St. John’s welcomes the Self-Made Breakfast Tour, continuing its mission to uplift women entrepreneurs across Canada.

October 07th, 2025

East Coast energy fuels the second stop of the national tour, empowering women-led businesses through connection, capital and community.

St. John’s, N.L. – The award-winning Self-Made Breakfast Tour presented in partnership with PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise-Canada, made its second stop in St. John’s this week, bringing together more than 150 women entrepreneurs, leading executives, and business leaders for an energizing day of connection, collaboration, and hands-on business support. Against the backdrop of Newfoundland’s unmistakable charm and warmth, the event offered attendees expert-led learning, personalized guidance, and new opportunities to grow their businesses.

Designed to meet the needs of women entrepreneurs across the country, the Self-Made Breakfast Tour is a response to the real and rising challenges facing small business owners today. From funding barriers to shifting markets, the tour offers timely support, fresh thinking, and access to networks and capital, especially for women navigating change and leading through uncertainty.

Hosted by award-winning marketing agency Sinclair Creative Agency Inc.  (SCA) and presented in partnership with PARO Canada, the St. John’s stop continued the tour’s mission to uplift women entrepreneurs from coast to coast. With the support of our tour stop powered by partner Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE), and a powerhouse lineup of incredible speakers, the event inspired both introspection and action.

The day started off with an intention-setting activity powered by Writeway and led by Chantria Tram, where attendees wrote a mindful letter to their future self.  Afterward, women were encouraged to share what they had written, sparking tears, laughter, and an overwhelming sense of connection.

Following were two lively panels that took center stage at Cloud 9. The first, “Money in Motion: Financing, Safeguarding, and Scaling Innovation,” was moderated by Carolyn Wakeham (NLOWE) and featured a powerhouse panel including Cynthia Sanlian (CIBC Business Banking), Jacqueline Lee (PolyUnity), Lindsay Winters (Nasdaq Verafin), and Anna Sinclair Sinclair Creative Agency (SCA).

““I was truly inspired and energized to be part of The Self-Made Breakfast Tour inSt. John’s, surrounded by over 150 incredible women entrepreneurs. The energy in the room was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced—it was a true testament to the passion and drive of this community. We’re so proud to be the national Financial Partner and grateful for the opportunity to announce the upcoming launch of our Women Entrepreneurs Hub. This is an important step in our ongoing commitment to providing tailored support, networking, and leadership opportunities for women in business entrepreneurs. We’re looking forward to the next stops on the tour and to continuing to build these meaningful connections across Canada’s entrepreneurial community. ” shared Cynthia Sanlian, Vice President of CIBC Business Banking.

The second panel, titled “Tech Enabled, Growth Made,” was moderated by Maggie Courish from Genesis Centre. This panel highlighted three inspiring success stories from the Genesis innovation hub: Heather Zurel (Data Farms), Nikitha Kendyala (Nucliq Biologics), and Adilya Dragan (Starluv).

All three founders spoke to the challenges of applying advanced technologies like AI in their startups, from technical hurdles to scientific complexities and shared the creative ways they’ve overcome them. Their stories underscored a powerful truth: when innovation meets determination, even the most complex problems can become pathways to growth. 

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

Throughout the day, entrepreneurs participated in immersive programming, including expert panels, advisory sessions, and PARO-led Collaboration Innovation Tables (CITs),  candid, peer-based roundtable discussions that delve deep into the barriers, solutions, and opportunities for Canadian women in business. The discussions and findings from CITs lay the groundwork for systemic change, helping to remove barriers, improve access to funding, and drive long-term success for women in business, creating a more inclusive and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. CITs, funded in part by Women and Gender Equality Canada, also encourage cross-provincial collaboration and trade.

“The St.John’s event was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when women entrepreneurs, community leaders, and corporations come together with purpose,” said Rosalind Lockyer, CEO of PARO Canada. “Through the Collaboration Innovation Tables (CITs), we saw real connections spark and solutions take shape. This stop of the Tour was about more than conversations and networking; it really did create the momentum we’re committed to carrying forward across the country from Sea to Sea .”

The Learning Lounge offered women entrepreneurs personalized, one-on-one advisory sessions with seasoned industry experts to build industry connections. These conversations delivered practical insights, real-world strategies, and guidance on next steps, covering everything from funding hurdles to scaling challenges. It quickly became a hub for meaningful mentorship and collaborative problem-solving.

Another major highlight of the event was the Founders Reception - a vibrant, immersive experience where attendees were invited to explore Cloud 9 through interactive activations by a dynamic mix of brands, businesses, and organizations. Partner activations included and engaging touchpoints with Terra Wellness &  Travel Time Agency, along with PARO Canada, NLOWE, Genesis, Intuit QuickBooks Financial Café, and CIBC Business Banking, who hosted a fun and professional headshot station. Guests had the opportunity to connect directly with the people and services that support their growth. 

Sarah Triantafillou, Director of Communications at Intuit QuickBooks (Canada/LATAM), shared, "Connecting with so many passionate women entrepreneurs in St John’s 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.

Attendees also enjoyed exciting prizes and giveaways, including a 99designs $1,000 credit giveaway.

“At SCA, we approach every tour stop like a live production, weaving creative direction, storytelling, and flawless execution into one seamless experience, driving extraordinary impact for attendees and our clients. St. John’s was a chance to showcase how a national impact strategy can drive a viral movement, “ said Anna Sinclair, CEO & Creative Producer at SCA.

Attendees left the St. John’s stop of the Self-Made Breakfast Tour with valuable connections, inspired minds, and VIP gift bags filled with curated products from our brand partners, including wellness supplements from OLLY. 

A special thank you to our legal partner, The Secure Startup, who was with us in spirit and continues to support the tour with legal guidance and every detail on track.

With St. John’s now in the books, the Self-Made Breakfast Tour continues its journey across Canada with stops coming soon to Calgary (Nov 24th), Ottawa (Feb 26th) and Vancouver (March 31st). Each stop is designed to meet women where they are, offering practical support, authentic community, and real access to capital.

“There’s something deeply special about the East Coast; the sense of community here runs deep, and that made this stop of the Tour feel truly meaningful,” said Anna Sinclair, Founder and Creative Director of Sinclair Creative Agency Inc. “You could feel the warmth in the room. We’re not just talking about growth, we’re seeing it happen in real time as women make bold moves, find new partners, and support one another with intention.”

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 agency founded in 2014. 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 consistently challenges the status quo, delivering comprehensive solutions that seamlessly integrate 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 14 million personalbanking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets businesses, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network, and locations across Canada with offices in the United States and around the world. For more information, visit  cibc.com .

Media Contact

Anna Sinclair

anna@sinclaircreativeagency.com