Vancouver-born charity mobilizes $2.1M to help women-led businesses overcome Canada’s $150B equity gap

Vancouver-born charity The Forum, which aims to close Canada’s gender equity gap in entrepreneurship, is accelerating its national mission with a new $2.1-million philanthropic investment and the announcement of 10 women-led ventures advancing to the semi-finals of its flagship event, the Odlum Brown Forum Pitch finale.

Founded in Vancouver 24 years ago and now one of the country’s largest organizations supporting women entrepreneurs, The Forum says the early investment marks the beginning of a three-year strategy focused on dismantling the systemic barriers that prevent women-led companies from scaling.

“Despite women owning nearly 18% of Canadian SMEs, they remain only half as likely to surpass $500K in revenue and receive just four percent of venture capital funding… Research shows that levelling the playing field could add $150 billion to Canada’s GDP,” says CEO Kirsten Koppang Telford. 

With fresh backing, the charity is turning its attention to the founders preparing to take the stage in February. Ten women-led businesses from across Canada have been selected from more than 125 applicants to compete for capital, mentorship and national visibility as they move through the semi-final round toward the April finale. 

Three of the selected ventures—Hettas, Kalino Bio and LaBratory Bras—are Vancouver-based, highlighting the city’s growing presence in women-led innovation. Hettas is a performance footwear brand developing running shoes built specifically for women—born from research in female biomechanics and physiology. Kalino Bio, founded by Dr. Sherry Zhao, is developing a non-surgical alternative to traditional spay and neuter procedures for companion animals, making fertility control safer and more accessible. LaBratory Bras, launched by Vancouver plastic surgeons Dr. Adelyn Ho and Dr. Alex Seal, focuses on medically supportive post-surgical bras that blend clinical utility with elevated design. 

The locals join seven other founders from across the country whose ventures span climate tech, legal tech, AI and biotech. Chocovate Labs is developing cocoa-free chocolate ingredients; Door Gurus operates a door repair and installation service franchise; Metacycler Bioinnovations upcycles dairy waste into biodegradable plastics; Myselfrep.com provides legal-tech tools for self-represented individuals navigating family law; NovaSonix Healthcare has created a musculoskeletal 3D ultrasound attachment; Quip Medical automates physician documentation and billing and SeaFoam produces carbon-negative building insulation made from seaweed. 

“These founders are breaking barriers and building companies with enormous potential to transform industries and strengthen our economy,” says Koppang Telford. “In times of economic uncertainty, supporting and amplifying women entrepreneurs isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential for Canada’s prosperity.”