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The Self-Made Breakfast Tour | Vancouver Recap

  • Writer: Self-Made Tour
    Self-Made Tour
  • Apr 2
  • 13 min read

Updated: Apr 3


What a way to bring it home! Vancouver truly raised the bar for our final tour stop, closing out the 5-city Self Made Breakfast Tour with an energy that was nothing short of electric.


On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, the West Coast entrepreneurial community gathered to celebrate the final stop of a journey that had taken us across the country. In partnership with PARO Centre for Women’s Entrepreneurship Canada, we took over the heart of Vancouver’s innovation scene to honour the grit, creativity, and ambition that define this city.


Vancouver’s entrepreneurial landscape is world-class, fuelled by a unique blend of tech innovation, sustainability, and a deep-rooted spirit of collaboration. Supported by a strong network of business organizations, mentors, and community leaders, the city has solidified its position as a premier hub for founders ready to think globally.


This final stop wasn't just another breakfast; it was a celebration of how far we’ve come. We brought together over 150 founders, investors, and community pillars to bridge the gap between big ideas and the resources needed to scale them.


The morning was a masterclass in West Coast ambition, spotlighting a powerhouse group of women founders who are actively reshaping the BC business landscape. Our signature airline-themed experience took flight for the final time, transforming the room into a high-energy departure lounge where entrepreneurs, investors, and visionaries could "board" new opportunities and forge life-changing connections. From the cutting edge of emerging tech to the heart of social enterprise, the room served as a vibrant microcosm of Vancouver’s collaborative spirit, proving that when we bring our city's most diverse industries together under one roof, the collective potential for innovation truly knows no bounds.


Want to see the sizzle reel?? Head over to Instagram Reel



The Self-Made Breakfast Tour touched down for its grand finale, transforming The Vancouver Club into a powerhouse of ambition for West Coast women entrepreneurs ready to scale and lead. Founders arrived with complex questions and left with a clear flight path, actionable strategies, and a sisterhood of support that will propel their businesses across the province and beyond.


The morning took off at the American Express Founders Lounge, where Vancouver’s unique "West Coast hustle" met high-end networking. Between artisan coffee and a curated lineup of BC-based brands, founders stepped into an energy unique to our final city stop. Our expert-led panels didn’t hold back, delivering no-nonsense insights into the Canadian market, while our Collaboration Tables saw founders crowdsourcing solutions to their toughest scaling challenges in real time. For those seeking specialized guidance, the Learning Lounge provided invaluable one-on-one access to experts in finance, marketing, and law, ensuring every attendee had the tools to navigate their industry.


By the time the final boarding call was made, 150+ women were energized, equipped, and ready to dominate Vancouver’s vibrant, ever-evolving business ecosystem.



The Founders Lounge: "Small Business Connections" and VIP Gifting Partners



The  Founders Lounge: Small Business Connections set a sophisticated, high-energy tone for our Vancouver finale. In the heart of the West Coast, local BC founders showcased their products and shared their growth stories, celebrating real-time wins and the unique resilience that defines the Vancouver entrepreneurial scene.



We were thrilled to host the CIBC Business Banking Headshots Lounge, an empowering space where entrepreneurs received expert advice and put their best face forward, both figuratively and literally; the Intuit QuickBooks Financial Cafe, providing tasty treats, warm beverages & financial inspiration; and the Writeway Lounge, alongside our partners at PARO Canada and their inner airplane cabin education space. These spaces provided the perfect coastal backdrop for founders to dive deep into strategy, leadership, and scaling. From getting camera-ready to mapping out financial futures, the lounges offered creative corners for storytelling and practical support, sparking the kind of meaningful conversations that only happen when a community this driven comes together.


The transformation of our venue, the historic Vancouver Club, was made possible by our local décor partners, Element Event Solutions, who thoughtfully enhanced the already stunning architecture with elegant, modern touches inspired by the West Coast and The Printing House, who printed all of the signage, vinyl and backdrops to immerse our guests in an unforgettable experience. The venue’s timeless design and rich history provided a breathtaking backdrop, while the décor highlighted its natural beauty and brought a fresh, vibrant energy to the room. The atmosphere was electric, serving as a true celebration of the progress made across all five cities. As the morning drew to a close, guests departed with VIP gift bags overflowing with beauty, wellness, and lifestyle treats from top Canadian brands, a final thank you to ensure our founders felt as celebrated and energized as the businesses they are building.





