Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: HERhalton 2025 Inspires Bold Leadership and Innovation

On March 13, 2025, Innovation Factory hosted its annual women’s networking event, HERhalton, in Burlington, Ontario, attracting over 150 attendees, including founders, business leaders, and entrepreneurs. This year’s theme, "Driving Results: Women in Leadership," focused on celebrating the accomplishments of women in business while emphasizing the significance of inclusivity and innovation in leadership.

With support from organizations such as Deloitte, TechPlace, Halton Region, and the Town of Oakville, the event featured an array of discussions centered on empowering women within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The keynote speaker, Sherry Shannon-Vanstone—Founder, President, and CEO of Profound Impact Corporation and Co-Founder of Women Founding Women—delivered an impactful address titled “Risk: The Four-Letter Word Women Must Embrace.” Her insights highlighted the necessity for women to adopt a bold approach to success in the business world.

In addition to the keynote address, the event included panel discussions and speaker sessions featuring experts from companies like The Firehood, Mave & Chez, Deloitte, The Dough Parlour, A.I. VALI Inc., and Consoul. Participants explored various pressing topics, including strategies for securing funding for women-led ventures, effective scaling of businesses through innovative leadership, and the importance of embracing risk as a pathway to success. The sessions provided attendees with practical strategies and insights, while networking opportunities allowed participants to form valuable connections with peers and industry leaders.

Karen Linesman, VP of Operations at Innovation Factory, noted that "HERhalton is more than just an event—it’s a catalyst for connection, opportunities, and growth." She explained that as a leading accelerator, Innovation Factory has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of supporting women-identifying entrepreneurs. Linesman emphasized that fostering diversity in leadership is vital to driving innovation, and with the partnership of organizations like Deloitte, HERhalton provides a platform for constructive dialogue and collaboration aimed at breaking down barriers and promoting inclusive economic growth.

The HERhalton event reflects Innovation Factory’s ongoing commitment to promoting women in entrepreneurship. By uniting inspiring leaders, facilitating critical conversations, and building a robust support network, the event aims to contribute to a more inclusive and innovative business landscape. The overarching goal is to empower women entrepreneurs, thereby enhancing the overall vibrancy and diversity of Ontario’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Since its inception in 2010, Innovation Factory has operated as a not-for-profit business accelerator dedicated to fostering technology innovation in Ontario. The organization offers a range of business services, mentorship, training, and strategic connections designed to support market adoption, leverage intellectual property, and increase revenue, investment, and employment opportunities. Additionally, innovators have access to sector-specific resources, including exclusive smart transportation testing environments and a formal ecosystem for life sciences and health innovation.

Through events like HERhalton, Innovation Factory continues to lead efforts in cultivating an environment where women entrepreneurs can thrive, helping to pave the way for future generations of female leaders and innovators in the business world.