Presidents' Message
Happy Spring!
It is so nice to see some colour outside and we certainly continue to see a colourful world in the trade space! There’s a lot happening right now and it’s accelerating as Canada actively tries to diversify trade relationships beyond the U.S.
Some key things happening in Canada:
1. Women-focused trade missions are expanding as organizations and government agencies are investing heavily in women-led export programs.
2. Supplier diversity is becoming mainstream. Large corporations and governments are under pressure to diversify supply chains and procurement partners. That means women-owned businesses are seeing more opportunities in corporate procurement, government contracts, global supply chains and ESG-related sourcing initiatives.
3. Digital trade and e-commerce continue to open doors for SMEs – this will resonate with many women-owned businesses which are service based, online first, consulting/creative/IP focused.
4. Funding and export-readiness programs are increasing. There are significantly more export-focused grants, incubators and accelerators than there were even a few years ago.
At OWIT-Toronto, we have hosted timely events – from interprovincial trade to global trade diversification - that tie into these trends and we have also participated in partner events that are equally timely. You can read all about them in this issue to stay plugged into developments in the trade space. And, as part of our commitment to encourage interprovincial trade, we recently met with a group of Atlantic Canada women entrepreneurs visiting Toronto on a trade delegation.
We hope you will join us for our Summer Trade Social the eve of June 17 on the beautiful Scotiabank Terrace where Scotiabank will address the north-south trade corridor and the bank’s commitment to help women exporters be part of the momentum fuelling trade between Canada and Latin America.
Members are encouraged to bring a guest interested in joining our vibrant network – both are invited to attend complimentary. See more information about this event below!
Cathy Williamson & Susan Baka, Co-Presidents
Upcoming Events
Summer Trade Social
Reconnect with the OWIT-Toronto community at the Summer Trade Social on June 17! Hosted on Scotiabank’s outdoor terrace, members are welcome to invite a guest to enjoy an evening of networking, conversation, and refreshments. Scotiabank will discuss the evolving north–south trade corridor and its support for women exporters interested in Canada–Latin America trade. You will have the chance to win a curated box of food products from Canadian women entrepreneurs, donated by Canadian Women in Food. Please register by June 11. Details here.
Past Events
April 1: Canadian Trade – On the Road to 2035
[l to r] Scotiabank’s Matthew Parker-Jones, OWIT Co-President Cathy Williamson, Panel Moderator Susan Baka, TSC’s Zinnia Jamshed, EDC’s Jennifer Cooke, Author Ryan Manucha, Scotiabank’s Amanda de Vogel and EDC’s Stephanie Fontaine.
[l-r] OWIT-Toronto President Susan Baka, Zinnia Jamshed of the Trade Commissioner Service, Export Development Canada’s Jennifer Cooke, and Ryan Manucha of the C.D. Howe Institute.
OWIT-Toronto hosted Canadian Trade – On the Road to 2035 on April 1st , sponsored by Scotiabank, on Canada’s evolving trade landscape over the next decade. Moderated by OWIT-TO President Susan Baka, the panel discussion featured Zinnia Jamshed (Trade Commissioner Service, Global Affairs Canada), Jennifer Cooke (Director of Customer Care, Export Development Canada) and Ryan Manucha (Research Fellow, C.D. Howe Institute). Looking towards Canada’s ambitious goal to double non-US exports by 2035 in order to reduce dependency on a single market, the panelists shared useful insights for businesses interested in expanding across borders and across Canada to unlock growth.
Think Big, Think Bold
Zinnia and Jennifer noted that women often underestimate their potential as exporters and are disproportionately affected by financing barriers and smaller networks. Fortunately, many resources are available to support women business owners in identifying opportunities and taking risks:
- The Trade Commissioner Service connects small and medium-sized businesses to global markets through commercial intelligence, trade missions, and programs such as CanExport for financing and TechAccelerator for in-market support.
- Export Development Canada helps entrepreneurs manage financial risks and access working capital, building confidence for international expansion.
- Canada’s network of FTAs levels the playing field—covering over 51 countries and two-thirds of the global economy. Agreements such as CETA, CPTPP, and the Canada–UK FTA provide preferential access to high-growth markets. CETA even includes an inclusionary metric for women exporters.
- Organizations like OWIT connect women to strong networks that can accelerate scaling and global participation.
Results from EDC’s Trade Confidence Index show how exporters are adapting to uncertainty and taking action now rather than waiting. Many are moving towards a “US- Plus” approach, maintaining ties with the US but actively expanding into Europe and Asia. While the ambition is there, challenges remain, and the Trade Commissioner Service continues to support businesses in both the US and further afield, recognizing that diversification is a gradual process.
