Press Release | Calgary Welcomes the Self-Made Breakfast Tour, Advancing Its Mission to Empower Women Entrepreneurs Across Canada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 17th, 2025

Calgary powers up the Self-Made Breakfast Tour with unstoppable entrepreneurial energy

The third stop in the award-winning national tour unites women entrepreneurs in Alberta for a day of access, insight, and inspiration.

Calgary, AB – The award-winning Self-Made Breakfast Tour presented in partnership with PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise-Canada (PARO Canada) rolled into Calgary on November 24, hosted at the incredible Platform Calgary, where more than 150 women entrepreneurs gathered for an empowering day of connection, capital, and conversation. Set against the backdrop of Alberta’s bold business spirit, the event delivered expert-led learning, personalized support, and new opportunities to grow and scale women-led ventures across the Prairies.

Created to support women entrepreneurs navigating rapid change and economic uncertainty, the Self-Made Breakfast Tour provides real-world tools, strategic guidance, and the kind of social capital that drives long-term success. At its core, the tour is about showing up for the women building Canada's economy, offering them not only a seat at the table, but real resources to scale their businesses and thrive.

Hosted & produced by award-winning marketing agency Sinclair Creative Agency Inc.  (SCA), the Calgary stop amplified the national movement to champion women entrepreneurs from coast to coast. A dynamic mix of speakers and facilitators brought bold ideas, candid conversations, and lived experience to the forefront.

The day began with a powerful intention-setting exercise, led by Chantria Tram and powered by Writeway, where attendees wrote thoughtful letters to their future selves. As women shared their reflections afterward, the room was filled with laughter, tears, and a profound sense of connection, reminding everyone of the shared journey and support within this incredible community.

Following were two lively panels that took centre stage at Cloud 9. The first, “Money in Motion,” was powered by CIBC Business Banking and moderated by Nicole Shokoples (Alberta Innovates). The panel featured a stellar lineup including Cynthia Sanlian (CIBC Business Banking), Andrea McDougald (Writeway), Anna Sinclair (SCA) and Joanna Pariseau (Taste the City).

"Calgary was another great stop of the Self-Made Breakfast Tour. The connections and inspiration continue to grow as we meet so many passionate women entrepreneurs. Events like this create invaluable opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together as a community. At CIBC Business Banking, we’re proud to support and champion the entrepreneurial spirit, and our team was excited to engage with so many driven founders. We look forward to continuing to empower women entrepreneurs and help them achieve their ambitions—and we’re excited for the upcoming tour stops in Ottawa and Vancouver.” Cynthia Sanlian, Vice President, CIBC Business Banking.

Following the “Money in Motion” panel, the conversation continued with “Scaling with People & Purpose: How to Build a Business That Grows and Sustains,” powered by Phoenix Rising Consulting Group. The panel was expertly moderated by Katie Smith-Parent (YWE, Axis Connects) and featured Phoenix Rising co-founders Huda Moghal and Alisha O’Neil. Katie’s incisive questions and engaging Q&A transformed the panel into a standout, in‑the‑room conversation full of honesty, momentum, and actionable insights for entrepreneurs.

Before brunch, Chelsea Hallick and Rochelle Edwards, from Calgary Economic Development, shared inspiring words about Calgary’s growing industries and focus on diversification, highlighting the city’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and bright future for founders.

After brunch, we moved into a fiery fireside chat presented by Sinclair Creative Agency (SCA). Moderated by Courtney Dragani (The 51), the conversation featured April Hicke, Founder & CEO of Toast and a trailblazer in Calgary’s business community.

Each speaker shared practical wisdom, proven strategies, and a steadfast dedication to supporting women in achieving success their own way.

The day’s programming featured expert panels, one-on-one advisory sessions, and the Collaboration Innovation Tables (CITs): PARO-led roundtable discussions that dig into the barriers women face in business and co-create solutions. Funded in part by Women and Gender Equality Canada, these sessions also help lay the groundwork for cross-provincial trade and growth between women-led businesses.

"The Calgary event was an incredible showcase of what can happen when women entrepreneurs, community leaders, and businesses unite with intention," said Rosalind Lockyer, Founder & CEO of PARO Canada. "The Collaboration Innovation Tables (CITs) sparked meaningful connections and sparked actionable ideas. This stop on the Tour wasn’t just about conversations or networking. It was about creating real momentum, energy, and opportunities that we’re excited to carry forward across the country."