A huge thank you to our VIP vendors, sponsors and gifting partners: 



With its thriving cleantech and life sciences sectors, deep-rooted leadership in the wellness industry, and a collaborative spirit bridging AI with sustainability, Vancouver proved to be the perfect final destination for founders ready to take flight.



We centred the morning with a powerful moment of intentionality through the “Letter To My Future Self” exercise, a signature session powered by Writeway and led by the incredible Chantria Tram. As a cornerstone of the tour across every city, Writeway provided the tools for founders to move beyond the daily grind and ground themselves in long-term vision and clarity. This session invited attendees to pause and bridge the gap between their current hustle and their ultimate legacy, reconnecting with the deeper purpose that drives their entrepreneurial journey. The vulnerability in the room was palpable; as reflections were shared, the atmosphere shifted from quiet introspection to a surge of collective inspiration, leaving everyone grounded, connected, and fueled for a day of high-impact action.



Thank you to Dean Davidson, Paume, Birch Babe, Niyama Wellness for the beautiful speaker gifts.


Special shoutout to our Beauty Partner Dawna Boot, for the amazing make touch ups for all the guests and special gifts :)




A Day of Sky-High Moments


Kicking off the speaking portion of the day was the “Money in Motion” panel, powered by CIBC Business Banking and moderated by Anna Sinclair, CEO of Sinclair Creative Agency (SCA).


Each panellist offered a distinct perspective:


  • Cynthia Sanlian, Vice President, CIBC Business Banking, spoke to financial trust as the foundation of access to capital, emphasizing the importance of building strong, transparent relationships between entrepreneurs and financial institutions. She highlighted how banks can go beyond lending to create real value through advisory support, tailored solutions, and unlocking opportunities for women-led businesses, encouraging founders to trust their worth and pursue funding with confidence.

  • Aisha Yang, Founder & CEO, Herbaland, reflected on the importance of having the confidence to make bold, values-driven decisions, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed—sharing how taking calculated risks ultimately shaped the trajectory of her business. She emphasized the power of controlling margins and cash flow, encouraging founders to trust their instincts, own their numbers, and invest in their vision with conviction.

  • Kelsey Irving, CEO, Birch Babe, shared how staying grounded in strong values and disciplined decision-making allowed the brand to scale nationally without compromising on quality or integrity. Reflecting on the Dragons’ Den experience, she spoke about gaining a deeper understanding of the company’s true value, encouraging founders to stand confidently in their numbers and build credibility while pursuing growth on their own terms.



On our second panel, ‘Building to Scale’, we shared how they’re growing their brands and communities. From storytelling and marketing tactics to PR, product development, and engaging with your customers, this session offered practical insights on building products and experiences that truly resonate.


  • Miranda Lievers, Co-Founder of Thinkific & Torch the Playbooks, emphasized that scaling requires balancing vision with operational discipline, pointing out that as a company grows, systems and processes are often the first to be tested if not intentionally designed for expansion. She cautioned founders against one-size-fits-all advice, highlighting the need for thoughtful, experience-driven decisions to scale sustainably.

  • Roisin Collins, Canada Marketing Lead, Olly Canada, described scaling as growing a business with both discipline and purpose, ensuring that operational decisions support long-term vision while staying true to the brand’s values. She highlighted OLLY’s approach to marketing with meaning, showing how campaigns can drive both profitability and positive impact, and encouraged founders to build community and purpose into every strategy from the start.

  • Andrea McDougald, Senior Product Designer, Writeway, spoke about scaling as the ability to grow with intention, balancing vision with the systems and partnerships needed to sustain it, while finding ways to translate deeply emotional, mission-driven value into something measurable and investable. She emphasized the importance of surrounding yourself with the right partners and community, encouraging founders to prioritize alignment and trust as they build for both impact and long-term sustainability.


