The Women in Business Expo, now in its third year, has become a crucial platform for female entrepreneurs in Brantford and beyond.
Founder Samantha Gernhart, who launched the event to address the lack of local business networking opportunities tailored to women, says the demand continues to grow.
“There’s no event like this in Brantford, Brant County, or Norfolk County,” Gernhart said.
“Women in business need visibility, networking opportunities, and platforms to share their experiences. The momentum is growing, but there’s still a long way to go.”
Held on March 8 at the Marriott/Affinity Conference Centre, the expo featured six guest speakers, around 60 trade show vendors, and 100 swag bags for the first attendees.
The event, open to all, aims to highlight both the achievements and ongoing struggles of women in business.
One of the key elements of this year’s expo was its focus on nonprofit organizations. “This year, we had 13 nonprofits in attendance, and they received free tables because they, too, need to build awareness and partnerships,” Gernhart explained.
“They need sponsors, volunteers, and funding, just like businesses need clients. This is our way of supporting them.”
A diverse group of speakers addressed topics ranging from social media strategies and entrepreneurship to personal motivation and legal challenges.
“We curate new speakers every year so the content remains fresh and relevant,” Gernhart said.
“This isn’t just about business—it’s about life, work, and the intersection of both.”
One major theme of the event was the difficulty of balancing professional ambition with personal responsibilities.
“Work-life balance, particularly for women with children, is still an uphill battle,” Gernhart said. “Corporate structures haven’t fully adapted, and the gender pay gap persists. These are conversations we need to keep having.”
Mellissa McDonald, owner of Guiding Hands Coordinated Services, addressed the challenges faced by adults with developmental disabilities, emphasizing how adventure-based programming can foster independence and community integration.
“We build life skills and help people communicate, work, and engage with their surroundings,” McDonald said. She noted that the pandemic exacerbated social isolation, which remains a critical issue.
“Financial barriers and lack of mental health support continue to impact many of the individuals we serve.”
Laura Dickson, an injury lawyer and keynote speaker, shared her personal journey of leaving a traditional law firm to start her own practice.
“I never planned to open my own firm, but with the right mentorship and support, I realized I could do it,” Dixon said. “Self-doubt is one of the biggest challenges for women in business. We need to push past it.”
Veronica Webb, owner of Lunar Webb Candles, highlighted the difficulty of being taken seriously in a female-led business.
“People assume our products are just for women, but we offer a diverse range of items,” she said. Webb also stressed the importance of community partnerships, working alongside nonprofit organizations like Guiding Hands to build a more inclusive business model.
Jessica Bommarito, founder of Groundswell Coworking, a shared workspace for entrepreneurs, emphasized the role of community in overcoming professional uncertainty.
“Entrepreneurs often face self-doubt, especially when breaking away from traditional business models,” she said. “Having a network of like-minded individuals helps validate your ideas and push through challenges.”
Cailynn Bateson, co-owner of Mesh Aesthetics and Medical Wellness, pointed out the additional hurdles faced by small businesses.
“We have to work harder to establish ourselves compared to big chains,” she said.
Her clinic focuses on women’s and family health, addressing a gap in accessible medical care.
“Women’s health concerns are often dismissed or deprioritized. We take the time to listen and provide the support they need.”
Gernhart remains focused on expanding the expo’s impact. “Every year, more people attend, and more vendors apply,” she said.
“Women-led businesses are growing, but they still face systemic barriers. This event is about breaking those barriers and making sure women have the opportunities and resources they deserve.”
As the Women in Business Expo continues to evolve, its role in fostering community, advocacy, and economic empowerment becomes even more significant.
In a landscape where female entrepreneurs often have to fight harder for recognition, events like this serve as a vital reminder that progress, while steady, still has a long road ahead.