Alongside this shift, new opportunities are emerging across markets. Prominent sectors for women-owned businesses in the Indo-Pacific region include professional services and ICT. Many women are also seeing promise in health sciences, sustainability, marketing and creative industries. In Europe, there is high demand for consumer products with ethical labeling, and health and wellness products.
Abroad and At Home
Ryan Manucha discussed how domestic trade barriers create a missed opportunity, with interprovincial trade at only half the value of US-Canada trade. Many of these barriers stem from differing provincial regulations, inconsistent standards and non-transparent procurement practices. As women are active in credentialed sectors such as professional services and healthcare, reducing frictions is key: normalizing mutual recognition, already well-established in international trade agreements, would go a long way towards allowing women to take ownership over opportunities.
Businesses seeking to expand interprovincially can contact their province’s internal trade representative for assistance. The Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade (MEDJCT) is also offering interprovincial trade missions to those interested.
Ryan shares more about Canada’s interprovincial trade story in his book, Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups: Canada’s Quest for Interprovincial Free Trade.
A special thank you to Scotiabank for hosting this event and to our partners Export Development Canada and the Trade Commissioner Service for their continued support.
Canada-UK Trade Corridors Webinar: Trade and Challenges in Today’s Context
OWIT UK, OWIT Ottawa, and OWIT Toronto hosted a timely webinar on May 5 to examine the evolving Canada–UK trade landscape amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics. Canada and the UK share a longstanding relationship built on trust and a history of close cooperation, positioning them as like-minded partners in advancing trade and economic collaboration. Bringing together expert panelists from both countries, the session explored practical strategies for navigating market entry, regulatory environments, and cross-border trade barriers. Discussions highlighted opportunities in key sectors such as cybersecurity, satellite communications, telecommunications, and advanced manufacturing, while emphasizing the importance of resilient, future-ready partnerships. The interactive format, including breakout sessions, fostered meaningful dialogue and collaboration - particularly spotlighting women in IT and telecoms - while providing valuable insights for businesses looking to strengthen their presence across the Canada–UK corridor. Read more.
OWIT/WIIT Webinar: Is the Magnetic North Pole of Trade Shifting?
OWIT International and its DC Chapter, WIIT, organized a webinar on May 7 to discuss the impact of the U.S. “America First” trade agenda on tariffs, global supply chains, and emerging partnerships. With expert panelists from Canada, the U.S., and the UK, the event explored how businesses are responding to rising economic uncertainty as new regional trade blocs emerge. Speakers noted that the shift towards increasingly fragmented global trade reflects longer-term structural shifts rather than short-term disruption, causing industries to rethink their comparative advantages. The session also highlighted OWIT’s role in supporting women-owned businesses through advocacy, knowledge-sharing, and networking opportunities. Read more.
Trade Resources
One of the key barriers women entrepreneurs face in expanding internationally is access to clear, reliable information. Here are some useful resources from the Trade Commissioner Service:
The Government of Canada has launched a new Domestic Trade Commissioners Network to help businesses identify and access opportunities across Canada, reduce internal trade barriers, and strengthen connections between provinces and territories. For the OWIT-Toronto community, this is an important step toward creating more inclusive pathways for women-owned and women-led businesses to scale nationally, diversify markets, and grow through interprovincial trade opportunities. At a time of global uncertainty, building stronger trade links within Canada can help entrepreneurs increase resilience, expand partnerships, and unlock new markets closer to home. A stronger internal economy creates stronger opportunities for all.
Where We’ve Been
March 26-27: Asia Pacific Foundation – CanWIN Global Summit
OWIT board members Clare Barnett [l] and Susana Vaz [r] with former Trade Minister Mary Ng [centre]
The CanWIN Global Summit 2026 brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to advance gender-diverse economic empowerment and expand trade opportunities across the Indo-Pacific. With a strong focus on supporting women and gender-diverse SMEs, the summit highlighted pathways to market entry, the importance of inclusive trade, and the growing role of the region in the global economy. Since 2019, CanWIN-led trade missions have supported 290 delegates, generating an estimated $50M in deals and strengthening Canada’s reputation as a champion of inclusive trade. Discussions reinforced the critical role of government programs, financing tools, and ecosystem collaboration in unlocking the $150B potential of women entrepreneurs, while emphasizing the importance of relationship-building, market intelligence, and strategic persistence in global expansion.