The session closed with a dynamic round where each panellist shared a key ‘money move’ to help women founders take charge, trust their decisions, and grow their businesses with confidence.



Before brunch, attendees gathered in the Founders Lounge to experience Vancouver’s thriving innovation landscape and its strong commitment to supporting founders, from coastal wellness to cutting-edge tech. The energy in the room made it clear that Vancouver is a city where entrepreneurs can build, connect, and thrive with a vision that reaches far beyond the local mountains.


Vancouver Club then brought the brunch experience to the next level, serving a spread that perfectly captured the city's celebrated culinary scene and wowed attendees from the first bite to the last. With fresh, local morning treats and visually stunning, Instagram-ready dishes, founders fuelled up, connected, and kicked off the day with the high-caliber style that defined our final tour stop.



After brunch, attendees continued networking and shopping in the Founder's Lounge before being welcomed by Hina Khan, a peak performance mindset coach. Her transformative workshop instantly shifted the energy in the room. Using a signature blend of mindset coaching and visualization exercises, she helped founders identify limiting beliefs and step into a more confident, grounded version of themselves. The session sparked breakthroughs, tears, honest reflection, and a renewed sense of possibility, leaving attendees clearer, more focused, and ready to take bold action in their businesses.



Rosalind Lockyer, CEO & Founder of PARO Canada and the tour's presenting partner, took the stage one last time to deliver a final keynote and share findings from the research PARO has conducted across the nation. Her message was a powerful tribute to the tenacity of West Coast women entrepreneurs, underscoring how their leadership is not only vital to British Columbia’s growth but is a driving force in shaping Canada’s economic future.



Having Your Voices Heard & Driving Government Policy Decision


This empowering energy flowed directly into our Collaboration Innovation Tables (CITs), funded in part by Women and Gender Equality Canada, where Vancouver’s attendees engaged in powerful, small-group conversations that dug into the real challenges, unique opportunities, and lived experiences shaping women entrepreneurs on the West Coast today. Powered by PARO Canada, these sessions provided a candid and supportive space for founders to share the kind of "in-the-trenches" insights that drive genuine, systemic change.


As the final destination in our five-city journey, Vancouver offered a vital perspective on the specific barriers and opportunities women face in this region’s fast-paced economy. The insights collected anonymously from our Vancouver tables now join the data from our previous stops to form a comprehensive research report. This document will directly inform government policies and programs, ensuring that the next wave of initiatives is not just theoretical, but practical, equitable, and designed for the real world.


The true value of the CITs lies in their inclusivity, and the Vancouver discussions were no exception. They captured the diverse realities of the West, from regionally relevant scaling solutions to culturally responsive strategies that reflect BC's vibrant business landscape. By adding Vancouver's voice to this national dialogue, we have strengthened the entire Canadian entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping to build a more equitable and thriving environment where every woman-led business has the runway to succeed.



If the conversations at our final stop sparked more ideas you’d like to share, or if you know a fellow West Coast founder who couldn’t make it to the finale, you can still make an impact by completing PARO Canada’s Collaboration for Transformation survey! Your perspective is essential in shaping inclusive government policies and protocols that will support women-led businesses from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic.


Following the collaborative energy of the CITs, the room transitioned into the Learning Lounge. This was a dedicated, high-impact space where Vancouver founders connected one-on-one with industry experts, mentors, and peers. Designed for deep dives and direct answers, this format allowed entrepreneurs to move past the surface and tackle the specific hurdles of scaling in the BC market. Whether it was navigating finance, refining marketing, or celebrating a recent win, the lounge provided the tailored insights and professional connections needed to turn West Coast ambition into nationwide success.


As our five-city journey reached its peak in Vancouver, we want to extend a massive thank you to all of our incredible advisors. Your sharp insights, thoughtful West Coast connections, and unwavering dedication to the Tour’s mission were the driving force behind this grand finale’s success.


The day, and the tour, concluded on an absolute high note with giveaways and a collective celebration of the breakthroughs made throughout the morning. From new partnerships sparked over coffee to the innovative ideas shared at the tables, the atmosphere was a testament to the power of this community. None of this would have been possible without the support of our amazing partners, who helped us turn a vision for a national tour into a reality that touched down perfectly in Vancouver.



