Startup CPG Newswire:
7 Summits Snacks Named a 2026 Mastercard Small Business Fund Recipient
PRESS RELEASE — NEWS PROVIDED BY Kristyn Carriere for 7 Summits Snacks
EDMONTON, AB (JUNE 2026) — 7 Summits Snacks, an Edmonton-based women-owned functional chocolate brand, has been selected as one of ten recipients of the 2026 Mastercard Small Business Fund. Now in its fourth year, the fund awards $10,000 CAD to women-owned businesses across Canada, along with a Priceless experience in Toronto connecting recipients with fellow founders, Mastercard executives, and industry mentors.
Co-founded by sisters Kristyn Carriere (CEO) and Leanna Carriere (Innovation Lead), Kristyn holds a BSc in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Alberta and brings over a decade of global chocolate R&D experience from Mondelez International and Godiva. Leanna, a personal trainer, mom, and Canada’s first female decathlete, is now preparing for a 30,000 km bike journey from Alaska to Patagonia, and embodies the endurance spirit built into every product.
“We started 7 Summits Snacks because active people were being let down by the fuel available to them. Chocolate has a natural balance of macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and caffeine that makes it an effective performance fuel, and you don’t have to compromise on taste to perform at your best. This recognition from Mastercard is a powerful validation of that mission.”
— Kristyn Carriere, Co-Founder & CEO, 7 Summits Snacks
Since launch, 7 Summits Snacks has achieved approximately constant double digit year-over-year growth, expanded to 200+ retail locations across Canada, and is targeting the USA for expansion. The brand has been recognized as a Best Snack in Alberta, won $15,000 from PepsiCo’s Stacy’s Rise Project as the first-ever Canadian recipient, and received $10,000 from Pizza Hut’s Equal Slice pitch competition just last October. As a 1% for the Planet company, 7 Summits Snacks donates to environmental causes and supports women and youth in sport programs across Alberta.
About the Mastercard Small Business Fund
Now in its fourth year, the Mastercard Small Business Fund provides ten women-owned businesses across Canada with $10,000 CAD each, plus a Priceless mentorship experience in Toronto. Part of Mastercard’s broader commitment to helping small businesses thrive. Learn more at mastercard.ca/smallbusinessfund.
Media Contact
Kristyn Carriere, Co-Founder & CEO | 7 Summits Snacks | hello@7summitssnacks.com | 7summitssnacks.com | @7summitssnacks
About 7 Summits Snacks
7 Summits Snacks is a women-owned functional chocolate snack brand based in Edmonton, Canada, founded by sisters Kristyn Carriere (Co-Founder and CEO) and Leanna Carriere (Co-Founder and Innovation Lead). Kristyn holds a BSc in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Alberta and brings over a decade of chocolate R&D experience from Mondelez International and Godiva.
Inspired by the team’s passion for endurance sports, 7 Summits Snacks makes purposeful chocolate snacks for performance. Every bar uses no artificial additives, ethically sourced ingredients, and recyclable packaging, with 1% of sales donated to environmental causes
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