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When thinking about all the things you need to build your website, a TLD—or top-level domain—might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But we’re here to tell you: it should be.

In fact, picking the right TLD for your website can have a big impact on your ability to reach your desired audience and customer base—along with other key benefits.

We’ll walk you through the whole TLD-choosing journey in this blog, but first — let’s get a couple quick definitions out of the way!

What is a top-level domain?When looking at a domain name—like cira.ca—the “top-level” domain is everything to the right of the dot. So here, we’re looking at .CA.

Some TLDs are generic (.com., .net., .org, .biz., .info) while others have been created for specific countries (.CA for Canada, .uk for the United Kingdom, .it for Italy, etc.)

Is picking a TLD really that big of a deal?In a word—yes! Your choice of TLD can help users immediately identify your website and business’ geography, overall purpose and ownership. To choose the right TLD, you need to have a solid understanding of your business. For starters:

• Where do you expect to be doing business? Exclusively within Canada? Or is your business international?
• What kind of audience or visitors are you trying to attract?

[H2]: Now, for one of the biggest TLD-related questions: should I go with .com or .CA?

Yes, .com is the most popular TLD out there…but we could spend days extolling the many, very-real benefits of choosing .CA! Here’s the short version. You should register a .CA TLD if you’re:

• Operating a Canadian business targeted to Canadian customers. That .CA TLD shows everyone near and far that you and your website are as Canadian as a canoe stuffed with Nanaimo bars and ketchup chips. Plus, strict Canadian Presence Requirements mean that only real Canadian people and organizations can access and register a .CA domain.

Having a .CA domain is especially appropriate if your business offers products and services confined to a specific geographic area—like a Calgary, AB-based restaurant, for example.

Another big advantage: Canadian consumers are pretty gosh-darn loyal to .CA. We’ve found that seven in 10 of them prefer to support Canadian online retailers, while 59 per cent say they purposefully made an online purchase from a Canadian retailer instead of an American or other international retailer over the past year.

• Selling online and shipping to Canadians in Canadian currency. Canadian customers tend to gravitate towards businesses with .CA TLDs, as there’s peace-of-mind knowing they’re going to be charged in Canadian dollars for their goods. What’s more—customers like knowing you ship within Canada, so they’re not going to get charged for additional cross-border duties and taxes.
• Looking to soak up all those tasty Canadian SEO benefits. Having a .CA TLD tells search engines like Google that your website and/or business is Canadian. This is beneficial, as your site will get served up in search engine results pages (SERPs) when customers search for businesses like yours within Canada.

As a bonus: when someone uses Google.ca rather than Google.com, search results will tend to favour .CA websites.

• Out of luck and your desired .com domain is already taken. When you go with .CA, there’s a better chance that your short, memorable domain name will be available. While .com is globally recognized, it’s also one of the oldest TLD options. The odds that your domain name is already in use are far greater.

So, .CA or com?What if we told you that maybe you didn’t have to choose between .CA or .com? Intrigue deepens.

Going with .CA can deliver truckloads of benefits and value to your site.

However—a .com domain can be helpful if you’re planning to market and sell to customers outside of Canada at some point. Because .com is considered a “generic” TLD, search engines like Google won’t associate it with any specific country. This can help your site rank better (if properly search-optimized) against other international results.

So, what if you choose both? As in—register your .CA domain and then keep a .com domain on standby?

Here’s the thing: domain names generally aren’t all that expensive. So, it’s never a bad idea to register .CA and .com domains—even just to protect your brand and prevent a competitor from scooping up the .com version of your .CA domain name. Think of it as cheap insurance.

To sum up: go ahead and plant that proud .CA flag if your ambitions are set on Canada. And if the scope of your site expands beyond our borders, it’s never a bad option to scoop up a .com domain too.

Get your free .CA domain today with Rebel.comNow that you have learned what TLD is right for your business, it’s time to bring it online. Rebel is offering an all-in-one package to help you get started, featuring a free .CA domain, WordPress website and a professional email for one year.

Getting your idea online with a .CA really can be that easy! Get started today.

The post .CA or .com—which TLD is better for your website first appeared on Startup Canada.

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Brenda Beckedorf, Carleen Dephaney & Ali Taiyeb elected to Startup Canada’s Board of DirectorsOTTAWA, ON – July 3, 2024. The Board of Directors and Executive team of Startup Canada welcome Brenda Beckedorf, Carleen Dephaney, and Ali Taiyeb as newly elected members of Startup Canada’s Board of Directors. Each serving a two-year term, Brenda, Carleen, and Ali have a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship and bring their expertise and passion for Canadian small businesses to the Startup Canada Board.

