where does Power Wearhouse go from here?

Without giving much away, Shelagh teases that their 3 - 5 year plan will offer a slow, thoughtfully rolledout larger range of high quality products. Keeping the three channels retail, on-line and corporate gifting robust is key to the future. And continuing to promote health, fitness and well-being while offering ways to help people, not to do more, but to get more out of what they are already doing.

‘When you can’t change the direction of the wind –adjust your sails.’ This is a quote from an inspirational writer, Jackson Brown, Jr. We all know business doesn’t always give us what we expect or want. While we can't control the inevitable challenges, we can control how we react to them. – Shelagh

Stoneham

For more information: www.powerwearhouse.com

Instagram: @powerwearhouse

Shelagh Stoneham is Founder & CEO of Power WearHouse. These weighted wearables are known for their uniquely comfortable and chic designs. Power WearHouse products are available at major retailers across North America, the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation and through corporate gifting & incentive programs.

Shelagh is an international keynote speaker and retail strategic growth advisor. Shelagh’s senior executive experience spans a broad range of sectors including telecommunications, packaged goods, retail, fashion, airlines and pharmaceuticals. She has served as the Chief Marketing Officer for several Fortune 500 companies in North America. Shelagh is a Director of the International Women’s Forum.

February 2023 to July 2023

3. September 2023 to February 2024

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Presented by

BDC | DEVOTED TO THE SUCCESS OF CANADIAN WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES

BDC, a WBE Canada Partner is also a key partner in the success of women entrepreneurs in Canada. AtmanCo, a certified women business enterprise (WBE) since 2021, is a shining example of BDC’s commitment to helping Canadian women-owned businesses succeed and thrive, bolstering economic growth throughout Canada’s local and regional communities coast to coast..

“BDC is proud to present the following article featuring AtmanCo. an innovative women-owned business that is having an impact on the Canadian economy and focusing on bringing together diverse talent and tech solutions for the future.” – Laura

Didyk, Senior Vice President, Prairies, BDC

THE TALENT FINDER

Since its acquisition in 2018 by Marie-Christine Drolet, AtmanCo has positioned itself as a cutting-edge company combining psychometric science, analytics and artificial intelligence to help companies better recruit, build strong teams and foster employee development. Nowadays, the company's solutions are used by over 1,500 companies and organizations in more than 25 countries.

The AtmanCo platform, built on more than 12 years of R&D, offers a new generation of tools combining psychometrics and artificial intelligence to increase analysis accuracy and help organizations make the best talent decisions.

"We are very proud to have succeeded in adapting to the profound transformation of HR market needs over the last few years, such as labour shortages, the increased expectations of a new generation of employees, and remote

and hybrid management models, to name a few. We have evolved from a company specializing in psychometrics and recruitment to a talent optimization and retention company, offering a wide range of innovative solutions to help organizations adapt to new realities and transform the way they recruit, mobilize and develop their people," says Marie-Christine Drolet, President of AtmanCo.

THE CONTRIBUTION OF DIVERSITY TO CORPORATE TRANSFORMATION

Over the years, Marie-Christine has constantly strived to establish a culture of diversity and inclusion at AtmanCo, creating a dynamic that fosters trust, motivation, cooperation and employee performance. "I am deeply motivated by the desire to support women from diverse backgrounds in their career and professional

development. At AtmanCo, 75% of the management team is made up of women, and half of our members identify as visible minorities. As well, since I purchased the company in 2018, our Board of Directors has achieved parity, with 60% of members identifying as female.’’

"I am convinced that the richness brought about by diversity has enabled us to succeed in the technological and commercial transformations that allow AtmanCo to be recognized as an extremely innovative company, both for our technology and our content development."

AtmanCo's WBE certification also aims to increase diversity and inclusion in the workplace, help the company raise its profile, and overcome common obstacles still faced by women-owned businesses today. WBE's network of women entrepreneurs is not only important for support and networking, it also helps AtmanCo better position itself with major buyers and customers in Canada.

A VIRTUAL COACH TO SUPPORT MANAGERS IN THE NEW HR REALITY

AtmanCo has the advantage of being at the forefront of change, while promoting innovation and inclusion in the business world. One of its most recent innovations, the Virtual Coach

for Managers, is a revolution in the field of psychometrics. It automates coaching for managers, providing instant, personalized recommendations to foster communication, cooperation and team development. The solution used by customers, including Air Transat, is already showing very promising results in terms of staff mobilization and retention.

To find out more about the Virtual Coach, or how to transform the way you recruit, engage and develop your team members, visit www.atmanco.com

"My ambition is that talent diversity continues to drive innovation and the development of our solutions to meet operational and human needs in terms of employee selection, engagement and development."

- Marie-Christine Drolet, CEO AtmanCo.

ACCESS to local, national and global supplier diversity programs creating market advantage, opening doors to greater success

GROWTH through access to WBE Canada Toolbox, valuable resources, mentorship opportunities and development programs

SUPPORT network including partners, champions, events and opportunities designed to create opportunities and important connections

PETER & PAUL’S GIFTS - INSPIRING AND

Anna Eliopoulos is the President and CEO of Peter & Paul’s Gifts located in Vaughan, Ontario. Alongside her husband Peter Eliopoulos, Peter & Paul’s Gifts evolved from the original Peter & Paul’s Restaurant, a long-standing eatery in Toronto run by Anna and Peter in the early 1980s. The restaurant sold specialty packaged foods with patrons frequently asking them to compile the items into baskets to gift to their clients and employees. During the holidays, gifts and orders would get larger in size and increase in frequency. Operating from the corner of the restaurant, Anna quickly realized that they were on to something. Starting with their restaurant clientele, they offered composed gift baskets regularly. What started as casual requests from customers to package chocolate and cookies from a tiny corner of the restaurant, evolved into needing their own space and eventually a warehouse.

In 1984, Peter & Paul’s Gifts became a full-time business offering gift baskets year-round with a distinct focus on corporate gifting and a showroom for retail shopping. In 2015, they moved into their current location, boasting 25,000 sq. ft. of office, warehouse and showroom space. With the increased capacity, the business produces and ships daily to corporate and social clients, with a focus on home closing gifts and online orders. Notably, the fourth quarter is their most demanding time as they add

to their production, composing over 50,000 gifts for wholesale partners such as Costco, TJX and others.