Supporting Founders Beyond the Room with Spring


We’re proud to continue supporting our community beyond the event through partners creating real pathways to growth and capital.


Our friends at Spring Activator are currently supporting impact-driven founders across Canada through their Scale Ready and Invest Together programs, designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen investment readiness and successfully raise capital.


Since July 2025, founders in Scale Ready have collectively raised $7.9M in investment, a testament to the power of the right support at the right time.


Here’s what’s currently available:

  1. Build - For early-stage founders: For those who haven’t raised capital yet and want to build a strong funding foundation from the ground up. Applications are open now and close April 8, 2026

  2. Elevate - For founders actively raising: Elevate brings together small peer cohorts for expert-led funding roundtables focused on refining your investor strategy and closing capital. Applications open April 6 and close May 1, 2026 (Submit an interest form now to join the waitlist and get materials early. Spots fill quickly.)

  3. Invest Together in Climate Innovation - $200K Prize: A standout opportunity for climate and cleantech founders to access investors, gain hands-on training, and pitch for a $200K investment. Applications close April 6, 2026, Apply here

If you're currently building, scaling, or preparing to raise, these programs are worth exploring.


The Amazing Volunteer Team!


The Self-Made Breakfast Tour volunteer squad were absolute champions for our Vancouver grand finale, bringing the heart and hustle needed to deliver an unforgettable experience for West Coast founders and community leaders. From the early morning setup at the crack of dawn to engaging with attendees and ensuring every "flight" ran seamlessly, their energy was the secret sauce behind the success of our final stop.


While Vancouver marked the official landing for this 5-city tour, we are already looking ahead to what’s next. If you want to be part of the magic and join this incredible team of changemakers for our next round of events, we encourage you to apply HERE to join the squad!



We would also like to give a very special shoutout to our Content Creator Partners, The Resolution and The Daily Edge, for helping us capture every "Cloud 9" moment and high-energy connection throughout the day. Their lens caught the magic of our final stop, ensuring the spirit of the Vancouver finale lives on long after the breakfast ended.


Thank you to our Partners!

Our hearts are full as we reflect on the incredible collaboration with organizations and brands that share our unwavering commitment to the success of women entrepreneurs. It was the collective generosity of our partners that allowed over 150 Vancouver-based founders to access the critical resources, mentorship, and high-level opportunities needed to scale their businesses and lead with confidence in today’s evolving market.


As we close out this national journey, we want to give a massive shoutout to the following sponsors and partners who made our grand finale possible:



A huge thank you to our visionary decor, design, and production team, led by Tanya Abou Jaoude, Founder and CEO of Something Happy, who transformed our Vancouver venue into an inspiring hub where founders could connect, collaborate, and leave energized to take their businesses to the next level. We also owe a debt of gratitude to ShowKraft for the epic AV support that kept our finale soaring, the teams from Element Event Solutions for the beautiful furniture and curated decor pieces, Garden Party Flowers for the stunning floral pieces and The Printing House for every single custom prints & Vinyl in the event, that truly transported us all into the clouds.



We also want to extend our deepest thanks to Magnetic Staffing, SCA’s trusted staffing partner, for supporting our "flight attendants" and ensuring the guest experience was seamless and memorable from start to finish. Their team was attentive, efficient, and fueled by the signature West Coast energy, making sure all 150+ guests moved through our final tour stop with ease and enthusiasm.


Celebrating the Grand Finale of the 2025–2026 Self-Made Breakfast Tour!

After an incredible season of connection, growth, and inspiration from coast to coast, we brought the momentum, energy, and impact of every city to Vancouver for our unforgettable final stop. This finale was a celebration of women founders across the country, highlighting achievements, fostering connection, and closing out a truly transformative tour on the highest note.


Want to keep up with the Self-Made community and find out what’s next? Follow along for updates, inspiration, and opportunities to connect with the next wave of self-made leaders.


Visit  www.selfmadebreakfasttour.com to keep up to date!

Follow the @selfmadebreakfast tour to see all the viral moments and buzz.



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