“I am thrilled to welcome Brenda, Carleen, and Ali to Startup Canada’s board of directors. Their individual perspectives and experiences in Canada’s entrepreneurship ecosystem will help Startup Canada in achieving its goals for the next two years,” shares Jamie Savage, Startup Canada Board Chair and Interim-CEO. “Working together, we’re steering Startup Canada and lifting each other to achieve our mission of connecting Canada’s entrepreneurs with the tools, community, and support they need to start and build their businesses!”

Meet our new board membersBrenda Beckedorf is an accomplished ecosystem builder, visionary leader, and strategic thinker with a wealth of experience in fostering and advancing a diverse spectrum of technology enterprises. As the CEO and co-founder of Society Five.0, Brenda envisions celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in technology while proactively addressing the challenges faced by tech and innovation companies. Also serving as a Director of The Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC), Brenda plays an instrumental role within this consortium of organizations in the Calgary region dedicated to championing innovation-driven entrepreneurs, startups, and enterprises. Brenda Beckedorf’s dedication and expertise have left an indelible mark on the technology and innovation landscape, making her a true catalyst for progress in her field!

“Throughout my career, I have observed the silos that exist in cities and provinces. I recognize the importance of breaking down these barriers to help build new customer bases and uncover opportunities. By fostering a collaborative environment, we can ensure our companies receive the support they need to grow and thrive within Canada.”

Carleen Dehaney, CPA, CMA, CGMA, ACMA(UK), is the Founder & Principal of FXO Consulting, a firm specializing in profit and sustainability strategies for service businesses and nonprofits. With over 20 years of experience in business finance and operations, Carleen has held C-suite roles in both for-profit and non-profit sectors, working in Canada and the UK. She is an Entrepreneur in Residence at York University’s YSpace and a Career Mentor for JA Central Ontario. A sought-after speaker for finance professionals and entrepreneurs, Carleen serves on the VP advisory committee of the Black Female Accountants Network and has previously served on the boards of CIMA Canada and the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Clubs. Carleen is also a children’s book author, with her book “Animal Toothbrush Hunt” published in 2024.

“I am excited to join the Startup Canada board because it offers a unique opportunity to directly impact the Canadian entrepreneurial landscape, leveraging my extensive experience to support and empower fellow entrepreneurs. Having benefited from the power of community, I look forward to fostering collaboration and growth for entrepreneurs across Canada.”

Ali Taiyeb is the Director of Partnerships & Ecosystem at the Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI), a globally renowned research institute dedicated to leveraging AI’s transformative potential for societal benefit. In this role, Ali spearheads partnerships with leading enterprise institutions, guiding their AI adoption and commercialization strategies to drive innovation and economic growth. Previously, Ali was the Head of Strategic Partnerships at The DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), one of the world’s top startup technology incubators. His expertise in partnership development and passion for innovation make him a sought-after speaker at conferences and forums advocating for Canadian innovation!

“I am excited to join the Startup Canada Board of Directors, eager to leverage my expertise in AI and strategic partnerships to drive innovation and support the growth of Canadian startups. With a strong commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive entrepreneurship, I look forward to contributing to Startup Canada’s mission and vision of empowering entrepreneurs nationwide.”

To learn more about the Startup Canada Board of Directors and how to get involved, visit Startup Canada: Meet the Team.

The post Startup Canada Announces New Board Members first appeared on Startup Canada.

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Un guide de cybersécurité pour les propriétaires de petites entreprises canadiennesDans un monde de plus en plus numérique, la menace des violations de données et des problèmes de sécurité en ligne pèse lourdement sur les propriétaires de petites entreprises canadiennes. Une étude réalisée par Mastercard en 2023 a révélé une augmentation stupéfiante de 600 % de la cybercriminalité au Canada depuis le début de la pandémie de COVID-19, laissant les petites entreprises de plus en plus vulnérables. Réalité choquante, seulement 16 % des propriétaires de petites entreprises canadiennes interrogés par Mastercard se sentent adéquatement préparés à faire face à une cyberattaque contre leur entreprise. Cette réalité souligne la nécessité d’équiper davantage de propriétaires de petites entreprises avec les outils pour rendre leurs entreprises sécurisées.

