
Entrepreneurs Creating
New Paths for Business,
Together.


facilitated space for
personal growth
and sisterhood"
Plants are Teachers)


vulnerable with
beautiful, intelligent,
talented and amazing
women!"
(Native American Natural Foods)


and liberating!"
(Native American Natural Foods)

Why Women? Why Virtual? Why Now?
SVI Women Virtual convenes leaders to strengthen their inner and outer skills, deepen networks, and rejuvenate their commitment to shape a better world through business.
Come create community in the potent, highly curated, and brave space of SVI Women. Share your real time business struggles, problem solve with other women leaders, and generate innovative ideas and solutions.
As women and femme entrepreneurs, we will gather for ourselves, for our businesses, for each other, and for the change we wish to see in the world.
Join our curated community of women, femmes and non-binary leaders
Share real time business challenges, successes’ and curiosities
Create brave spaces that inspire change and meaningful connections
Tuition: $425.00 CAD / $340.00 USD
Scholarships are available. Please apply within your program application.
Inspiration and Connection
Check out what’s in store at SVIW!
Click the speaker photos to learn more about these powerhouse women
Truth Telling
Personal and intimate “True Confession” speakers tell the truth about the instrumental learning moments on the challenges and successes of building a socially conscious business. Fill your tank and your heart with inspiration from accomplished innovators who took the leap, failed, succeeded, and gained invaluable insights along the journey.
Vivian Kaye, Founder & CEO of KinkyCurlyYaki:
Vivian got her entrepreneurial spirit from her mother, who sold wares at a Ghanaian market, with Vivian tucked on her back.
Emigrating to Canada as a toddler, VIvian dropped out of college and battled depression in early adulthood. Working her way through tech startups, side hustles, Vivian eventually founded her now 7-figure business KinkyCurlyYaki — a first-of-its-kind hair extension company for Black women, by a Black woman.
Join SVIW to hear Vivian’s journey of battling systemic barriers to bootstrap her business and make half-a-million in revenue in her first year on the market.
Sue Conley, Co-Founder of Cowgirl Creamery:
Sue founded Cowgirl Creamery and Tomales Bay Foods in 1997 with her long-time friend, Peggy Smith. Through their efforts, a network of successful dairies and cheesemakers have flourished in coastal Marin and Sonoma.
Sue has been called a “rockstar” of American cheese and is a lynchpin of the natural food movement.
Join Sue in conversation with Esther Park about succession planning, mentorship, and what it means to support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Interactive Case Studies
SVIW Case studies are a core element of the agenda and provide a unique opportunity to learn about a strategic business challenge while a panel of experts and peers offer constructive and crucial feedback and insights. These intimate, confidential sessions dive deep on relevant and current business challenges, and offer universal learning for all participants.
Sharon Bond, Founder & CEO of Kekuli Cafe
Sharon started her bannock business as a concession stand outside a carwash, and spent her nights writing her business plan. Three years later, she’s the founder and CEO of Kekuli Cafe: Canada’s first Indigenous owned franchise!
Sharon founded Kekuli Cafe with the goal of extending her passion and vision for Indigenous Fast Casual eateries to every community in Canada. Every town requires a gathering space, a place to belong, a place to celebrate and enjoy Indigenous cuisine, Bannock, and coffee.
In her SVIW Case Study, we’ll dig into the challenge of building a B2B sales pipeline, and how to convert interest into customers.
Erica Perez, Co-Founder of Oaktown Spice Shop
Erica Perez and her husband John Beaver moved to Oakland, CA in 2009. Inspired by their love of food, deep commitment to community and people and fueled by a desire to follow a true spicy calling, in 2011 they founded Oaktown Spice Shop. Now their business has grown to a full team of employees, 3 retail shop locations, with a growing number of restaurants, bakeries and caterers who source their spices from the shop.
In Erica’s case study we’ll explore how to ensure “employee-first” culture evolves and adapts with the continued growth of their business.
Skill Building Workshops
Interactive skill-building workshops feature experienced entrepreneurs who have mastered best practices. These workshops offer a deep dive into a range of topics including from business strategy and marketing, to personal leadership, to justice, equity, and inclusion training.