A big thank you to our Jewelry Partner, Dean Davidson, for sending our speakers home with special gifts! 

The Learning Lounge gave attendees one-on-one access to experienced business advisors who offered personalized guidance on everything from funding pathways to growth strategies. These intimate sessions sparked new mentorship connections and inspired real, tangible next steps.

Another major event highlight was the Founders Lounge: Small Business Connections, a stunning, immersive marketplace where attendees were transported to Cloud 9 through activations from brands such as PARO Canada, CIBC Business Banking, Intuit QuickBooks, Writeway, Phoenix Rising Consulting Group, Alberta Innovates, Edna’s Non-Alcoholic Cocktails, Brindy Luxury Silk, Madeup Beauty, OLLY, GoodBake and The Shoo. Guests had the opportunity to shop local and connect directly with the people and services that support their growth. 

Inside, two dedicated financial spaces gave women entrepreneurs the perfect opportunity to connect, recharge, and tap into expert guidance. The CIBC Business Banking Lounge, hosted by the official Financial Partner for the entire Self-Made Breakfast Tour, provided personalized support, practical resources, and one-on-one conversations tailored to each founder’s needs. 

Just steps away, the Intuit QuickBooks Financial Café offered a warm, welcoming spot for founders to relax with a coffee, exchange ideas, and have open, honest discussions about managing finances in business.

"Connecting with so many passionate women entrepreneurs in Calgary is inspiring, and hearing their stories only further solidifies our commitment to helping this incredible community grow and prosper. We are proud to witness firsthand their achievements and to see how Intuit QuickBooks is playing a role in empowering them to navigate their finances with greater confidence and positively impact their journeys towards success.” - Sarah Triantafillou, Director of Communications, Intuit QuickBooks, Canada/LATAM

OneWest Events was instrumental in transforming the space into an immersive flight experience through their decor elements and the support of their production team. 

Great Events Catering did an incredible job providing all the catering and refreshments, leaving our attendees well-fuelled and energized!

Attendees also enjoyed exciting prizes and giveaways, including a 99designs $1,000 credit giveaway and a $1,200 consultation package with Phoenix Rising Consulting Group.

“The energy in Calgary was electric,” said Anna Sinclair, Founder and Creative Director of Sinclair Creative Agency Inc. “There’s something about this city that embraces innovation and bold thinking. We saw women making big asks, giving honest advice, and lifting each other up in real-time. That’s the power of women coming together with purpose, and Alberta brought it in full force.”

Calgary's edition of the Self-Made Breakfast Tour left attendees energized, connected, and delighted with VIP gift bags packed with curated items from partners like OLLY. 

We extend a special thank-you to The Secure Startup for their ongoing legal guidance and steadfast support behind the scenes. And thank you to Alberta Innovates for being our local growth partner and being a champion of women entrepreneurship! 

With Calgary now complete, the Self-Made Breakfast Tour heads east to Ottawa (February 26, 2025) and west to conclude the Canadian leg of the Tour in Vancouver (March 31, 2026), continuing its mission to connect, empower, and elevate women entrepreneurs across the country. Each stop builds on the energy of the last while expanding networks, amplifying voices, and unlocking new access to capital and community. 

For more information visit www.selfmadebreakfasttour.com.

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About Sinclair Creative Agency Inc.

Sinclair Creative Agency Inc. (SCA) is an award-winning, creative marketing. SCA specializes in event production, virtual programming, and unforgettable brand experiences that build community, amplify reach, and drive meaningful impact through a heart-centred approach.

Blending communications, creativity, and technology, SCA powers purpose-driven brands through best-in-class experiences and viral content that deliver extraordinary results. From digital storytelling to innovative programming, the agency connects audiences with brands that stand for something sparking engagement across diverse industries.

As a market leader in creative strategy and award-winning execution, SCA constantly challenges the status quo, delivering full-service solutions that fuse art, culture, and technology. Every project is rooted in intention with bold ideas and results-driven outcomes at the heart of every client partnership.

About PARO Canada

For 30 years, PARO Canada has been a driving force in empowering women entrepreneurs through funding, mentorship, and community support - helping thousands break barriers, access millions in funding, and achieve financial independence. Their impact extends beyond Ontario, collaborating with organizations across Canada to ensure women entrepreneurs have the tools, resources, and networks to succeed. PARO believes that when women succeed in business, entire communities thrive.

About CIBC

CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 15 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada, in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre.

Media ContactAnna Sinclair

anna@sinclaircreativeagency.com