Join us for the launch of International Women’s Month 2025, hosted by Invest Ottawa!
Prepare for bold and honest conversations at The “F” Factor, where we’ll dive into the “F” words that impact entrepreneurs and businesses, from fighting burnout and finding fellowship to financing, fundraising, and pivoting fast.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from leaders ready to share their hard-won insights and experiences with vulnerability and authenticity.
Our 2025 speaker lineup includes the incredible visionary Katherine Homuth, Founder & CEO of STRX (Sheertex)!
The Agenda
8:00 AM: Registration and Networking
In-person ticket holders are welcome to attend our morning networking session at Bayview Yards with fellow attendees, speakers, allies, and women leaders. Light refreshments will be served.
9:00 AM: Welcome Remarks with event MC Lindsay Kavanagh & Land Acknowledgement
Time to take your seats! Our event will kick off promptly at 9:00 am for in-person and virtual attendees.
9:10 AM: Opening Presentation with Sonya Shorey
The presentation is titled “Our Journey – Progress and Outcomes Achieved to Date on the Women Founders and Owners Business Strategy,” established by Invest Ottawa
9:30 AM: A Panel Discussion moderated by Andrea Holland
Panellists TBA!
10:30 AM: Networking Break
10:45 AM: Keynote Fireside Chat with Katherine Homuth and Stephanie Lipp
Katherine Homuth is the Founder & CEO of SRTX (aka Sheertex), the Y Combinator-backed technology company dedicated to using material science and smart manufacturing to transform apparel. SRTX is best known for Sheertex, a knit made from one of the world’s strongest polymers and technology-disrupting hosiery through its impossibly strong pantyhose.
As the founding CEO, Katherine invented the company’s first patented knit and today leads the executive team. SRTX has grown to over 200 people and $30M USD in annual sales in just three years and has raised over $140M USD in capital.
Stephanie Lipp is the Co-Founder and CEO of MycoFutures. MycoFutures is a next-gen materials, agtech and cleantech startup based in Mississauga, ON. Founded by gourmet mushroom farmers, MycoFutures is leveraging the complexity and sustainability of mycelium, the root system of fungi, to create a luxurious leather alternative that will help alleviate the environmental impact of natural and synthetic leathers currently on the market.
11:45 AM: Concluding Remarks
NOON: Networking & Refreshments
Light refreshments will be served from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm in the RBC Foundry of Bayview Yards.
Register Now
Year after year, this event promises to be one that can’t be missed. Register now to reserve your free ticket today!
#IWM2025 #AccelerateAction
Important Event Details
If you are joining us in person, we are delighted to share the information below regarding transportation to our innovation hub and the support available upon arrival.
- Cycling: Located beside the Ottawa River Pathway and many other routes, Bayview Yards is easily accessible via bicycle. We offer ample bike racks at the front and back of our building throughout all seasons.
- Driving: 50 spaces along Bayview Station Road offer 2 hours of free parking, and 27 spaces along Stonehurst and Burnside offer 1 hour of free parking.
- Parking: Complimentary parking is available onsite.
- Transit: Bayview Yards is 600m away from Bayview Station, which serves multiple routes. It is also the O-Train stop.
- Inclusive & Accessible: Should you have any specific mobility requirements, please contact Audrey Willsey at [email protected]. Our team will be pleased to work with you to make all the arrangements required for a great experience.
By registering for this event, you accept that:
- You may be photographed or video recorded as we capture special moments during this event and share memories with our community via our website and social media.
- You will receive event-related emails and an invitation to subscribe to our mailing list.
Special Thank You
We are incredibly grateful to the BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund for their generous support as our title sponsor for IWM 2025 and their unwavering commitment to our shared goals and community.
Register Now
If you’re aspiring, pivoting or scaling a business, this is the place to be on March 3, 2025. Join us at Bayview Yards or catch all the action virtually; we will share the event streaming link before March 3rd.
No matter where you are, this event is not to be missed. All are welcome, and it’s all free!
Get a sense of what’s to come this International Women’s Month with last year’s teaser video.