We @Hive were fortunate to attend The “F” Factor: Fueling Founders Event, an International Women’s Month (IWM) 2024 launch event, hosted by Invest Ottawa and BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund where the theme was Fierce. Fearless. Focused.
The event was a resounding success, buzzing with inspiring talks and elevating this years’ broader campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 – Inspire Inclusion. Below are a few of our key highlights, including insights from Michele Romanow, the engaging Q&A session that followed, and the broader significance of the event for women in business.
Championing Women Entrepreneurs: A Commitment to Change
Invest Ottawa’s unwavering dedication to supporting women entrepreneurs was palpable throughout the event. @Amanda Speroni and @Lindsay Kavanagh, the event’s enthusiastic MCs, set the tone with their compelling energy and unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity. From the opening welcome to the closing remarks, there was a sense of community and support that permeated the atmosphere. Speroni and Kavanagh encouraged attendees to use the hashtags #IWM2024 and #InspireInclusion as tools to ignite conversations and spread awareness, effectively turning the event into a digital movement for gender equality.
Acknowledging the Past, Shaping the Future
The event commenced with a land acknowledgment delivered by @Sonia Shorey, underscoring the importance of recognizing and respecting the traditional territory of the Algonquin people. This act of respect served as a powerful reminder of the historical context that has often hindered women’s success in entrepreneurship. It set the stage for discussions on inclusivity, diversity, and the imperative of building a more equitable future that honours the contributions of all individuals.
Michele Romanow – A Beacon of Resilience and Innovation
The centrepiece of the event was @Michele Romanow’s captivating speech. A seasoned entrepreneur, Romanow shared her inspiring journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. She spoke openly about the obstacles she overcame, and the lessons learned along the way, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Romanow also highlighted the power of iteration as a key driver of innovation. She emphasized that success rarely comes from a single stroke of genius but rather from the continuous process of refining ideas, learning from mistakes, and adapting to changing circumstances. This message resonated with the audience, encouraging them to embrace a growth mindset and persevere in their entrepreneurial pursuits.
Fostering Connections – The Power of Q&A
Following Romanow’s speech, the event transitioned into a dynamic Q&A session, providing attendees with an opportunity to engage directly with the speaker and delve deeper into the themes of resilience, innovation, and inclusivity. The session was marked by lively discussions, insightful questions, and candid responses, creating a space for shared experiences and collective learning. Romanow’s thoughtful insights and practical advice left a lasting impact on many, inspiring attendees to approach their own entrepreneurial journeys with renewed vigour and determination.
Beyond a Single Day: Invest Ottawa’s Vision for Women Entrepreneurs
The IWM 2024 event at Invest Ottawa served as a powerful testament to the organization’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. Invest Ottawa is playing a vital role in empowering the next generation of female leaders by providing a platform for women like Michele Romanow to share their stories, offering opportunities for networking and learning through the Q&A session, and creating a welcoming environment that acknowledges the past. The organization’s initiatives extend beyond this single event, offering programs, resources, and mentorship opportunities specifically designed to address the unique needs of women entrepreneurs.
Join the Movement: #IWM2024 #InspireInclusion
We were inspired and encourage you to learn more about Invest Ottawa’s initiatives for women entrepreneurs and continue the conversation about inclusion and women’s empowerment in the business world. Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas using the hashtags #IWM2024 and #InspireInclusion. Let’s work together to build a more equitable and successful future for all.
Additional Resources
- Learn More About Invest Ottawa’s Initiatives for Women Entrepreneurs: https://www.investottawa.ca/women/ (This link leads directly to Invest Ottawa’s programs for women entrepreneurs)
- Join the Conversation on Social Media: #IWM2024 #InspireInclusion (These are the hashtags used at the event)