April 27: Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Beyond Borders Canada & LATAM Business Forum
l-r: Hispanic Chamber President Luis Briceno, OWIT’s Susan Baka, & SGS VP Pablo Lomeli
The Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce successfully hosted Beyond Borders: Canada and LATAM Business Forum – Trade, Innovation & LATAM Synergies, bringing together Latin American entrepreneurs, professionals, and industry leaders to explore opportunities across Canadian and LATAM markets. The forum spotlighted key sectors including logistics, agri-food, technology, mining, and retail, while providing valuable insights on trade regulations, certifications, and market trends. OWIT board members Susana Vaz and Susan Baka participated as panelists. Attendees engaged in meaningful networking, strengthened their import-export strategies, and showcased their products, reinforcing the importance of cross-border collaboration and innovation in driving business growth.
May 7: Mexico Trade Mission to Canada
Alma with Mexico’s Ambassador to Canada, Carlos Manuel Joaquín González
Canada’s Ambassador to Mexico, Cameron MacKay, and OWIT’s Alma Farias
Scotiabank hosted an evening reception at its global headquarters in Toronto on May 7 in honour of the Mexican trade delegation participating in the Mexico–Canada Trade Mission 2026. Led by Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, and supported by Canada’s Minister Dominic LeBlanc, the mission brought together hundreds of Mexican companies, along with senior government officials, business leaders, investors, and representatives from key industries in both countries to strengthen commercial ties and promote new opportunities for bilateral cooperation and investment.
The trade mission aimed to deepen economic integration between Mexico and Canada ahead of the upcoming CUSMA/USMCA/T-MEC review.
Alma Farias, Strategic Advisor and Chair of the Advisory Committee, attended the reception representing OWIT-TO. During the event, she had the opportunity to engage with members of the Mexican delegation, Canadian business leaders, diplomatic representatives, and participants from both countries.
May 14-15: Global Economic Diversification Summit 2026
[l-r] Mariette Mulaire, Managing Director, World Trade Centers Association, Ben Talin, CEO at More Than Digital, OWIT’s Susan Baka & Zachary Barker, Director of Entrepreneurship, International Economic Development Council
OWIT-Toronto was represented on a panel during this two-day international forum held in Edmonton in May, hosted by the Global Economic Diversification (GED) Council. It brought together a host of international speakers including policymakers, investors and high-growth founders who provided insights on export readiness, AI adoption, FDI attraction and cross-border partnerships, with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
Some of their key takeaways:
- Be mindful that tech and AI are useful only when they can solve real business and social problems. Figure out first what is the problem to be solved and whether AI has a role as a tool rather than distracting people with a shiny new technology that can completely overwhelm them when the right people, processes and strategies to deal with the real issues are not in place.
- The ability to have access to AI allows under-represented groups to gain knowledge and close the gap, but AI systems need to be designed with inclusion in mind. Most of the internet is based on English content and US value systems, which misrepresents many. Inclusive AI means that the practice of building AI includes all.
- Most economic policy (e.g. incentives, infrastructure support for large companies) is exclusionary. The traditional focus of economic development – i.e., recruitment & attraction, tax incentives, industrial expansion, and large employer dependence - is no longer enough. Today’s reality (global shift) includes AI & tech disruption, workforce instability, capital concentration in big cities and youth outmigration (youth - who are most tech adept – are moving to big cities). Inclusive entrepreneurship is good economic strategy since youth can participate in the economy; women business owners build independent wealth; immigrant communities commercialize cultural assets; minority business enterprise founders create intergenerational ownership; and underserved communities generate localized prosperity and have the highest growth potential.
- Policy intervention in areas like child care and health care are needed to remove systemic and trade barriers for women. Other things that work include gender responsive financing models (e.g. guarantee programs that reduce collateral requirements), supplier diversity programs, open procurement and supply chains (e.g. through set asides), mentorship programs and better access to capital (e.g. investors supplying gender smart capital and removing biased questions).
Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce Powertech Roundtable
As part of Toronto Tech Week, OWIT-TO participated in this BCCC executive-level roundtable on May 26 with a curated group of leaders from government, academia, and industry, alongside a selected audience, focused on advancing bilateral opportunities and addressing the points that influence real execution.
City of Toronto's NetworkTO @ Toronto Tech Week
Several OWIT-TO members took part in the City of Toronto’s Networking event on May 28 to celebrate Toronto Tech Week. Toronto Tech Week was a citywide celebration of the people building what’s next. From May 25–29, 2026, founders, investors, and builders came together for hundreds of community-led events across Toronto, connecting tens of thousands of people around Canadian tech. This included a group of women entrepreneurs from Atlantic Canada.