Peer Networking,
Mentoring & Community
Throughout the gathering you will have numerous opportunities to connect with like-minded leaders during breakout groups and peer coaching circles. We also offer one-on-one coaching sessions so you can gain individualized expertise and wisdom. After the convening you are also introduced to a highly engaged SVI alumni online community, where you can expand your network, share your game-changing ideas, make “asks and offers,” and meet up throughout the year.
As we move through this pivotal time in history, gathering together is an important and effective way to (re)connect with other extraordinary women who are leading the social enterprise movement. You don’t want to miss this!
Agenda
SVIW is presented over 2 days, these interactive sessions are delivered through workshops, breakout sessions, case studies and true confessions. Experience an opportunity that will deepen and elevate your learning and connections.
Times are presented in Pacific Time.
A blend of breathwork, Qi Gong movement and self massage, this 45 minute session will start your morning off with energy and excitement!
Sharon started her bannock business as a concession stand outside a carwash, and spent her nights writing her business plan. Three years later, she’s the founder and CEO of Kekuli Cafe: Canada’s first Indigenous owned franchise! Sharon founded Kekuli Cafe with the goal of extending her passion and vision for Indigenous Fast Casual eateries to every community in Canada. Every town requires a gathering space, a place to belong, a place to celebrate and enjoy Indigenous cuisine, Bannock, and coffee. In her SVIW Case Study, we’ll dig into the challenge of building a B2B sales pipeline, and how to convert interest into customers.
These fast-paced 60 second presentations allow you to introduce yourself and your enterprise to the gathering. This is your chance to pitch an idea or make that ask. Creativity and passion are encouraged.
Participants can sign up to host a casual, unstructured conversation. Whoever shows up for the conversation are the right people there, and people are welcome to pop in and out.
Presenter: Vivian Kaye is the Founder & CEO of KinkyCurlyYaki
Vivian Kaye is the Founder & CEO of KinkyCurlyYaki a premium textured hair extension brand for Black women that she bootstrapped to over $6 million in revenue as an immigrant, college dropout and single mom.
Her presence and genuine desire to continuously learn and grow while keeping it REAL quickly made her a personality who transcended the title of Founder and CEO.
Ultimately, she organically grew her personal platform by exchanging tips and tricks that she learned on her personal entrepreneurial journey.
As a self proclaimed Gary Vee meets Oprah remix, Vivian acts a the bridge between big and small business. is a business and empowerment expert, as well as a TV, radio and podcast personality. Through her magnetic energy, Vivian empowers, uplifts and educates her audience into taking action.
Energize your morning with a fabulous fusion of Bellydance, Yoga, and Fitness! Get your sweat on with easy-to-learn cardio-dance, find deep strength with a touch of core, and then top it off with a relaxing stretch and meditation. Designed specifically for femme empowerment, this uplifting class will leave you feeling connected in mind, body, and spirit.
Erica Perez and her husband John Beaver moved to Oakland, CA in 2009. Inspired by their love of food, deep commitment to community and people and fueled by a desire to follow a true spicy calling, in 2011 they founded Oaktown Spice Shop. Now their business has grown to a full team of employees, 3 retail shop locations, with a growing number of restaurants, bakeries and caterers who source their spices from the shop. In Erica’s case study we’ll explore how to ensure “employee-first” culture evolves and adapts with the continued growth of their business.
Get advice on your own challenge and support fellow entrepreneurs in Peer Coaching Circles.
Don't miss this chance to integrate what we've learned and close together in a good way.
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Morning Movement: Qi GongA blend of breathwork, Qi Gong movement and self massage, this 45 minute session will start your morning off with energy and excitement!8:00 am - 8:45 am
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Case Study: Sharon Bond, Founder of Kekuli CafeSharon started her bannock business as a concession stand outside a carwash, and spent her nights writing her business plan. Three years later, she’s the founder and CEO of Kekuli Cafe: Canada’s first Indigenous owned franchise! Sharon founded Kekuli Cafe with the goal of extending her passion and vision for Indigenous Fast Casual eateries to every community in Canada. Every town requires a gathering space, a place to belong, a place to celebrate and enjoy Indigenous cuisine, Bannock, and coffee. In her SVIW Case Study, we’ll dig into the challenge of building a B2B sales pipeline, and how to convert interest into customers.9:00 am - 10:45 am