Since its founding, owner and gift expert Anna Eliopoulos, has brought excitement and passion to the gift giving market by understanding the dynamic needs of the market. The Peter & Paul’s Gifts team ensures the highest quality of products and services, as well as ensures that each customer experience is both personal and joyful for both the gift purchaser and the recipient.

“Our gifts are designed with excellence, made with love and delivered with care to leave a memorable impression. We are your gifting partner, providing innovative solutions and five-star service, dedicating ourselves to ensure you are completely fulfilled with your gift."

Anna Eliopoulos

Peter & Paul’s Gifts is not only steeped in family history, but its success goes beyond their storied beginnings. Several key employees have been with the company for more than 20 years. They have clients who have been with them for more than a decade and their patronage and loyalty speaks volumes. The corporate business which accounts for 60% of Peter & Paul’s Gifts’ clientele requires constant understanding of the changing needs and dynamics of that market.

Sourcing the hundreds of items that go into Peter & Paul’s Gift’s Baskets is no small task. Nor is determining the next innovative collection that becomes a true reflection of the giver. Especially when it comes to their corporate clientele. Each order is an extension of a corporation’s brand and

THOUGHTFULLY CURATED GIFT GIVING

must meet the highest of expectations and ensure the recipient is receiving the best experience. Creativity is the life blood and soul of Peter & Paul’s Gifts. They strongly value the input from both employees and clients when conceptualizing new basket ideas. Internal team brainstorming sessions are conducted regularly to discuss emerging trends or any voids in their product line-up that must be addressed. Key is feedback provided by customers and suggestions are taken into consideration when creating new designs.

Also important to the business is the prioritization placed on sourcing products from local suppliers. “We view this as a responsible business practice as it strengthens the community in which we do business and supports local economic growth. That being said, we also uphold a high standard that all vendors must adhere to in order to be featured in our baskets. So, while we prefer to feature as many Canadian brands as possible, it is just as important that these companies align with our branding, values and strategic goals for development.”

Anna Eliopoulos

Environmental sustainability plays a very large role in the choice of products and packaging and they have pivoted their business practices to ensure that as many reusable materials are incorporated as possible. This includes eliminating the use of cellophane wherever possible which has had a direct effect on their selection of products and bases.

As with so many businesses during the pandemic, their online business grew significantly. With so many options to choose from, shopping on-line made gift giving during that intense, often confusing time, a positive, fun and truly less stressful way for customers to continue their gift giving with confidence. Since in store shopping is now back to normal, Anna and her team have invested heavily in their digital marketing and social channels promoting the convenience and special reasons to choose Peter & Paul’s Gifts. They have also launched a loyalty program that

rewards their clients for continuing to purchase with them as a special thank you for their patronage. Online orders represent 15-20% of their total business which has grown since the pandemic. But what remains important even today is their retail business. The retail store has fluctuated in volume throughout the years, more specifically throughout the seasons as retail does tend to pick up most during the holiday season with gift givers wanting a hands-on look at gifts as well as one on one design consultations with their gift designers. Never forgetting where it all began, Anna and the entire Peter & Paul’s family, welcome their retail customers with open arms.

In 2021, Peter & Paul’s Gifts certified with WBE Canada. With Anna at the helm, the business is more than 90% woman owned with Anna’s two daughters, Katherine Eliopoulos and Angela Eliopoulos transitioning to leadership roles in the company, beginning a new chapter. “WBE certification has opened so many wonderful opportunities to network with many new businesses. It is such a motivating experience to be a part of a network that is inclined to help and build one another to greater success. Having our clients recognize our affiliation with WBE Canada is a wonderful addition to our business.” -

Anna Eliopoulos

Anna Eliopoulos believes in giving back and she and her husband have been recognized on numerous occasions for their philanthropy efforts including Walk to End Breast Cancer, an event that is close to Anna’s Heart. In 2006 she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and in 2006 she also chaired three charity committees. Along with managing her treatments and recovery, she and her husband chaired the Venetian Ball, she co-chaired the TIFF Bell LightBox Fundraising Committee and The Humber River Gala. “I love to lead charity events and give back to the community. Not wanting to let anyone down, I accepted all three roles, actively ran my business and family and threw on a wig when I needed to. I consider that a triumph because I am very proud to be able to share my version of cancer and know that I am so blessed - not all stories of that difficult journey are the same.” -

Anna Eliopoulos

Anna’s enthusiasm, zeal for business and an absolute dedication to customer service is contagious and translates as she works side by side with the best team in the business. As a leader, she is constantly surrounding herself with current books on personal and business development, podcasts and is a member of Verity Toronto Women’s Club. As the President and CEO of a business built on creativity, there’s also travel, arts and culture and always listening to feedback from her industry peers, children and employees.

“My superpower is staying calm in the storm. Everything can be managed or dealt with while staying calm and focused.” - Anna Eliopoulos

As Anna, her two daughters and the entire Peter & Paul’s Gifts team look ahead, they are focused on keeping a closer eye on their carbon footprint. They have already made some significant improvements on their environmental processes and have been members of the Green Business Bureau for the past few years. Reducing their carbon footprint is at the forefront when discussing new business initiatives and next steps, especially with regards to new gift designs and categories.

Since the early 80s, Anna Eliopoulos has watched her business evolve from packaging cookies in her husband’s family-owned restaurant to carving out a small gifting business in a corner of that same bakery, to expanding to a full time business and storefront to

a premiere online and corporate gifting company. Peter & Paul’s Gifts upholds the highest standards, ensuring customer satisfaction for every order, using customer input alongside their highly creative team to fuel their innovation and success. Anna’s advice to women entrepreneurs starting out? “Find out what it is you really love and then take the steps to make your dreams a reality. Don’t get discouraged, own your mistakes and learn from them. It’s from there that you will grow your business and pave the path to success.”

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. -Eleanor Roosevelt

Learn more about Peter & Paul’s Gifts: www.PeterAndPaulsGifts.com

Anna Eliopoulos always knew she was going to be an entrepreneur as it all started when she and her husband, Peter opened up their first family restaurant over 40 years ago. Anna’s passion for gift giving began with her generosity and interesting gift giving to her family and friends; which has developed into one of the largest premier gift companies in Canada. As President and CEO, Anna remains very hands-on in the gift development process as she travels worldwide and works sideby-side with the production team and purchasing guru’s to ensure that all customers feel luxurious, sophisticated, and comforted with each gift they order or receive. Her enthusiasm, zeal for the business, and an absolute dedication to customer service is contagious and translates into her working side by side with the best team in the business.

