Breaking Barriers, Building Businesses: Our Commitment to Women Entrepreneurs

Through Leveling It Up, CEED is committed to delivering inclusive programming and skills development opportunities to support diverse/intersectional and/or Underserved women in Canada.

 COURSES & WORKSHOPS | MENTORSHIP | NETWORKING | COMMUNITY*

logo

Celebrating Our Impact

Our mission is to empower Diverse/Intersectional and/or Under-served Women entrepreneurs by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and connections to take their businesses to the next level.

Whether you need mentorship, training, or networking opportunities when starting, maintaining, and growing your businesses. We’ve got you covered.

 

Stories That Inspire: The Faces of CEED's Leveling It Up – Real Voices, Real Change

Over the past two years, Leveling It Up has empowered women entrepreneurs to break barriers and build thriving businesses. As this stage of the program comes to a close, we’re celebrating its impact through the voices of those who lived it.

Through Stories That Inspire, meet the women who turned challenges into opportunities, gained the tools to grow, and built businesses that make a difference. Their journeys are proof that with the right support, confidence, and community, anything is possible.

Join us in honouring their successes and the lasting legacy of Leveling It Up.

Play Video about Lisa Interview (speaker view) (1)

Fatima Barrera – Barrera Marketing

Entrepreneur and marketing expert Fatima Barrera helps small businesses grow with strategic fundamentals. Leveling It Up sharpened her focus, boosted her confidence, and provided key financial and marketing insights. Now, she’s scaling her business while guiding other entrepreneurs to build strong, sustainable companies.

Charlene Currie – Optimize Business Solutions

With a background in construction and corporate operations, Charlene Currie launched Optimize Business Solutions to help small businesses streamline and grow. Leveling It Up gave her the confidence, skills, and network to navigate entrepreneurship, particularly as a woman with ADHD in a rural area. Now, she’s using her expertise to support other businesses and advocate for women in male-dominated industries.

Play Video about 2025-02-20 11_37_51-Lisa Interview (speaker view) - Video and 10 more pages - Work - Microsoft​ Edge
Play Video about 2025-02-20 11_52_47-Lisa Interview (speaker view) - Video and 11 more pages - Work - Microsoft​ Edge

Lisa Chen – Oceanic Impact

Marine biologist Lisa Chen founded Oceanic Impact to tackle environmental issues and boost diversity in marine conservation. With Leveling It Up, she expanded her reach, gained financial skills, and revamped her website to better engage youth from underrepresented communities. The program empowered her to overcome technical and systemic challenges, driving a more inclusive future in marine science.

Jessica Harry – She Found Wealth

Founder of She Found Wealth, Jessica Harry transformed her business with Leveling It Up, refining her sales strategy, clarifying her audience, and gaining essential legal and financial tools. With mentorship and targeted courses, she pivoted her business and scaled her offerings, now empowering women across Canada to build financial independence.

Play Video about 2025-02-20 11_28_28-Jess Interview (gallery view) - Video and 11 more pages - Work - Microsoft​ Edge
Play Video about Lisa Interview (speaker view)

Jeannine Riant – Fully Align Studio

After losing her studio to floods in 2023, Jeannine Riant rebuilt her business with resilience and the support of Leveling It Up. She gained financial and business skills, rediscovered her passion, and now helps women align their lives through retreats and workshops. Her journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of community.

Dr. Catherine Demers – CorLibra

Cardiologist-turned-entrepreneur Dr. Catherine Demers founded CorLibra to improve heart failure management for seniors. Leveling It Up helped her gain confidence, overcome imposter syndrome, and navigate the business world. With newfound clarity, she’s bringing life-saving technology to market.

Play Video about Lisa Interview (speaker view) (2)

We're Leveling It Up!

The WES Ecosystem Fund project focuses on supporting Diverse/Intersectional and/or Under-served Women entrepreneurs. Our goal is to empower women by addressing specific gaps and providing them with the support they need to succeed.

We’ve got an extensive range of skill development courses available along with our team of knowledgeable experts who will guide and support every step on this empowering journey – together let’s level it up!

Unlock Exclusive Benefits, if Eligible – 

 

1
Comprehensive Skill Development

Access a diverse range of courses designed for every stage of your business journey.

2
Personalized Mentorship

Engage in one-on-one guidance from industry experts

3
Interactive Workshops

Participate in complimentary business hours and workshops

4
Resourceful Community

Join a supportive network for peer collaboration and valuable resources

Join Our Community

Empowerment doesn’t end here. Connect with a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, attend free workshops, and discover valuable resources to take your business to new heights.

Empowering diverse/Intersectional and/or Under-served Women entrepreneurs
Addressing specific gaps to support women's success in business

EmpowerHER

Insights and Inspiration for Women Entrepreneurs on the Rise

Hear from Our Participants

“The LIU program works wonders in creating communities within the courses, it’s been a great way to network with other business owners and share ideas and create relationships. I would absolutely recommend the program to anyone starting their entrepreneurship journey!”

cropped-Untitled-design-1.png
Gina Martin

DiverseAbilities.ca

“CEED’s/LIU program gave me access to experienced presenters with high quality information on the topics that matter to us as early stage founders. There is no substitute for being able to ask a real person questions when you are just starting out building a new business.”

cropped-Untitled-design-1.png
Shelley Montreuil

trippl.ca

“I’m incredibly thankful for the acceptance into Ceed’s opportunities that enable women like me to enhance our confidence and knowledge in business development. Heartfelt appreciation for the incredible support I’ve experienced during my participation in the programs. “

1
LIU Participant

“It has been a pleasure to be embraced by an empowering group of people all passionate about providing ways for entrepreneurs to succeed.  I feel like the facets of my business have been heard and understood, and that my needs for education and technical support can be brought forward. I am enjoying the newfound friendships and advisors.”

1
Michelle Greenwell

Dancedebut.com

en_USEnglish