Embracing the ‘F’ Factor: Celebrating International Women’s Month 2025

March marks International Women's Month, and across the globe, particularly in Ottawa, women are shattering ceilings and transforming the business landscape. Celebrating this momentum, Invest Ottawa launched its flagship event, "The 'F' Factor: Fueling Founders," on March 3rd, aiming to address the hurdles and victories women face in business. During this inspiring gathering, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates connected to share insights and support each other amid a fluctuating economic environment.

Invest Ottawa's President and CEO, Sonya Shorey, set the tone with a compelling message about the importance of fostering success across the entire society. She reiterated that meritocracy is essential for economic growth, asserting that fully harnessing women’s potential could lead to a noteworthy increase in GDP by up to $150 billion. Additionally, embracing immigrant entrepreneurship and forging paths for skill enhancement could propel an incredible $370 billion in economic benefits. Shorey’s strong message emphasized that the significant economic impact of women in business is undeniable.

Central to the day’s discussions was the notion of embracing the “F” Factor—being fierce, fearless, and focused. According to Monika Bains, a Senior HR Leader, these traits are essential for driving meaningful change and sparking innovation. Kelly Gregoire, the Chief Operating Officer at TryCycle Data Systems, introduced another “f” word: fear. While fear is a natural part of the business journey, Gregoire urged attendees not to allow it to impede progress. Recognizing and confronting that fear can be a pathway to building confidence and achieving growth.

Highlighting the importance of systemic support for women in business was Hawley Kane, Director of Product Marketing at LemonadeLXP. She emphasized that success in the workplace is not only about personal determination but also about implementing structures that acknowledge and reward contributions irrespective of gender. Genuine support for diversity leads to sustainable business success, and companies that invest in inclusive hiring practices and talent retention often outperform their competition.

Katherine Homuth, Founder and CEO of SRTX, shared her perspective on how women are not only starting businesses but are also transforming whole industries. These women are advocating for inclusivity and redefining the criteria for success by integrating impact and profitability. She noted that women entrepreneurs often lack access to crucial networks and resources, compelling them to forge their paths. This is where systemic initiatives, such as funding opportunities and leadership development programs, come into play, creating a supportive ecosystem for women-led businesses.

Homuth illustrated her point with a personal anecdote about seeking community support after facing significant business challenges, underscoring the importance of collaboration and advocacy within the entrepreneurial sphere.

As we celebrate International Women’s Month, it is imperative to sustain this momentum by uplifting and empowering women founders. The message is clear: Be bold and fierce, and continue to shape a future where women lead and innovate. Acknowledgments were made to sponsors and partners like BDC Thrive Venture Fund, Rogers, SAS Institute, and Calian, as well as contributions from the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Ottawa, who have all played vital roles in bringing this impactful event to fruition.