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Marketplace of IdeasThese fast-paced 60 second presentations allow you to introduce yourself and your enterprise to the gathering. This is your chance to pitch an idea or make that ask. Creativity and passion are encouraged.11:15 am - 12:15 pm
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Optional Lunchtime ConversationsParticipants can sign up to host a casual, unstructured conversation. Whoever shows up for the conversation are the right people there, and people are welcome to pop in and out.12:30 pm - 1:15 pm
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Workshops1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
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True Confessions featuring Vivian Kaye, Founder of Kinky Curly Yaki<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Presenter: </strong>Vivian Kaye is the Founder & CEO of <a href="http://www.kinkycurlyyaki.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;">KinkyCurlyYaki</span></a></span></p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vivian Kaye is the Founder & CEO of KinkyCurlyYaki</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> a premium textured hair extension brand for Black women that she bootstrapped to over $6 million in revenue as an immigrant, college dropout and single mom. </span></p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">Her presence and genuine desire to continuously learn and grow while keeping it REAL quickly made her a personality who transcended the title of Founder and CEO.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ultimately, she organically grew her personal platform by exchanging tips and tricks that she learned on her personal entrepreneurial journey. </span></p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a self proclaimed Gary Vee meets Oprah remix, Vivian acts a the bridge between big and small business. is a business and empowerment expert, as well as a TV, radio and podcast personality. Through her magnetic energy, Vivian empowers, uplifts and educates her audience into taking action.</span></p>3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
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Morning MovementEnergize your morning with a fabulous fusion of Bellydance, Yoga, and Fitness! Get your sweat on with easy-to-learn cardio-dance, find deep strength with a touch of core, and then top it off with a relaxing stretch and meditation. Designed specifically for femme empowerment, this uplifting class will leave you feeling connected in mind, body, and spirit.8:00 am - 8:45 am
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Case Study: Erica Perez, Co-Founder of Oaktown Spice ShopErica Perez and her husband John Beaver moved to Oakland, CA in 2009. Inspired by their love of food, deep commitment to community and people and fueled by a desire to follow a true spicy calling, in 2011 they founded Oaktown Spice Shop. Now their business has grown to a full team of employees, 3 retail shop locations, with a growing number of restaurants, bakeries and caterers who source their spices from the shop. In Erica’s case study we’ll explore how to ensure “employee-first” culture evolves and adapts with the continued growth of their business.9:00 am - 10:45 am
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Peer Coaching CirclesGet advice on your own challenge and support fellow entrepreneurs in Peer Coaching Circles.11:15 am - 12:15 pm
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Closing TogetherDon't miss this chance to integrate what we've learned and close together in a good way.12:15 pm - 1:00 pm
Meet Your People
Join extraordinary women from all around the world
We are founders, CEOs, and leaders of established mission-led businesses and non-profit social enterprises. Emerging enterprise leaders, social change leaders, artists, and specialists in fields and areas that connect and crossover into venture space are welcomed to consider participating.
We welcome all women (cis and trans) as well as non-binary people who are comfortable in a space that centers the experience of women.
SVIW Production Team
Pamela Chaloult

CEO, Practical Feet Advisors
Laurel Dault

Social Innovation Manager, Hollyhock
Vanessa Richards

Director, Creative Together
SVI Women Advisory Circle
Martha Belcher

Chief of Staff, Growald Climate Fund
Esther Park

CEO, Cienega Capital
Jill Earthy

CEO, InBC
Tania Lo

CEO, Tandem Innovation Group
Jennifer Chapman

HR Specialist
Allison Kaiser Kelly

CEO, ICA
Alexia McKinnon

Director of Indigenous Programs, Beedie School of Business (SFU)
Our Partners
We are grateful to our Partners and Sponsors who provide critical support to ensure SVI Women’s success and to increase accessibility by supporting the conference scholarship fund. If you are interested in partnering with SVI Women Virtual, please connect with us.



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