EY Canada has announced the Entrepreneurs Access Network 2026 cohort, bringing together 12 founders in a program focused on removing barriers to growth through greater access to mentorship and networks. Now in its fifth year, the initiative reflects a sustained effort to support underrepresented leaders building businesses across Canada, it said.
Christopher Gordon
“Entrepreneurs are navigating rising costs and rapid change, but the real challenge has long been access, and this program exists to help ensure opportunity is not what holds strong businesses back,” said Christopher Gordon, EY Entrepreneurs Access Network Program Co-Director.
Spanning industries including consumer goods, health, education, technology, real estate and media, this year’s participants reflect the breadth of innovation emerging from entrepreneurs across the country, said EY.
The EY Entrepreneurs Access Network 2026 Canadian cohort:
- Antoinette Ellis, ACE & Company Ltd. | Stoney Creek, Ontario
- Carlos Lavin, Appraisals International Inc. | Moncton, New Brunswick
- Andrew Karesa, blueBell Village Ltd | Edmonton, Alberta
- Ashley McKenzie-Barnes, D.PE Agency | Toronto, Ontario
- Joao Gubolin Junior, Gubolin Technologies Corp. | Toronto, Ontario
- Priya Bates, Inner Strength Communication Inc. | Mississauga, Ontario
- Sharon Grewal-Macleod, Mary Macleod’s Shortbread | Toronto, Ontario
- Mariat Jibril, MIJ Consulting | Port Moody, British Columbia
- Kerry Tam, Mimigo | Markham, Ontario
- Benoit Loyer, Panorama | Kahnawake, Québec
- Carlos Cadogan, The CQ Mindset | Uxbridge, Ontario
- Christien Kelly, Trackore Inc. | Montréal, Québec
Myriam Gafarou
“Across multiple sectors, this cohort represents the ambition and leadership of entrepreneurs who are too often overlooked, and we’re proud to support them as they build sustainable businesses,” added Myriam Gafarou, EY Entrepreneurs Access Network Program Co-Director.
As part of a year-long curriculum, the participants will engage in one–on–one coaching with EY professionals, participate in learning sessions covering growth priorities such as digital transformation and cybersecurity, and gain access to EY’s global entrepreneurship network, said the company.
Daniel Baer
“When entrepreneurs are able to move past structural barriers and focus on scaling, the benefits extend well beyond individual companies and help strengthen communities and Canada’s economy,” said Daniel Baer, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® Canada Program Director and EY Entrepreneurs Access Network Program Co-Director.
As part of EY’s broader entrepreneurship ecosystem, the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network complements programs including Canada’s EY Entrepreneur Of The Year and EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women.
Learn more about the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024, 2025 and 2026.
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