The Forum

We're on a mission to shift the social and economic power that women hold. And entrepreneurship is our vehicle for change. By unlocking access to wisdom, financial, and social capital, we're helping women entrepreneurs build and scale impactful businesses across Canada. When they do, our communities grow stronger, new jobs are created, and we all benefit from their innovations. Increasing participation and supporting equal opportunities for women in the workplace could add $150B to the Canadian economy by 2026. By supporting The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale, you’re helping us provide the education, mentorship, and community women entrepreneurs need to thrive—and play a key role in driving that growth. Help us make our largest annual fundraiser our most impactful yet. Donate or bid in our Online Auction today 👇 https://lnkd.in/gK5h5Csm Thank you to The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale Sponsors:⁣⁠ ⁠ Title Sponsor: Odlum Brown Limited⁠ Capital Sponsor: Wheaton Precious Metals⁠ Reception Sponsor: Fort Capital Partners⁠ Vancouver Semi-Final Sponsor: BCAA Glamour Sponsor: Blue Ruby Jewellery⁠ Finale Champagne Wall Sponsor: Acuitas Therapeutics⁠ Diamond Sponsor: Montecristo Jewellers ⁠ Dinner Sponsor: PCRM: Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine Pitch Education Sponsor: Aritzia⁠ Silver Sponsor: TELUS Business⁠ Bronze Sponsors: Amur Capital, Beedie, BMO, CIBC, Canadian Western Bank, EY, ivy Group Inc., Lyra Growth Partners, RBC, The Scotiabank Women Initiative® & TD⁠ Impact Sponsor: Lawson Lundell LLP⁠ Technology Sponsor: B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE)⁠ Community Impact Sponsors: CoPilot AI, GrowWise, Ink LLP, Pocketed Grant Platform, Virtual Gurus⁠ Media Partner: BCBusiness Beverage Partner: Drink Glimmer Wine ⁠ Design & Planning: CountDown Events Planning and Design

Less than ✌️ weeks to go… We’re so excited to introduce you today to Robin Gill, our host for The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale on April 25!⁠ Robin is a true powerhouse in the Canadian media world, with nearly three decades of experience as a journalist, notably as an anchor and correspondent for Global National News. In 2022, she took a bold leap and pivoted her career to become a communications consultant, helping top executives at major Canadian companies and nonprofits share their stories. Robin also fills in as a talk show host at CKNW, continuing to connect with audiences across the country. A proud UBC graduate with a degree in International Relations, she actively gives back by serving on the boards of the UBC Alumni Association and the Jack Webster Foundation. Join us in welcoming Robin in the comments below! ⬇️ Thank you to The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale Sponsors:⁣⁠ ⁠ Title Sponsor: Odlum Brown Limited⁠ Capital Sponsor: Wheaton Precious Metals⁠ Reception Sponsor: Fort Capital Partners⁠ Vancouver Semi-Final Sponsor: BCAA Glamour Sponsor:Blue Ruby Jewellery⁠ Finale Champagne Wall Sponsor: Acuitas Therapeutics⁠ Diamond Sponsor: Montecristo Jewellers ⁠ Dinner Sponsor: PCRM: Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine Pitch Education Sponsor: Aritzia⁠ Silver Sponsor: TELUS Business⁠ Bronze Sponsors: Amur Capital, Beedie, BMO, CIBC, Canadian Western Bank, EY, ivy Group Inc., Lyra Growth Partners, RBC, The Scotiabank Women Initiative® & TD⁠ Impact Sponsor: Lawson Lundell LLP⁠ Technology Sponsor: B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE)⁠ Community Impact Sponsors: CoPilot AI, GrowWise, Ink LLP, Pocketed Grant Platform, Virtual Gurus⁠ Media Partner: BCBusiness Beverage Partner: Drink Glimmer Wine ⁠ Design & Planning: CountDown Events Planning and Design

Women entrepreneurs across the country are building impactful businesses, but they’re often being overlooked when it comes to funding. Today, only 4% of venture capital goes to women-owned businesses in Canada. At The Forum, we believe in the power of community and the change that happens when women come together to support one another. Like many others, Dionne Laslo-Baker, PhD witnessed this support firsthand through The Forum, where participating in our programs helped her access the wisdom, financial, and social capital she needed to grow DeeBee's Organics into what it is today. When you support The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale, our largest fundraising event of the year, you’re helping us continue this kind of support for even more women entrepreneurs across Canada. Click the 🔗 below to donate and make a difference! https://lnkd.in/gK5h5Csm Thank you to The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale Sponsors:⁣⁠ ⁠ Title Sponsor: Odlum Brown Limited⁠ Capital Sponsor: Wheaton Precious Metals⁠ Reception Sponsor: Fort Capital Partners⁠ Vancouver Semi-Final Sponsor: BCAA Glamour Sponsor: Blue Ruby Jewellery⁠ Finale Champagne Wall Sponsor: Acuitas Therapeutics⁠ Diamond Sponsor: Montecristo Jewellers ⁠ Dinner Sponsor: PCRM: Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine Pitch Education Sponsor: Aritzia⁠ Silver Sponsor: TELUS Business⁠ Bronze Sponsors: Amur Capital, Beedie, BMO, CIBC, Canadian Western Bank, EY, ivy Group Inc., Lyra Growth Partners, RBC, The Scotiabank Women Initiative® & TD⁠ Impact Sponsor: Lawson Lundell LLP⁠ Technology Sponsor: B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE)⁠ Community Impact Sponsors: CoPilot AI, GrowWise, Ink LLP, Pocketed Grant Platform, Virtual Gurus⁠ Media Partner: BCBusiness Beverage Partner: Drink Glimmer Wine ⁠ Design & Planning: CountDown Events Planning and Design

