ADVANTAGE 2026: Power. Purpose. Progress.
The ADVANTAGE Women’s Empowerment Conference is a powerful and uplifting event designed to inspire, educate, and empower women in business. Hosted by the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce, the conference features a full day of programming dedicated to helping women achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
Last year, we introduced the ADVANTAGE MARKET, a female-owned vendor market, and we’re excited to bring it back for 2026! This market is a celebration of women entrepreneurs, showcasing local products and offering attendees the chance to support and connect with inspiring business owners. Each attendee will receive a $25 token to shop at the market, in lieu of a traditional swag bag.
We are also excited to be continuing the InspiHER Sponsorship Program this year. Through this sponsorship program, the Chamber works with local educational institutions and community partners to identify students and emerging leaders who would benefit from attending but may not otherwise have the resources to do so. By becoming an InspiHER Sponsor, you are directly supporting access, opportunity, and confidence-building for the next generation of women leaders. The sponsorship cost aligns with Chamber Member ticket pricing for attending the conference, allowing InspiHER Sponsors the flexibility to sponsor one or multiple tickets as they see fit.
Meet Our Keynote Speaker!
Clary Ager
Clary Ager (she/her) is an award-winning entrepreneur, business consultant, budding flower farmer and inspirational speaker – celebrated for her joyful essence and creativity in manifesting her biggest dreams. As a community leader in inclusive business practices, Clary excels in guiding personal brands, business and non-profits on how to make their spaces more accessible and inclusive especially for LGBTQ+ and disabled communities. She wholeheartedly believes in the power, purpose and progress our island can make when we create beautiful spaces where all members of our community can thrive.
A seasoned business owner at 33, Clary founded Spark Clarity in 2017 where she helps people move past illness at work, co-founder of Ager Lane Flower Farm and Event Space (2024) known to many as Cape Breton’s first Sunflower U-pick, co-founder of Nectar CB non-profit (2024) and most recently one of three owners of the hottest spot in Cape Breton this season Audre’s Harbour Nordic Spa (2025) all located in beautiful Big Bras d’Or Cape Breton. While these ventures might seem unrelated, they all centre around Clary’s desire to see folks like herself who are queer, disabled, Black and racialized thrive no matter what environment they find themselves in. One that is beautifully healing, nurturing and accessible.
Clary has presented her engaging, inspiring and downright funny keynotes to audiences worldwide and been featured in variety of podcasts (Cape Breton’s Morning Meeting), news outlets (CBC, Saltwire, Cape Breton Post) and most recently featured alongside her partner Percy in the documentary by the “Martha Stewart of Flower Farming” Erin Benzakein’s Floret Flowers: The Beautiful Pursuit showcasing her and her wife Percy’s journey into flower farming and moving to Cape Breton.
When she’s not inspiring others to follow their dreams you can find Clary ordering her favorite snacks at Cafe Marie in Sydney, holding up the line in any store asking about someone’s day or trying to keep up with her daughter Ellis. To learn more about Clary, her story and the amazing oasis that her and her wife Percy are creating in Big Bras d’Or Cape Breton visit their website at agerlane.com, audreshsrbour.com, sparkclarity.ca and @zucchini.wives on all things social.
2026 Advantage Market
Following the strong response to last year’s Advantage Market, we’re excited to once again feature the marketplace as part of this year’s event! Advantage Market is a women-owned vendors’ market celebrating local women entrepreneurs and their products. With over 200 attendees expected and dedicated shopping time built into the conference, this is a valuable opportunity to showcase and sell your products in a supportive, high-visibility environment. If you would like to highlight your products, or to learn more please submit your application by March 6th.