Canada ranks just behind the United States for entrepreneurial activity, and women in this sector are on the rise. Here are the top ten Canadian women entrepreneurs according to the 2016 PROFITguide.com W100 list.
10. Ratana Stephens
Co-CEO, Nature’s Path
As co-CEO, Stephens watched Nature’s Path become the largest organic breakfast food company in North America, with 2015 revenue of US$250-500 million. The company began selling Manna Bread in 1985 and has since appeared on many official lists of Canada’s Best and Greenest Employers.
9. Shantal Feltham
President and CEO, Stiris Research
Stiris Research provides biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies with the clinical trial solutions needed to advance medical knowledge, and Feltham is its President and CEO. The company’s revenue last year was between $5 million and $10 million and prides itself on strong ethical values that ensure the best possible team is employed and retained.
8. Sue Bennett
Principle and CEO, Bennett Design Associates
Bennett started his business in 1997 in a quest to better balance his family life and work. The company quickly became a popular choice for customers and a major player in the interior design industry. Bennett made $5 million to $10 million in revenue last year, and the company continues to grow rapidly.
7. Laura Araneda
President and CEO, Vic Progressive Diamond Drilling
Starting in 1987, Araneda took over the family mining business in 2008 and has grown the business exponentially ever since, growing the team and introducing a business development manager with deep knowledge of geology. Revenues for 2015 were between $10 million and $20 million.
6. Rachel Mielke
CEO, Hillberg & Berk Accessories
Mielke’s young jewelry company was established in 2007, and once she expanded her team with two full-time customer service employees, online sales increased by 205%. Last year, Hillberg & Berk had $5-10 million in sales and to date has donated more than $500,000 to women’s charities as part of women’s empowerment. women.
5. Allison Grafton
President, Rockwood Custom Homes
Multi-award-winning Rockwood Custom Homes threw caution to the wind in the face of the resource slowdown, as Grafton and its business partner opted instead to embark on ambitious construction projects regardless. This positive attitude paid off, as the company made $20 million to $50 million in revenue in 2015.
4. Leigh Timel
Co-CEO, Gravity Partners
Himel’s company provides strategic consulting and marketing communications services to large international companies, securing revenues of $5-10 million in 2015. Himel is a strong believer in entrepreneurship, and that the observing and learning from market trends will reduce any potential business risk at start-up.
3. Mia Pearson
Co-Founder, North Strategic
Pearson and his team buck the often short-lived trend of PR and social media agencies by negotiating budgets with clients on a case-by-case basis, setting the tone for a highly customizable service. This ensured a five percent turnover of customers and a turnover of 5 to 10 million dollars last year.
2.Shannon Rogers
President and General Counsel, Global Relay
Global Relay is a technology services company, which was just a fledgling start-up when Rogers left her lucrative law career to run the company as president. The international company now boasts a hugely impressive customer base – including 22 of the world’s top 25 banks – and 2015 revenue of $50 million to $100 million.
1. Tonia Johshan
President and Founder, Steeped Tea
Johshan started his unique tea business in 2006, starting with hosting 15 tea parties a month. Now, and especially since partnering with Dragons’ Den investors, Johshan offers premium loose leaf tea and accessories only available through in-home ParTEAs hosted by independent consultants and online. Steeped Tea recorded revenues of $10 million to $20 million last year.
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