Hundreds of women entrepreneurs have come through The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch program since it began. But what happens after? 🤔 In the last eight years, our past Finalists have raised a collective $24.3 million in funding. Even more, their companies have created an estimate of 500+ jobs across Canada. And our Semi-Finalists? That number climbs even higher. Collectively they’ve raised over $36 million, with many now entering the growth phase and scaling their businesses. This proves what we already know: The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch isn’t just a moment — it’s a launchpad. 🚀 On April 25, we’re holding our largest fundraising event of the year which directly supports our programming and operations—including education, mentorship, training, and research, so that more women entrepreneurs can grow and scale their businesses. Click the the 🔗 below to support today! https://lnkd.in/gK5h5Csm Thank you to The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale Sponsors:⁣⁠ ⁠ Title Sponsor: Odlum Brown Limited⁠ Capital Sponsor: Wheaton Precious Metals⁠ Reception Sponsor: Fort Capital Partners⁠ Vancouver Semi-Final Sponsor: BCAA Glamour Sponsor: Blue Ruby Jewellery⁠ Finale Champagne Wall Sponsor: Acuitas Therapeutics⁠ Diamond Sponsor: Montecristo Jewellers ⁠ Dinner Sponsor: PCRM: Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine Pitch Education Sponsor: Aritzia⁠ Silver Sponsor: TELUS Business⁠ Bronze Sponsors: Amur Capital, Beedie, BMO, CIBC, Canadian Western Bank, EY, ivy Group Inc., Lyra Growth Partners, RBC, The Scotiabank Women Initiative® & TD⁠ Impact Sponsor: Lawson Lundell LLP⁠ Technology Sponsor: B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE)⁠ Community Impact Sponsors: CoPilot AI, GrowWise, Ink LLP, Pocketed Grant Platform, Virtual Gurus⁠ Media Partner: BCBusiness Beverage Partner: Drink Glimmer Wine ⁠ Design & Planning: CountDown Events Planning and Design Cassandra Hui (She/Her) Connie Stacey Dionne Laslo-Baker, PhD

The Online Auction is officially here!⁠ ⁠ Bidding is now open, and we've got items and experiences values at over $100K generously donated by The Forum community.⁠ From beauty to foodie and everything in between, there’s something for everyone 💝⁠ ⁠ The Online Auction will run until 10pm PT on April 25th with all proceeds going to support women entrepreneurs across Canada 🇨🇦⁠ Bid now: https://lnkd.in/gGQbugQM ⁠ Thank you to The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale Sponsors:⁣⁠ ⁠ Title Sponsor: Odlum Brown Limited⁠ Capital Sponsor: Wheaton Precious Metals⁠ Reception Sponsor: Fort Capital Partners⁠ Vancouver Semi-Final Sponsor: BCAA Glamour Sponsor: Blue Ruby Jewellery⁠ Finale Champagne Wall Sponsor: Acuitas Therapeutics⁠ Diamond Sponsor: Montecristo Jewellers ⁠ Dinner Sponsor: PCRM: Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine Pitch Education Sponsor: Aritzia⁠ Silver Sponsor: TELUS Business⁠ Bronze Sponsors: Amur Capital, Beedie, BMO, CIBC, Canadian Western Bank, EY, ivy Group Inc., Lyra Growth Partners, RBC, The Scotiabank Women Initiative® & TD⁠ Impact Sponsor: Lawson Lundell LLP⁠ Technology Sponsor: B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE)⁠ Community Impact Sponsors: CoPilot AI, GrowWise, Ink LLP, Pocketed Grant Platform, Virtual Gurus⁠ Media Partner: BCBusiness Beverage Partner: Drink Glimmer Wine ⁠ Design & Planning: CountDown Events Planning and Design ⁠ #pathtopitch #getyourbidon #womenentrepreneurs #supportlocal #shoplocal #onlineauction #silentauction #womenowned #canadiansmallbusiness