Manulife’s Commitment to Supplier Diversity

Over the last three years, Manulife has been on a journey to transform its supplier division to help address some of the systemic challenges faced by racially and ethnically diverse communities and individuals in Canada. The program, which Manulife refers to as their Supplier Diversity Program, has been so successful that they are now replicating it to become a fundamental aspect of their entire Global Procurement function.

“Over the last few years, as a society, we have been witness to a moment of collective reckoning. To foster a culture of belonging and acceptance, we must view diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) not as a 'check-the-box exercise', but a key differentiator and driver for our business success,” says Pragya Pandit, Vice President, North America Sourcing. “As part of this, at Manulife, we are actively working to create strong partnerships with diverse suppliers in the communities where we live and work.”

Now in its third year, the Supplier Diversity Program has shown exciting progress. Last year, Manulife’s diverse spend increased by 2.6% YoY in North America – up 4.4% from what was spent in 2020.

Introducing a new resource for

women-owned businesses!

“It’s not enough for organizations to simply say they are committed to DEI; if you talk-the-talk, you must walk-the-walk,” continues Pandit. “By having tangible, actionable and measurable goals, we are able to know if we are meeting our DEI supplier goals, or if there are areas that need to be reevaluated.”

As part of the transformation, several initiatives have been implemented to increase diversity in Manulife’s Global Procurement arm, including establishing a Supplier Diversity Office – a dedicated team of colleagues with a clear vision and priorities who work in close partnership with the Manulife DEI Council, HR, Marketing, and Community Investments.

Manulife has also embarked on a journey to improve DEI reporting. The organization has

MANULIFE'S COMMITMENT continued...

invested in data and analytics capabilities that enable them to get an accurate representation of the number of diverse suppliers – in Canada and across the globe. They’ve also set up a dedicated Supplier Diversity Page on their website encouraging suppliers to pursue opportunities with them, launched internal monthly roadshows and embedded supplier diversity into KPIs for relevant colleagues.

“We are really proud of the journey we’re on and what we have accomplished so far,” says Pandit. “But we also know that we must – and can – do more. This is why we’re accelerating our efforts to help grow our current supplier base. In September, we are hosting our annual Supplier Diversity Fair at Manulife's headquarters in Toronto, where over 300 suppliers are invited to connect directly with business stakeholders to help them better prepare to meet our business requirements.”

Manulife is a proud sponsor of WBE Canada. In 2023, they won Pacesetters “Company of the Year” awarded by Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, have been nominated for the “Corporation of the Year 2023” from the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) by a Canadian MBE and most recently selected as a Top 3 Finalist for the 2023 NGLCC LGBT BRG Challenge.

“We know that our relentless focus on a more diverse supplier group will positively benefit our business, our planet, and the people who call it home. We're proud to be building a better business to help better the world.”

Creating opportunities for businesses owned by women, minorities and other underrepresented groups

Accelerating our journey of diversity, equity and inclusion

Manulife, Stylized M Design, and Manulife & Stylized M Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license.

NAVIGATING SUCCESS: GET READY FOR THE 2023 WBE CANADA NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Leveraging Opportunities, Building Networks, Inspiring Growth

WBE Canada’s National Conference is the largest event in support of Canadian womenowned businesses. Government and corporate representatives from across Canada join us to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements and meet with established and emerging womenowned businesses from across Canada. This year’s conference theme is "Women Impact: Leading Innovation & Growth" as we look at the hottest trends and innovations and zero in on growth opportunities. .

WBE Canada’s annual conference is always a treasure trove of opportunities for WBEs looking to scale their businesses or large organizations looking to engage more women in their supply chain. It's imperative to prepare strategically to make the most of your time and resources.

Here are 3 areas to leverage your attendance to the fullest and maximize your ROI

BEFORE THE CONFERENCE - Prepare in advance

"The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today."

H. Jackson Brown Jr.

1. Learning

Begin by studying the conference agenda, identifying sessions, workshops, and panels that align with your business goals and challenges. From procurement opportunities and supplier diversity discussions to insightful keynotes, there's a wealth of knowledge waiting to be tapped.

 Set clear goals: Determine what you want to achieve at the conference. Are you looking to network, learn from workshops, or promote your

business? Having clear goals will help you prioritize your time and efforts.

 Be sure to visit our conference website. We are continually adding new information. This is where you can find Agenda, Speakers, Sessions, Tradeshow and Important logistics.

2. Networking

The heart of any conference lies in its networking opportunities. To optimize your networking experience and build meaningful connections, prepare yourself before attending the conference:

 Create your profile in the Conference App (available in October): this will give you an opportunity to preview other conference attendees even before the conference.

 Research attendees: Familiarize yourself with other attendees - including speakers, buyers and organizations. This knowledge can help you identify potential partners, clients, or mentors to connect with during the conference.

 Schedule meetings: You can book and schedule your conference meetings in advance!

 Bring ample business cards: Ensure you have a sufficient supply with up-to-date contact information or make sure your electronic business card information is up-to-date.

3. Your Elevator Pitch

Think about your elevator pitch – a concise (30-60 seconds), compelling summary of your business that captures its essence. Having a polished pitch is key as you'll have opportunities to connect with potential clients, partners, and collaborators. Practice, refine, and be ready to deliver it with confidence. Here are some quick elements to make sure you’ve got everything covered:

 WHO Are You? What’s your story, what is your expertise and knowledge in your business? Don’t be afraid to show your passion!

 WHAT is your Business About? Introduce your product or service - be succinct - keep it simple and easy to grasp.

 WHERE are you located? On-line? Bricks & Mortar? How large is your company? Where can you supply: regionally, nationally, globally?

 WHEN did you start your business? How long have you been in the business or working with this type of product or service? Are you ready to supply your prospect now?

 HOW do you deliver? How are you delivering your products or services - logistics?

 WHY/WHY NOT? Why would you like to do business with this prospect? And why should they choose you?

“I had some great connections from people I met at the conference. Two people were on my list that I have tried for a few months to meet and here they were at the Conference, and I got a face-to-face! I may never have been able to meet with them. That made the Conference worthwhile for me!” ~ 2022 National Conference attendee

 Practice and practice some more. Start by writing down your elevator pitch. Identify the most important key points and make sure they are clear and impactful. Time your pitch to make sure it fits within 30sec - 1min. Speak slowly and clearly and at a moderate pace. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself or ask a friend to help you. Listen to feedback from others and be open to making changes. While practicing, focus on being authentic and genuine. Your enthusiasm and passion for your topic will naturally shine through. Remember, consistent practice is key to mastering your elevator pitch.

