Women Entrepreneurs Driving Canada’s Food Future: Meet the 2025 Seed to Scale Cohort
By: Lindsay Toth
From bustling farmers’ markets to local retail shelves, the 2025 Seed to Scale Accelerator cohort is full of women bringing passion, creativity, and culture to the Canadian food scene. Each founder has a unique story and product, reflecting the diversity and innovation that makes our local food economy so vibrant.
Meet our incredible founders:
Christie Brown – Brown’s Curiosities (Camrose, AB)
Christie creates sweet confections and chocolate oddities, from caramels to chocolate bars and more. Made in Camrose, Alberta, her creations delight shoppers at local farmers’ markets and online.
Natasha D’Cruze – Seb’s Soda Co. (Regina, SK)
Natasha crafts small-batch sodas for local markets, blending classic flavors with her own refreshing twist to create something uniquely Saskatchewan.
Brooklyn Carberry – Brook’s Beet Salsa (Annaheim, SK)
Brook’s vibrant beet salsas bring nutrition and bold flavor together, making every farmers’ market visit a colorful adventure.
Gayle Hurmuses – Gayle’s Greek Gourmet (Cobble Hill, BC)
Gayle shares authentic Greek flavors with local communities, offering retail customers a taste of tradition in every bite.
Tawnya Brant – Yawékon Foods (Ohsweken, ON)
Tawnya celebrates Indigenous culinary heritage through her market-ready products, connecting culture and cuisine in every dish.
Tawnya Brant – Yawékon Foods (Ohsweken, ON)
Autumn TopSky – Heartberry (North Battleford, SK)
Autumn is crafting recipes inspired by her Indigenous heritage, bringing thoughtful, culturally-rich creations to life as she prepares to enter the market.
Lesley Burton – Tillorie Farms Ltd. (Tilley, AB)
Lesley brings farm-fresh ingredients to farmers’ markets, connecting her community with wholesome, sustainably-grown foods.
Mary Adenuga – Beam of Delight Foods (Regina, SK)
Mary is turning her love of cooking into products that bring joy to local shoppers, from savory bites to sweet treats.
Nuala Bobowski – Fromage Protein Pops (Vancouver, BC)
Nuala is innovating on retail shelves with protein-packed pops that combine health, flavor, and fun for customers of all ages.
Charity Olynyk – Charity’s Churn (Saskatoon, SK)
Charity’s small-batch ice creams are crafted for local markets, making every scoop a moment of joy.
Lesley Burton – Tillorie Farms Ltd. (Tilley, AB)
Kelly Gosselin – High Regard Artisanal Catering (Moose Jaw, SK)
Kelly blends Indigenous culinary traditions with retail-ready products, sharing culture and quality with her community.
Rebecca Trodden – Little Gems Farm (Yellowhead County, AB)
Rebecca’s farm-to-shelf sauces are designed to make wholesome, flavorful eating easy for local shoppers.
Sonya Braich – Gheelicious (Vancouver, BC)
Sonya’s farmers’ market offerings celebrate plant-based innovation and bold, delicious flavors.
Pam Edmunds – 2 Farmers & a Cow Ice Cream Co. (Guelph, ON)
Pam delights market-goers with her handcrafted ice creams, bringing farm-fresh goodness to every scoop.
Onyinye Uzor – Yosip Deli (Regina, SK)
Onyinye’s creations bring fresh, flavorful options to the community, rich African-style yogurt drinks.
Sonya Braich – Gheelicious (Vancouver, BC)
Tanya Crosdale – REDONO PET INC (Edmonton, AB)
Tanya is creating innovative pet treats for online customers, helping furry friends stay happy and healthy.
Vanessa Chiaravalloti – Holy Cannoli (Etobicoke, ON)
Vanessa’s retail-ready cannoli are winning hearts across Ontario with every sweet bite.
Rhonda Arrand – River Bend Bees (Oromocto, NB)
Rhonda brings local honey and bee products to farmers’ markets, connecting people with sustainable, natural goodness.
Mia Pestano – Whisker Beans Coffee Company (Vancouver, BC)
Mia is crafting specialty coffee blends that promise to delight customers once her products hit the market.
Susie Daviduke – Prairie Cravings Gourmet Stuffed Yorkies (Saskatoon, SK)
Susie is perfecting her gourmet stuffed yorkie recipes, getting ready to launch them into the local market soon.
Anika Fairooz – Spice Drizzle (North York, ON)
Anika is adding bold flavors to retail shelves with her signature spice blends, making everyday cooking a little more exciting.
Each of these women is shaping Canada’s food landscape, whether by introducing bold new flavors, reconnecting communities to local ingredients, or blending culture and cuisine. The Seed to Scale Accelerator provides them with mentorship, resources, and connections to grow their businesses sustainably and successfully.
Follow their journeys and support local food innovation across Canada!
