Natural Products Canada releases first female-focused Game Changers report for International Women’s Day

(March 8, 2023 – Toronto, Ontario) – A new list of over 100 companies provides an interesting look at the women leading Canada’s growing natural and bio-based industries. The companies are all part of Game Changers: Leading Companies. Powered by Women, an initiative led by Natural Products Canada (NPC). NPC is a national organization that supports bio-based innovation, and this first of its kind Game Changers report showcases the breadth of female leadership in Canadian companies that are creating economic and social impact through their natural and bio-based products.

“These women-led companies are developing everything from sustainable plastics and planet-friendly chemicals to healthy food and beverages,” says Shelley King, CEO, Natural Products Canada. “They are all united by their passion to create products that are healthier for people and the planet.”

The report features companies from across the country with products designed for consumers seeking new options for their health and wellness such as food, beauty and personal care items, as well as industrial products such as bioresins and biopesticides that help corporations looking to reduce their carbon footprint and meet their sustainability goals.

The companies were selected through a national campaign that asked female founders and leaders to provide information in three main areas: innovation, sustainability, and growth. The companies were evaluated based on progress relative to their stage.

“Some of these companies are still in the late R&D phase and are showing real potential through partnerships with major industry players trying to solve key sustainability challenges,” says King. “Others are more advanced, with products in market, strong distribution and sales track records, and other indicators of growth.”

TD is the official sponsor of the initiative. Its Women in Enterprise (WE) program provides a multi-faceted approach designed to support females in business, including an accredited WE bankers program.

“The report aligns with TD’s vision to support women in business and help them succeed,” says Krystal van Westerop, National Manager, Women in Enterprise, TD. “We hope this platform opens up new opportunities, and helps to inspire the next generation of women in business.”

The Game Changers report can be accessed at www.canadiangamechangers.ca

Media inquiries:

Sue Coueslan ([email protected])

VP Strategy and Partnerships

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Natural Products Canada (NPC) is the driving force behind Canada’s Natural Product Innovation Cluster–a strategic and diverse community focused on the development and commercialization of naturally-derived products and technologies in health and life sciences, natural resources, agriculture and agri-food, and sustainable bioproducts. As part of its role in the Cluster, NPC offers in-depth advice and a suite of commercialization programs to Canadian early-stage companies and research institutes; provides connections and innovation scouting services to corporations and investors; and leverages an investment fund (NPC Ventures) to help develop and de-risk promising Canadian opportunities. NPC has received financial support from the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund, administered by the department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and the Centre of Excellence in Commercialization and Research (CECR) program, administered by the Networks of Centres of Excellence.

TD is proud to support and promote women’s economic empowerment. Through its targeted approach, the Women in Enterprise team aims to facilitate the success and growth of women owned and women led businesses.  TD has dedicated champions in market (fondly referred to as “WE” Bankers) to deliver the tools and resources needed to engage with female business owners. Diversity and inclusion have always been a priority at TD and the Bank is committed to contributing to gender equality in business, within its walls and in its sales and services practices.