“I liked the opportunities to network with corporate members and was surprised with how many other WBEs I networked with. I liked that there are opportunities to directly meet companies” ~ 2022 National Conference attendee

DURING THE CONFERENCE: Building NetworksForging Connections That Propel Growth

The 2023 WBE Canada National Conference is “your oyster”! You’re ready to take it all in, maximize every opportunity, connect with fellow WBEs you haven’t seen since last year, create new relationships and do some business! But it can also be overwhelminghere are some tips to help you navigate through it all:

 Engage in Networking: Take advantage of networking breaks and meals to connect with other attendees. Approach conversations with genuine interest, active listening, and a focus on building meaningful relationships. Even if it means getting out of your comfort zone - take the first step - you never know where a conversation will lead.

 Present your elevator pitch with confidence: Remember, the goal of your elevator pitch is to make a memorable and positive impression quickly. Make sure to keep a confident posture and maintain eye contact. A genuine smile helps create a friendly and approachable impression while natural and purposeful hand gestures emphasize key points. Don’t forget to infuse energy and enthusiasm into your voice and expressions.

 Use Social Media: Make sure to follow WBE Canada official Social Media accounts and use #wbeconference to search anything related to our conference and to join online conversations. Online conversations take in person relationships to the next level as they expand your reach beyond the conference - to the social networks of other Conference attendees.

 Attend workshops and sessions: Participate in workshops and sessions that align with your interests and goals. We know the lure of answering emails, making phone calls, dealing with life back at the office is huge but don’t skip out on why you came to the conference - to hear from the experts, to learn and to connect in person!

“ If You Can’t Explain It Simply, You Don’t Understand It Well Enough”. - Albert Einstein

 Stay hydrated and energized: Conferences can be physically demanding. Drink plenty of water, take advantage of nutritious snacks on hand, and take short breaks to recharge.

 Explore the Tradeshow area: Visit the exhibit area to discover new products, services, and potential partners. Engage with exhibitors and learn about innovative solutions.

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Have fun!

ATTENTION TRADESHOW EXHIBITORS!

Brand yourself early - Let your social media community know that you’ll be exhibiting at WBE Canada’s National Conference and share sneak peeks. Remember to tag @wbecanada and use #wbeconference so we can reshare your content!

Know your audience - Ensure that your booth showcases your products and services that will be of interest to corporations.

Utilize your booth - Make sure you have a variety (and plenty) of collateral pieces on hand. Include resources that give any attendees that enter a clear picture of your products and services.

Ask the right questions - If an attendee has reached your booth that means there was something

that caught their attention. Use this to your benefit.

After the Tradeshow - Follow up with attendees who visited your booth or had conversations with you. Take time and do your research when sending them a follow-up email. These strategic differences set you apart from other exhibitors and strengthen your connection to attendees.

AFTER THE CONFERENCEFollow Up Strategies

After two days of immersing yourself in all things “conference” - don’t just get in the car and leave everything behind. Here are some tips to keep your conference experience buzzing and keep you top of mind with everyone you meet.

 Review the business cards you collected and the notes you took during the conference. Categorize contacts based on the level of connection and potential collaboration.

 Send personalized thank-you emails to presenters, expressing your appreciation for their time and insights.

 Connect with your new contacts on LinkedIn. Include a personal message reminding them of your conversation and your shared interests.

 Follow up with your new connections, send information that was requested or promised. If you identified potential collaboration

opportunities, propose follow-up meetings or calls to discuss them in more detail. Be proactive in suggesting next steps.

 Stay engaged on social media platforms by sharing insights, photos, or highlights from the conference. Tag individuals you connected with to maintain visibility and continue conversations online and remember to use #wbeconference.

 Think about how you can provide value to your new connections. Share your expertise, offer to introduce them to relevant contacts, or provide insights that align with their interests.

 Update your CRM: If you use a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, add your new contacts and relevant details. This will help you track interactions and follow-up activities.

 Your follow-up efforts shouldn't end immediately after the conference. Continue nurturing your new and existing relationships over time, providing updates and staying engaged.

 The key to successful follow-up is to be genuine, sincere, and focused on building meaningful relationships. By maintaining regular communication and finding ways to provide value, you'll be wellpositioned to turn conference connections into fruitful collaborations.

 Be patient. Do not start this email with “I did not receive a response to my previous email” or “you haven’t responded to my previous email”. Say something like: “I would like to follow up with you on my previous email” or “I hope you are well. I would like to connect with you to share more information about our services”.

“Access to corporate buyers exceeded my expectations. Had a couple of great meetings with other WBE companies and will be meeting with them post-conference. Got to meet our digital marketing firm in person for the first time!” ~ 2022 National Conference attendee

Embrace the Journey, Reap the Rewards

The 2023 WBE Canada National Conference is more than just an event; it's an opportunity to refine your business acumen, expand your network, and gain insights that can drive your business toward new heights. Certified women-owned businesses stand on the precipice of a transformative experience that promises growth, empowerment, and a renewed sense of purpose. By leveraging opportunities, building networks, and embracing inspiration, you're primed to embark on a journey that could reshape the trajectory of your business for years to come. Prepare with enthusiasm, engage with intention, and get ready to make the most of this empowering conference!

Want to learn more about how to prepare for the 2023 WBE Canada National Conference, what to expect and how to maximize your experience?

Join us on Wednesday, October 11 for our Pre-Conference WBE FORUM

WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES LEARN MORE

CORPORATE & GOVERNMENT BUYERS AND LEADERS

STILL HAVE DOUBTS WHY YOU SHOULD REGISTER? LEARN MORE

CHAMPIONS OF WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES

LEARN MORE

We can’t wait to see you on November 8th at the Toronto Congress Centre! Still not registered? Purchase your ticket or Become an exhibitor! Questions? Let us know!

“I enjoyed networking and I think we got a few very good prospects. I also liked that we were in person. I got to meet so many great women” ~ 2022 National Conference attendee

Fisika

Full service communications agency, developing software & delivering high-quality strategy and creative that gets noticed. We stand out with our knack for simplifying complex information which we have coined, the art of clarity, finding the obvious solution nobody thought of.

International Name Plate Supplies Ltd.

