Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. In this episode, we explore gender equity in Canada’s food and hospitality sector and how national brands can use their influence to champion women entrepreneurs.

Our guest is Melanie Fatouros Richardson, Vice President of Communications and Government Relations at Skip. Since 2019, she has helped transform the organization from a Prairie startup into a national platform while advocating for mentorship, representation, and inclusive growth.

Key Highlights

WXN Food Industry Award: What the award represents for women in the sector and the shared strengths seen among this year’s honourees.

Championing Women Leaders: How Skip is supporting women led businesses through programs, partnerships, and inclusion driven initiatives.

Current Industry Landscape: The biggest challenges and opportunities for women scaling food and hospitality businesses today.

Collaborative Leadership: How leading an all women team shapes Skip’s culture and informs Melanie’s commitment to empowering women.

Skip’s Future Vision: How Skip’s ESG commitments and WXN partnership support a more inclusive and resilient Canadian economy.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:

• RBC: https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/dms/business/accounts/beyond-banking/index.html
• UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA
• Google: https://www.google.ca/
• A1 Global College: https://a1globalcollege.ca/
• ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx

For more expert insights, visit www.canadiansme.ca and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age!

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.