"My mom was told to get her affairs in order, that there were no other options." When Cassandra Hui (She/Her)'s mother and sisters faced cancer diagnoses, she encountered a healthcare system that wasn't built for patients. The lack of accessible information about clinical trials inspired her to create Heal Mary, but building a healthtech company as a woman entrepreneur came with significant barriers. That's when The Forum stepped in. "The Forum believed in me before many investors did. They saw the potential in Heal Mary before the rest of the industry caught up," says Cassandra. Through mentorship, strategic connections, and funding opportunities, The Forum helped Cassandra scale her vision from idea to reality. Today, Heal Mary partners with over 100 nonprofits and serves thousands of patients worldwide with their AI-driven platform for clinical trial matching. This is why we do what we do. When women entrepreneurs have access to the capital, community, and knowledge they need, they create solutions that transform lives. Read Cassandra's full story to see how The Forum's support helped her improve patient access to clinical trials worldwide. 📖 https://lnkd.in/ert8FP8N

One of the biggest hurdles facing women entrepreneurs today is access to capital. Women-owned business are fuelling innovation and growth, yet they only receive a small fraction of venture capital funding—just 2-3% globally. Imagine what they could achieve with equal access. That’s why The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch exists. Our 7-month program provides women entrepreneurs with: ✅ Business education ✅ Mentorship from experienced leaders ✅ A powerful network of peers, investors, and supporters Join us in supporting them through The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale—our largest fundraiser of the year. Click the 🔗 below to donate today! https://lnkd.in/gK5h5Csm Thank you to The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale Sponsors:⁣⁠ ⁠ Title Sponsor: Odlum Brown Limited Capital Sponsor: Wheaton Precious Metals Reception Sponsor: Fort Capital Partners Vancouver Semi-Final Sponsor: BCAA⁠ Glamour Sponsor: Blue Ruby Jewellery⁠ Finale Champagne Wall Sponsor: Acuitas Therapeutics Diamond Sponsor: Montecristo Jewellers ⁠ Dinner Sponsor: PCRM: Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine⁠ Pitch Education Sponsor: Aritzia⁠ Silver Sponsor: TELUS Business⁠ Bronze Sponsors: Amur Capital, Beedie, BMO, CIBC, Canadian Western Bank, EY, ivy Group Inc, Lyra Growth Partners, RBC, The Scotiabank Women Initiative® & TD⁠ Impact Sponsor: Lawson Lundell LLP Technology Sponsor: B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE)⁠ Community Impact Sponsors: CoPilot AI, GrowWise, Ink LLP, Pocketed Grant Platform⁠ Media Partner: BCBusiness⁠ ⁠ Design & Planning: CountDown Events Planning and Design PragmaClin Research Inc. Bronwyn Bridges

Want to help make an impact? Volunteer with us! We're still looking for volunteers to join us at The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale on April 25, where hundreds of entrepreneurs and supporters will gather to celebrate the three Finalists and invest in the future we all want to see. By volunteering, you'll play a critical role in ensuring this event runs smoothly while gaining experience that aligns with your goals and expanding your network. https://lnkd.in/g9tqXVm9 📸 Mark Yuen

Access to financing is one of the biggest barriers that Canadian women entrepreneurs face today, but it takes more than funding to build and sustain an impactful business. 🤝 When entrepreneurs participate in The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch, they not only gain access to financial capital, but the educational and community support they need too. 👭 Entrepreneurship is often thought of as a lonely road, but with The Forum community, they never have to face its trials and triumphs alone. ❤️ When you donate through The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale, our largest annual fundraising event and celebration, you’re directly supporting Canada’s growing network of women entrepreneurs. Click the 🔗 below to donate and make a difference! https://lnkd.in/gK5h5Csm Thank you to The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale Sponsors:⁣⁠ ⁠ Title Sponsor: Odlum Brown Limited Capital Sponsor: Wheaton Precious Metals Reception Sponsor: Fort Capital Partners Vancouver Semi-Final Sponsor: BCAA⁠ Glamour Sponsor: Blue Ruby Jewellery⁠ Finale Champagne Wall Sponsor: Acuitas Therapeutics Diamond Sponsor: Montecristo Jewellers ⁠ Dinner Sponsor: PCRM: Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine⁠ Pitch Education Sponsor: Aritzia⁠ Silver Sponsor: TELUS Business⁠ Bronze Sponsors: Amur Capital, Beedie, BMO, CIBC, Canadian Western Bank, EY, ivy Group Inc, Lyra Growth Partners, RBC, The Scotiabank Women Initiative® & TD⁠ Impact Sponsor: Lawson Lundell LLP Technology Sponsor: B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE)⁠ Community Impact Sponsors: CoPilot AI, GrowWise, Ink LLP, Pocketed Grant Platform⁠ Media Partner: BCBusiness⁠ ⁠ Design & Planning: CountDown Events Planning and Design Apricotton Chloe Beaudoin Jessica Miao