Braille Signage Solutions for AODA Compliance!

Looking for top-notch braille signage solutions to comply with Ontario’s accessibility law? INPS has you covered!

Get $250 off your order of $1000 or more by using code WBEAODA!

Our cutting-edge AODA printing technology guarantees a wide range of braille signage options to suit your needs.

Be ahead of the accessibility curve and ensure universal accessibility in your organization by January 1, 2025. The AODA law applies to all businesses with 1 or more employees in Ontario.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make your space more accessible! Contact us today at graphics.inps.net/interior-graphics/wayfinding-signage to claim. k.ca

Anointment Natural Skin Care

For over 20 years you've trusted us. Anointment products support comfort in pregnancy, postpartum, new parenthood, and every day.

Rooted in herbal knowledge, backed up by science. Anointment's pregnancy, postpartum, and baby skin care products were born out of experience and need. Gentle and safe for use during pregnancy and through the intense period of change and healing after the birth of your baby.

We’ve been there & we'll always be here. Use code WBEHOLIDAY for 10% off your order until December 31, 2023. k.ca

Taylors Tartans

This holiday season celebrate your family and friends with reusable festive tartan napkins and table runners. From the east to the west coast, and everywhere in between you can acknowledge your co-workers with their own provincial tartan scarves all made in Canada by women.

Use coupon WBE-TT for $25% off your order of 3 or more scarves, table runners or napkin sets.

TaylorsTartans.com

HelloInfo Inc.

HelloInfo offers insights on your competitors, customers, or markets, using primary and secondary research.

Use code COMPETE for 10% off services purchased by March 31, 2024. k.ca

Innovatex Solutions Inc.

Innovatex would like to share the spirit of the season with you by offering a free set-up.

Shop now for all your holiday gifts for both clients and employees and have the set-up cost waived.

We have also gathered the top trending gifts for you to choose from. Follow the QR code to view our special WBE Holiday offerings page.

Seasons Greeting from the Team at Innovatex, Promo Products with Heart !

k.ca

Botanical PaperWorks

Get ready to captivate your customers and leave a lasting impression this holiday season with the eco-friendly corporate gifts & seed cards you’ll find in the Botanical PaperWorks Holiday Idea Book. It’s filled with sustainable products and features NEW Hand-Poured Custom Logo Candles made with natural soy and coconut wax. Infuse homes with delightful aromas while showcasing your branding on a beautiful reusable amber jar. You'll also discover tons of seed paper products that combine the joy of giving with the opportunity to grow beautiful plants as well handmade soaps made with natural ingredients. Take a look and start planning today! k.ca

Amyantek Inc.

Leading Professional/Recruitment Firm in Toronto servicing Public and Private clients in Canada and US. k.ca

Kootenay Knit & Apparel

We offer unique gifts for both personal and corporate gift giving. Our Collections include Canada-Made, Eco-Friendly, Handmade, Core, Cables and Canada-Themed.

Choose from beanies, mittens, scarves and socks. Create a set with a matching style.

Branding options are available on corporate orders to personalize and customize.

Enjoy 20% off all online retail orders until Dec 31st, 2023.

Use Coupon Code WBE2023HOLIDAY. k.ca

Som mEvents

GIFT wine boxes with a selection of wines not available at your retail stores! Personalize your gifts with your brand and colours, all delivered to your office ready for the holiday season.

Order by November 15, 2023, and receive 10% off your order.

See our website for ideas at www.SommEvents.com or email info@sommevents.com

Baskits Inc.

Enjoy 10% off your order at Baskits.com! Choose from a fantastic selection of luxurious holiday gifts with shipping available across North America.

Use Coupon Code WBE10 k.ca

Hemo Logistics Inc.

Allow us to spread some Holiday Cheer! Book a load with Hemo Logistics in October, November and/or December to be included in our monthly drawing for a $200 gift card!

Coupon Code: Holiday Cheer!

*expiry Dec 31, 2023. One drawing per month from October-December 2023. Load must be delivered to qualify. Chosen company must be in good standing with Hemo Logistics Inc accounting department to qualify. If not, another name will be selected. Winners will be contacted directly.”

Redwood Classics Apparel

Celebrate this holiday season with Redwood Classics Apparel - proudly Made in Canada! As a diverse certified woman and minority-owned company, we take pride in crafting premium, custom-made clothing for Canadians by Canadians. By supporting local manufacturing, you contribute to our thriving economy.

As COVID has taught us, backing homegrown businesses is vital yearround, not just during supply-chain disruptions. Join us in embracing sustainability, craftsmanship, and ethical practices while making a positive impact on the planet and communities.

Let's spread joy and unity this Holiday season with our timeless, sustainable styles - contact one of our trusted distributor partners today!

BG Communications International Inc.

Unlock your company’s potential for successful business expansion! With 87% of customers seeking multilingual options and 40% of Internet users avoiding non-native language sites,* it’s time to enhance your communication strategies. Reach a wider audience, gain a competitive edge, and build stronger relationships thanks to our expert multilingual solutions.

Contact us at info@bgcommunications.ca using code WBEW2023 and request your free hour of language consulting services today!

Embrace the boundless opportunities of language diversity and help your business reach unprecedented heights. Explore our services at bgcommunications.ca to get started

(*CSA Research)

(*insights.csa-research.com/reportaction/305013126/Marketing) k.ca

iPlume Writing Inc.

Give the gift of success with 50% off resume, LinkedIn, and business description writing from iPlume Writing Inc.! Contact us to learn more. k.ca

RedwoodClassics.net

Butterfly Ethical Gifting

Looking for the perfect holiday gifts for your clients, employees, or event? With a strong network of ethical, sustainable, and diverse vendors, let us help you gift with purpose. Our thoughtfully curated gifts, branded items, and technology for your project allow you to be a part of the effect, supporting vendors and brands worth believing in. We also create branded online shops, allowing recipients to choose their gift!

This season, we are offering you 5% off your purchase of $5000 or more. Make your holiday gifting budget count by choosing Butterfly Ethical Gifting. Together, we create the effect.

Coupon Code Butterfly5%

A.R.S. Assessment Rehabilitation Services Ltd.

k.ca

Medical Experts - A.R.S. - Your Reliable Partner for Independent Medical Evaluations.

