Small businesses in Alberta are the backbone of the economy, and women entrepreneurs play a crucial role in driving that innovation and growth. While women remain a mostly untapped source of potential in Canadian entrepreneurship, their impact is undeniable, and their influence is growing.
Over the last 40 years, the number of women entrepreneurs in Canada has grown three times faster than their male counterparts1, with women-owned businesses now contributing approximately $150 billion2 to the economy and employing over 1.5 million Canadians3. Despite this progress, challenges persist, including financing barriers, wage disparities, and underrepresentation in leadership roles4. This International Women's Day, we’re celebrating the trailblazing women entrepreneurs who are reshaping industries, championing sustainability, and inspiring the next generation of leaders across Canada.
Women entrepreneurs have long played a vital role in shaping Canada’s economy. In 1867, Susannah Oland founded Canada’s oldest family-owned brewery, now known as Moosehead Breweries. Today, leaders like Joanna Griffiths, CEO of Knix, are transforming industries. Zoey Williams, Air Canada’s first Black female pilot, is an aviation trailblazer and an author, entrepreneur, and advocate for equity and inclusion. In cybersecurity, Rosa Caputo, founder of KeyData Associates, has built an industry-leading firm, earning recognition as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women. The diverse contributions of female entrepreneurs in Canada demonstrate leadership, innovation, and resilience.
Here in Alberta, resourceful and visionary women shape our communities and industries. We’re celebrating their impact by spotlighting five inspiring Albertan women entrepreneurs who are leading the way.
Karina Birch - Rocky Mountain Soap Company
Karina Birch is the co-owner and CEO of Rocky Mountain Soap Company, which she and her husband transformed from a small business with one employee into a nationally recognized brand. Known for its handmade, 100% natural, and sustainable products, the company has expanded across Canada and built a strong online presence. Birch has been recognized as a top female entrepreneur on the W100 list, and Rocky Mountain Soap has been featured in Profit 100 and Alberta Venture’s Fastest Growing Companies. Birch also serves on the board for Rocky Mountain Ventures, is an active member of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) Calgary, and has completed Harvard Business School’s Owner/President Management Program (OPM).
Diana Frost - Colouring it Forward
Diana Frost is an engineer, artist, musician, and author of Algonquin, French, and English descent. She has worked globally on water and sanitation projects in Colombia, Peru, China, and Rwanda. She played a key role at Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology (CAWST), helping 500,000 people access clean water through a "train the trainers" model. As the founder of Colouring It Forward, an Indigenous social enterprise, she promotes education, healing, and reconciliation through books, art-based workshops, and events. Her business has expanded to 190 stores and showcases Indigenous art in major museums and galleries.
Milena Radakovic - Nexus Exhibits Ltd.
Milena Radakovic is the President and owner of Nexus Exhibits Ltd., a leading Canadian provider of visual branding solutions for exhibits and events, serving Canada and expanding into the U.S. She took over the company in 2013 after being a client and employee, continuing its legacy since its founding in 1979. A passionate advocate for women in leadership, she co-founded the Calgary Chapter of the Women in Leadership Foundation (WIL) and now serves as a WIL ambassador, mentoring young women in business. Her contributions have earned her the President's Volunteer Champion Award and a nomination for the Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Celebration of Achievements Awards.
Angela Santiago - The Little Potato Company
Angela Santiago is the CEO and co-founder of The Little Potato Company Ltd., which she started in 1996 with her father, Jacob Vander Schaaf, growing small, flavorful potatoes on a one-acre plot. The company has since expanded to supply over 20,000 stores across North America and opened a $39.5 million, 240,000-square-foot facility in Nisku in 2024, capable of distributing an additional 125 million pounds of potatoes annually. A leader in sustainable farming, The Little Potato Company is a member of the Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA). Santiago has received numerous accolades, including Entrepreneur of the Year (Ernst & Young, 2012) and recognition as one of Canada’s Top 10 Produce Women (2021).
Shashi Behl - Joydrop
Shashi Behl is the founder and CEO of Joydrop, a jewelry retailer that curates unique, handcrafted pieces from over 75 designers worldwide, including artisans from Egypt, India, and Canada. A passionate entrepreneur and advocate for women in business, she has founded and partnered with multiple women-led ventures. Sashi Behl also serves on the board of the Calgary Public Library Foundation, reinforcing her commitment to community development and literacy.
Women entrepreneurs in Alberta are not just shaping industries, they're transforming communities and inspiring future generations. Their innovation, resilience, and leadership drive economic growth and create opportunities for others to follow. As we celebrate their achievements, we recognize the work that remains in breaking barriers and fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. We can help build a stronger, more diverse economy in Alberta and across Canada by supporting women-led businesses, mentoring future leaders, and advocating for equity.
Community Futures is dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs. We offer flexible business loans, expert guidance, and free resources to help small businesses succeed. Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners to create thriving communities one business idea at a time. Contact us for a complimentary consultation today!
References
1. Business Development Bank of Canada (2019). A Nation of Entrepreneurs: The Changing Face of Canadian Entrepreneurship, p. 10.
2. Global Affairs Canada (2019). Trade and gender connection, Government of Canada
3. Global Affairs Canada (2019). Trade and gender connection, Government of Canada
4. Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. (2024). The state of women’s entrepreneurship in Canada 2024.
Resources for Women Entrepreneurs
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/women-entrepreneurship-strategy/en
https://chamber.ca/resources/resources-for-women-in-business/
https://www.awebusiness.com/
https://wekh.ca/
