Canada's digital economy is increasingly shaped by a vibrant ecosystem of women-led innovation, supported by ICTC’s Changing the Narrative program. This initiative empowers women-owned social enterprises through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and networking, fostering inclusivity in tech and entrepreneurship.
In June, this mission was realized in Winnipeg and Calgary during the regional Changing the Narrative pitch competitions, celebrating the program’s Manitoba and Alberta cohorts. Participants showcased their ventures, received feedback from industry leaders, and networked with like-minded entrepreneurs dedicated to making a difference across Canada.
ICTC is proud to announce the winners of each event—two inspiring entrepreneurs whose vision and purpose are reshaping their industries.
Calgary Winner: Melissa Kober Meier for her innovation, NeverNude Coveralls
Melissa Kober Meier and her NeverNude Coveralls innovation stood out at the Calgary event for her unique approach to an often-overlooked challenge: safety and dignity on the job site. As a geotechnical engineer, Melissa has worked on projects all over Canada. After being on a work site with no bathroom at -40ºC one too many times, Melissa decided to do something about it. It wasn’t long before her colleagues wanted their own custom NeverNude Coveralls!
Winnipeg Winner: Kim Vu for her innovation, KimEcopak
At the Winnipeg event, Kim Vu captivated the judges with KimEcopak, an all-in-one platform revolutionizing the food entrepreneurship space. Combining eco-friendly branded packaging, AI-powered tools, and practical business education, KimEcopak offers a solution for small food businesses looking to scale sustainably.
Building Momentum for Women Entrepreneurs
These pitch competitions are part of ICTC’s national effort to ensure women entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented communities, have the tools and connections they need to thrive and dismantle systemic barriers in Canada’s digital economy.
Participants in the program receive:
- Targeted mentorship from industry experts
- Access to a growing network of peers and leaders
- Real-world opportunities to pitch, collaborate, and grow their businesses
- A platform to spotlight their innovations and drive change
With cohorts running in Manitoba and Alberta and an upcoming cohort in New Brunswick, Changing the Narrative continues to grow and evolve. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking for support, a mentor ready to give back, or a partner interested in advancing equity in tech—there’s a place for you in this movement.
→ Learn more and join the Changing the Narrative community: https://etalentcanada.ca/for-businesses/programs/changing-the-narrative
ICTC’s Changing the Narrative program is funded in part by the Government of Canada through Women and Gender Equality Canada.