Enjoy 20% off on all ergonomic assessments use coupon code WBE20

Staff Shop Inc.

k.ca

Give yourself or others the gift of enjoying the holiday season! We’ll staff your events with our VIP experienced Bartenders and Servers. You can sit back, relax and enjoy your guests company while our stars pass around food and/or alcohol. Take your holiday party to the next level with Staff Shop’s professional service and exclusive holiday deals.

Intimate Gathering Package (20-40 guests)

● 1 Bartender, 2 Servers

● 4 hours

● $350 + tax

Social Bash Package (Up to 100 guests)

● 3 bartenders, 6 servers

● 6 hours

● $1725 + tax

*Volume discount available for larger parties. Food and alcohol not included*

Coupon Code STAFFSHOPHOLIDAY k.ca

Experinece the joy of our all natural clean burning candles this season

Use Code: WBE10 to recieve 10% off your order

The Preservatory

A farm created artisanal food production company, specializing in seasonal preserves. The Preservatory preserves are made in copper kettles using traditional cooking methods and innovative flavour pairings. Using ‘at their peak’ in-season fruits, much of which is grown on our farm, Vista D’oro. Our delicious and versatile preserves are meant for pairing and sharing; served on a cheese board, as a glaze for roast meats or simply alongside fresh baked scones.

We’re pleased to offer 15% off your Holiday Shopping purchases

Happy Jammin’!

Use coupon code WBE20 to unlock our holiday special.

Jusu

Celebrate the holiday season with Jusu's exclusive gift set promotion! For a limited time, enjoy 30% off on all our product bundles. Treat your loved ones (or yourself!) to the ultimate gift of natural beauty and wellness. Our thoughtfully curated bundles feature a collection of plantbased products, carefully crafted to nourish your body and enhance your well-being. From skincare essentials to invigorating hair care, each bundle is designed to deliver a luxurious and sustainable experience. Don't miss out on this incredible offer to indulge in the goodness of Jusu at an unbeatable value. Spread the holiday cheer with Jusu's gift sets today!

Coupon Code WBE30

Melnyk Consultancy Ltd.

Evolve as a leader with Melnyk Consultancy Ltd's 2023 holiday offer! Our Accredited Change Management Training and high-impact Executive Coaching are tailored for pioneers of change. Master the art of leadership and navigate change seamlessly. Book now and enjoy an exclusive 15% off with coupon code: PRO24. This holiday season, invest in your growth and lead change with conviction. Don't just follow the change, be the change!

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Coupon Code PRO24 k.ca

Flowjo

Get 25% off The Self Care Bucket List & More!

The Self Care Bucket List: Fun Ideas, Activities & Stress Relief

Coupon Code WBE25

k.ca

HOLIDAY EVENT STAFF

SEASONAL SAVINGS!

Give yourself or others the gift of enjoying the holiday season! We’ll staff your events with our VIP experienced Bartenders and Servers.

Intimate Gathering Package (20-40 guests)

1 Bartender, 2 Servers

4 hours $350 + tax

Professional Service

• VIP Experienced Staff

Social Bash Package (Up to 100 guests)

3 Bartenders, 6 Servers

6 hours $1725 + tax

• Bar Kit

• Professional Uniforms

*Volume discounts available for larger parties. Food and alcohol not included*

Offer valid till December 30th, 2023 (excludes Statutory Holidays)

CODE: STAFFSHOPHOLIDAY

info@staffshop.ca www.staffshop.ca staffshop.ca

Wild Prairie Soap Company Inc.

Check out our 2023 Corporate Gift Guide for your holiday gifting needs. Whether you want corporate branded lip balm or you require fully customized gift sets, Wild Prairie Soap Company can bring your team and clients the kind of gift that truly says "thank you". All WBE members will receive preferred pricing and one-on-one help designing your custom-made holiday gifts. k.ca

Menus by Maria

GOOD FOOD DOES A WORLD OF GOOD

Nothing’s better than sharing good food with loved ones – especially this time of year. Menus by Maria whips up all your favourite eats and treats –with a healthy twist.

From Maria’s signature sourdough bread to melt-in-your-mouth cookies, every recipe is made from scratch with wholesome ingredients. And there are customizable options to suit your personal taste and nutritional needs.

Giving back is important to us, that’s why we donate 15% of all sales to Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre.

Order today and save 10% off your order with promo code WBE10 (valid from Sept.13 | 6am EDT) k.ca

Vama

VAMA is a Canadian indie female founded Ayurvedic hair and scalp wellness brand. Their award winning clean and vegan line unlocks the powerful properties of plant botanicals to rejuvenate and renew your scalp and hair health. VAMA is proudly Leaping Bunny certified and members of 1% for the planet. Give the gift of self-care and wellness this season through a healthy scalp and mane. Receive 15% off your entire order with your exclusive code.

Use coupon code: VAMACLEAN23 k.ca

Beezy Eco Inc.

How do you give gifts and keep the environment clean at the same time? Gifting doesn’t have to be wasteful.

Choose a brand that has a positive environmental and ethical impact. Beezy Eco products are perfect for personal and corporate Holiday gift giving. When purchasing for friends, co-workers or someone else, being eco-friendly matters. However, when companies make sustainable gifting a priority, the benefits of eco-friendly gifting are multiplied.

For your environmentally-friendly gifting:

● Plastic Free

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Let’s help make this planet a little nicer.

Use PROMO CODE: WBE23 to enjoy 15% off sitewide k.ca

Mary Macleod's Shortbread

Everyday deserves a little indulgence. Take a break from reality and melt into a moment of peace, love & butter with Mary Macleod's shortbread.

To unlock holiday special: Use code WELCOMETOMMS to take $10 off your oder of $40 or more.. k.ca

Cenergy Canadian Energy Services, Ltd.

Need skilled global talent? Look no further! Our international staffing agency specializes in direct and contract hires. Get 5% off on your next placement!"

Email: corinne.hasid@cenergyintl.com with the code WBE5 k.ca

Hammond International Inc.

40% discount off one of Hammond’s 90-minute customized online training on Conflict Resolution, Resilience or Leader as Mediator.

To unlock holiday special, put WBE50 in your email subject line. k.ca

Voda Retreats

Coupon Code: GRATITUDE20 for 20% off orders of 50 kits and up

Collections – The Voda Experience (vodaretreats.com)

Introducing Voda Retreats' exclusive "Gratitude & Wellness"

Customized Gift Sets – the perfect holiday offering for corporations seeking to elevate the well-being of their employees, clients, or guests. Show your appreciation with personalized self-care packages, carefully curated to promote relaxation and mindfulness. Our diverse selection includes scented candles, essential oils, stress-relief toys, and more. Add your brand's touch with custom packaging and heartfelt thank-you notes. Enjoy a corporate discount on bulk orders of 50 or more kits. Elevate holiday gifting this season with thoughtful, wellnessfocused gifts that leave a lasting impact. Embrace gratitude and wellness with Voda Retreats today!