OWIT International News
OWIT International is inviting members across its global network to take part in an important communications survey aimed at strengthening how we share our mission, priorities, and impact. This initiative is about listening and ensuring our messaging reflects the full diversity and strength of our community. The survey seeks input on what is working well, where there may be gaps, and how OWIT can better support and connect members worldwide.
Your feedback will directly inform how we communicate and engage going forward, helping to ensure greater alignment, clarity, and collective impact. The survey takes only a few minutes to complete, and members are encouraged to share it within their chapters so that as many voices as possible are included in shaping OWIT’s future direction. Please complete the survey HERE.
Save the date of June 17 for OWIT International’s Virtual Global Summit from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (EST). Register to attend.
Meet Our Volunteers
Meet OWIT-Toronto’s new volunteers, Marina Athayde and Aiman Zuberi:
Marina Athayde has recently completed her second year of International Studies at Western University. With a strong interest in international trade, global affairs, and cross-cultural collaboration, she is eager to continue expanding her knowledge and building meaningful industry connections. Marina brings curiosity, enthusiasm, and a global mindset to her academic and professional pursuits.
Aiman Zuberi is a recent graduate of the University of Toronto with a background in political science and public policy. Having lived in several countries and worked across NGOs, government, and business sectors, she brings a global perspective and diverse professional experience. She is currently a coordinator for the Toronto Region Board of Trade. “Working with OWIT has been amazing as a young woman starting out in trade. I have enjoyed volunteering thoroughly, curating a network that is so passionate about helping others and inspires me to make the most through informative panels that highlight the trade industry in the current Canadian context.”
Partner Update
The City of Toronto is offering several upcoming trade-related events, sharing valuable insights for businesses looking to grow internationally.
June 1 -7: Toronto Climate Week
With participants from Canada and around the world, Toronto Climate Week (TOCW) is where Canada meets the global climate conversation – a city-wide series of events, rooted in the heart of Toronto, bringing together innovators, business leaders, policymakers, researchers, artists, and community members to accelerate real climate progress. Find details and register for events here.
June: Trade Diversification Webinars
The City of Toronto is hosting a series of free webinars on the basics of trade diversification, providing businesses with practical insights on expanding into new markets, navigating tariffs and trade agreements, and accessing available government supports. Register here
June 15: City of Toronto’s TradeTO – Trade Diversification Summit
The City of Toronto’s TradeTO – Trade Diversification Summit brings together export-ready SMEs, international partners, and trade leaders to accelerate global growth. Timed with FIFA World Cup 2026™, this is a key moment to strengthen Toronto’s global position, access new markets, and build high-value connections.
Designed for SMEs ready to scale, the summit delivers actionable insights, direct access to decision-makers, and opportunities to shape Toronto’s global trade future. Details and Registration here.
Other Partner Events:
June 3: FITT - Unlock your potential: from FITT diploma to CITP (webinar)
The Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) invites you to attend an important virtual information session, exclusive for FITT Diploma holders, which will map out the steps you can take to obtain the CITP designation. Register here.
June 11: British Canadian Chamber of Trade and Commerce (BCCTC): Scotland-Canada Virtual B2B Networking
Are you a Canadian business looking to expand into Scotland? Or a Scottish business interested in connecting with Canadian companies? Join Inverness, Edinburgh and West Highland Chamber of Commerce working with Canadian Chamber partners, for an online B2B networking session. Register here.
June 25: Startup Canada and FITT - Building Global Relationships: Cultural Intelligence for Market Success (webinar)
Startup Canada is partnering with the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) to offer the Startup Global 2026 program, consisting of webinars that will walk businesses through the tools and resources needed to get export ready. Each webinar will provide the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and organizations and build foundational relationships for entering new markets. Register here.
July 10: Canadian Women in Food – Women in Ingredients (WII) Connect at the THiNK Ingredients Centre in Burlington
A curated gathering designed to connect women working across ingredients, manufacturing, product development, commercialization, and technical sales through coffee, conversation, and structured networking. WII Connect creates space for meaningful industry relationships, fresh perspectives, and stronger connections within the ingredient and innovation side of the food industry. Free to attend, but registration is required. Details here.
Sponsorship/Partnership Opportunities
OWIT-Toronto welcomes companies and organizations that are committed to advancing women in global trade and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Sponsoring OWIT-Toronto is a meaningful way to:
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Elevate your brand within a dynamic trade network
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Connect and network with women leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals
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Demonstrate your commitment to equity, inclusion, and global opportunity
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Be part of a Canadian movement to support export beyond traditional markets
Interested in working with us? Let’s connect.
Reach out to abigail.noronha@gmail.com to learn more about our sponsorship/partnership opportunities or with any questions.