Origen Air

Origen Air now offers beautifully designed air purifiers for personal use. Perfect for people who want to add a touch of natural beauty and enjoy the benefits of clean air at their office or home.

Contact us now and get a 10% OFF COUPON

New Initiatives Marketing Inc.

Signature Thought Leadership Program: 80% off only $3,999

Take your content marketing to the next level by engaging & empowering your subject matter experts & internal teams to become thought leaders in your industry. This WBE Canada special includes a professional writer to interview your experts, produce up to 4 long-form blogs/articles + 16 pieces of content (including video) for social media sharing + a workshop on how to use the content produced to establish your company employees as thought leaders in your industry. Best suited for client-facing roles such as CEOs, sales executives, and sales engineers. Act fast, only 5 available.

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Wabanaki Maple

Introducing our Elderberry Infused Maple Syrup, a truly exceptional blend of traditional flavours with natural goodness. The flavour combines the rich, earthy sweetness from our maple syrup and a distinct tartness from the elderberry.

The history of elderberry and Indigenous People are intertwined, with communities around the world having long recognized and utilized the medicinal, cultural, and spiritual significance of this versatile fruit. The traditional use of elderberry by Indigenous People underscores the deep connection between nature and human well-being.

Flavour: Sweet, Fruity, Earthy

Aroma: Rich, Floral, Cozy

Pairs With: Pastries, Desserts, Charcuterie Boards

Coupon Code: Welcome10

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Pure Botanica Company

Feel Happy. Sleep Better. Look Amazing. Give the Gift of Health and Beauty!

Premium Botanical Distillates, directly sourced from Organic Farms. Mix 2-3 Tablespoons with Water, Tea or Smoothie!

100% Organic. 100% Natural. 100% Plant.

Our Exclusive Gift Box Includes:

1 Premium Rose Distillate - The Ultimate Mood Booster and High in Antioxidants with Anti-aging properties.

1 Premium Lavender Distillate - Promotes Relaxation and Helps you Sleep!

1 Premium Mint Distillate - Improve Digestion. Relieve Bloating. Increase Hydration.

1 Premium Rose Face Mist - This Magical Mist is Anti-aging, Tones, Reduces Fine Lines, and Makes Skin Glow!

Special WBE Offer: $45

Coupon Code: WBEGIFT

Pomp & Sass Turkish Towels

Sustainable, size inclusive & spa quality! Turkish towels are ideal for the bath, beach & as a shawl or light blanket. Gift wrapping & cards available.

Save $5 individual towels with code: WBE23 exp 12/31

Serendipity Soy Candles

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Experience the joy of our all natural clean burning candles this season. Use code WBE10 to receive 10% off your order k.ca

OOt

OOt tackles workplace loneliness and burnout by cultivating a culture in hybrid work settings. Through data visualization, it encourages inperson interactions among colleagues with shared interests, using a double opt-in system at work and beyond. Features like social maps, profile building, mini-meet-ups, and an analytics portal guide better decisions. By prioritizing in-person connections over virtual ones, OOt boosts social and mental well-being. Its unique approach not only builds community but creates a more lively and engaged workplace culture. The integration of OOt in daily work life leads to a richer, more fulfilling professional experience.

Offer: FREE for first 3 Months. Use Promo Code: WBE2023 k.ca

Kool Ideas

Looking for the KOOLEST merch gifts to thank your clients/employees? Kool Ideas delivers boutique, Tier 1 service & specializes in offering sustainable products.

We are pleased to offer a 10% discount on your holiday order when you use promocode KOOLWBE. Contact us @ info@kool-ideas.com k.ca

LadderHR

Our CultureHub suite of products can help to enhance your leaders’ capabilities, give your individual contributors a better sense of purpose and create meaningful workplace conversations.

Until January 31, 2024, receive 15% off your quote when you engage with us on any combination of 2 CultureHub services!

Code: WBEHoliday2023

Satya Organic Inc.

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Satya skincare is steroid-free, anti-inflammatory balms and bath soaks. No fragrance, parabens, mineral oils or harmful chemicals. Indigenous woman-owned.

Coupon Code good until Dec 20, 2023.

Recognize Your Potential by Floria

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Turn Fixed Mindset to a culture of Growth Mindset! “The best way to enjoy the future is to Create it” Invest in your best asset this Holiday for highest ROI with Your Co-Creative Partner, Floria

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Tea Horse

Tea Horse is an Indigenous woman-owned artisanal tea and wild rice company that has created and produces a first-of-its-kind wild rice tea using its proprietary roasting process. Our wild rice tea blends are gluten-free and are available to the wholesale, retail, and consumer markets.

Our exclusive wild rice tea blends satisfy our customers’ need for a healthy beverage without sugar, artificial sweeteners and preservatives. The benefits of consuming wild rice tea are numerous. Tea leaves are loaded with flavonoids and other polyphenols which work as antioxidants and wild rice contains impressive amounts of nutrients including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc.

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Spark Candles

Custom candle design Studio for client & employee gifts, private label collections & special events. Hand poured in Toronto with pure soy wax & clean burning. Dozens of styles & scent options, add your logo & branding!

Special: Free Shipping + Fast Production Times

Receive a Personalized Quote Today! k.ca

Take Out Container

For all your food packaging and gifting needs. Enter our WBE exclusive holiday promo code for savings at checkout!

Promo Code: WBEHOLIDAY k.ca

The Benefit Code

Give the ultimate gift of well-being & health this Holiday - benefit & retirement plans that promote a thriving workforce. Happy holidays, healthier lives!

Coupon Code: benefitcodereview

Use for a free analysis to snapshot the health of your team and if you have a package to make sure it focuses on a healthy workplace culture. k.ca

Power WearHouse Inc.

Our Power Weighted Fitness Vest™ and Power Weighted Belt™ significantly accelerate calorie burn, improve cardio fitness plus build muscle and bone mass.

The best part is that you don’t have to change your workout routine. Get more out of your dogwalks, golf, pickleball, skiing etc.

They are comfortable and chic. Each weight is only 8oz so you can add as suits you. Each vest and belt comes with your choice of 5 or 10lbs of weight.

WBE members receive 20% off individual and corporate orders until January 31, 2024 using code FITGIFT20 k.ca

Forge & Spark Media

Six Months of Premium Content

Ease your workload and get results with consistently high-quality content and social media marketing. Our women-led team of content strategists, writers, and designers will:

● Create a strategic roadmap for your content marketing

● Develop a six-month content calendar

● Confirm go-ahead content with your decision-makers

● Draft monthly content packages that include search-optimized blogs or articles and social media posts

● Create premium branded designs for your ongoing use

● Schedule, publish, and manage your content

Email hello@forgeandspark.com with promo code: WBE23 k.ca

EI Experience

Ready to harness your emotions as your superpower? Get your exclusive copy of The Emotionally Strong Leader, signed by Carolyn Stern, today!

Coupon Code: You receive 20% off your purchase for a signed copy (discount applied at checkout). k.ca

Peter and Paul’s Baskets and Gifts

We are delighted to be in partnership and share our company’s feature story inside the WBE Holiday Catalogue for 2023. We want to extend our excitement to all WBE readers with a gift to them! Receive $10 off their first order of any gifts or florals and continue to receive benefits when signing up with our brand-new rewards program! Collect points to redeem dollars each time you order a gift or floral arrangement online and gain access to special bonus points and offers all year round.

Coupon Code: WBE2023

Gift Baskets Toronto, Canada | Gift Shop – Peter and Paul's Gifts k.ca

Functional Botanical Distillates

100% Natural. 100% Organic. 100% Vegan.

Drink to Your Health!

Functional Botanical Distillates, made from steam distilled plants, have been used for centuries to treat ailments and improve health!

Non-GMO. Zero Additives. Zero Preservatives. How to use: Mix 30ml with Water, Tea or Smoothie, and Drink to Your Health!

Reduce Anxiety & Improve Mood Digestion & Bloating Relief

Sleep-aid Cleanse Body Natural Pain Relief for Arthritis & more

@purebotanicacompany purebotanicacompany com

info@purebotanicacompany com

B4brand

Give your branding a fresh start! Get 30% OFF on all branding projects – this includes anything from logo, style guide, social media toolkit and templates. Contact hello@b4brand.ca to get started. Offer valid until January 31, 2024.

Delan

Anne-Marie has more than 25 years of experience in the field of IT recruitment. In 1997, she founded DELAN, a Quebec family-owned business that excels in recruitment for the technology industry. Leveraging an extensive network and IT market expertise, DELAN successfully places ideal candidates in both permanent and contractual positions. Involved in the community, Anne-Marie hosted webinars and discussion groups in collaboration with partners such as WBE Canada. She also participated in podcasts, radio recordings and television shows. Her accomplishments were recognized at the 2021 WBE Canada Excellence Awards, where she received the President's Award.

CODE: WBE2023 CODE: WBE2023

Leader Coach Intensive

We don’t have to tell you that the workforce is drastically changing. According to Deloitte, 75% of the workforce will be comprised of millennials and Gen Z by 2025. The workforce is becoming much more diverse leading to new expectations and the post covid office culture is presenting countless new challenges for leaders. The LCI Coach Certification for Leaders equips managers to lead today’s changing workforce. As a special exclusive WBE promotion, we are gifting 10 WBE certified members and/or organizations a $1000 Gift Certificate good towards our ICF Accredited Coach Certification for Leaders! Program start date: October 25, 2023.

Coupon Code: WBE1000

B Factory

Light up your winter. 20% off all our candles! All handmade, all pure beeswax. Visit bfactory.ca Use code WBE2023 at checkout.

The Shed Coffee

We are a specialty coffee roastery that provides unique coffee and local treats. Awarded as Canada’s Best Roastery by Reader’s Digest in 2022, we strive to add a little extra love into each cup they make and help to tell the stories behind the beans we use. 10% discount applied for WBE as an action of women support women.

Coupon Code: WBE001

Oneberrie

Perfect for holiday babies and corporate gifting for expecting employees. Let's celebrate every expecting family with Oneberrie. We make towels unlike any other on the market because while bathing may be natural, bathing a newborn might not come naturally.

Our patented Hands-Free Towels are intuitively wearable for all phases of infancy and beyond. Sewn, Packaged and Shipped from Canada for parents, by awesome humans. Some of our best seller gifts are our first bath bundle and baby bundle.

Parenthood is hard enough; first baths shouldn’t be. Gift nurture & connection with CODE: WBEBABY at checkout.

Use promo code WBEBaby at checkout for 25% off.

Neolé

Prioritize wellbeing to increase engagement & performance! Results-driven training for hybrid leaders/teams.

Please email info@neole.ca to book a free consultation and find the right opportunity for your hybrid team.

Burning Flame Candle Company

The holiday season has officially begun and everything on our website is 20% OFF* when you enter promo code: WBE2023 at checkout. Send your loved one's warm wishes with our premium 100% soy wax candles. Highly fragrant and long lasting, handcrafted in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Promo code is online only @ burningflame.ca (*Not valid with any other discounts/promotions). One code per customer.

Coupon Code: WBE2023

WBE Canada’s Supplier Diversity Accelerator

The Best-In-Class

Supplier Diversity Technology.

Take your Supplier Diversity Program to the Next Level!

WBE Canada’s Supplier Diversity Data Services

Start Your Journey Today!

CHECK OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING AT WBE CANADA

• Sept 14 - Open Office Call

• Sept 19 - WBE Meetup: Introducing the New and Improved Toolbox

• Sept 27 - EDC: Exporting 101 - How to Grow Your Business Globally

• Sept 28 - WBE Power Hour: The Government of Ontario

• Oct 4 - B2B Matchmaker

• Oct 11 - WBE Pre-Conference Forum

• Oct 12 - Open Office Call

• Oct 18 - Supplier Diversity Day Saskatoon, SK

•Nov 1 - Open Office Call

•Nov 8-9 - WBE Canada National Conference

•Nov 29 - Supplier Diversity Accelerator: Primer Workshop

Visit WBE Canada Events Calendar for more events

•Dec 6 - Open Office Call

•Dec 19 - WBE Meetup - Holiday Cheer

•Dec 20 to Jan 5 - WBE Canada Office Closed for the Holidays

•Jan 8 - WBE Canada Office re-opens. Happy New Year!