Mastercard s’engage à vous fournir les outils nécessaires pour renforcer vos connaissances en cybersécurité et aider à renforcer la préparation de votre entreprise en matière de cybersécurité. Avec leurs cours de formation et leur nouvel outil d’évaluation de la cybersécurité, vous pouvez explorer les solutions disponibles de Mastercard ci-dessous!

Ressources de cybersécurité pour les petites entreprises de MastercardLe Centre de Confiance Mastercard : Les cybercriminels représentent une véritable menace pour vous et votre entreprise. Le Centre de Confiance Mastercard vous aide à défendre vos actifs critiques, votre entreprise et votre réputation grâce à un accès en ligne à des recherches, des formations, des ressources et des outils de cybersécurité fiables.

Rapport d’évaluation de la cybersécurité : Répondez à quelques questions simples pour recevoir un rapport d’évaluation de la cybersécurité de Mastercard, avec des recommandations basées sur vos réponses.

Cours de formation en cybersécurité : Hébergé par Digital Main Street, ce cours, présenté par Mastercard, est conçu pour donner aux petites entreprises les outils et les connaissances nécessaires pour renforcer leurs opérations contre la menace croissante de la cybercriminalité.

Webinaire Cybersécurité 101 : Regardez un enregistrement du webinaire Cybersécurité 101 présenté par Mastercard, Digital Main Street et TABIA. Dans ce webinaire, les experts de Mastercard ont discuté de leur engagement à aider les petites entreprises à atténuer les risques cybernétiques les plus courants, les défis et les opportunités auxquels elles sont confrontées.

Centre canadien pour la cybersécurité : Le gouvernement du Canada propose également divers outils et informations pour aider les petites et moyennes entreprises à protéger leurs opérations.

Commencez dès aujourd’hui le parcours de cybersécurité de votre petite entreprise avec Mastercard! Visitez le Centre de Confiance Mastercard.

The post Aidez à protéger votre entreprise avec Mastercard first appeared on Startup Canada.

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A cybersecurity guide for Canadian small business ownersIn an increasingly digital world, the threat of data breaches and online security issues looms large for Canadian small business owners. A 2023 research study by Mastercard revealed a staggering 600 per cent increase in cybercrime in Canada since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving small businesses increasingly vulnerable. Shockingly, only 16 per cent of Canadian small business owners surveyed by Mastercard felt adequately prepared to handle a cyber attack on their business. This reality underscores the need to equip more small business owners with the tools to make their businesses cybersecure.

Mastercard is committed to empowering you with the necessary tools to bolster your cyber knowledge and help fortify your business’ cybersecurity preparedness. From training courses to their newly developed cybersecurity assessment tool, you can explore Mastercard’s available solutions below!

Mastercard’s Small Business Cybersecurity Resources The Mastercard Trust Centre:* Cybercriminals pose a real threat to you and your business. The Mastercard Trust Centre helps you defend your critical assets, business, and reputation through online access to trusted cybersecurity research, education, resources and tools. * Cybersecurity Assessment Report: Answer a few simple questions to receive a Cybersecurity Assessment Report from Mastercard, complete with recommendations based on your responses. * Cybersecurity Training Course: Hosted by Digital Main Street, this course, presented by Mastercard, is designed to empower small businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to fortify their operations against the growing threat of cybercrime. * Cybersecurity 101 Webinar: Watch a recording of the Cybersecurity 101 webinar presented by Mastercard, Digital Main Street, and TABIA. In this webinar, Mastercard experts discussed how they are committed to helping small businesses mitigate the most common cyber risks, challenges, and opportunities businesses face. * Canadian Centre for Cyber Security:** The Government of Canada also offers various tools and information for small and medium businesses to protect their operations.

Start your small business’ cybersecurity journey with Mastercard today! Get started by visiting the Mastercard Trust Centre.

The post Help Protect Your Business with Mastercard first appeared on Startup Canada.

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Startup Canada is the gateway to Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem! We’re here to point you in the right direction, eliminate barriers, and champion your needs to private and public sector partners. A big part of this is connecting you with support organizations and programs from across the country that can help you in your entrepreneurial journey.

Below, you will find a guide to our top resources for Canadian entrepreneurs. From support for 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs to organizations that can help you export your business, we have a guide for you!

• 2SLGBTQIA+ Resource Guide: This guide is co-presented by CGLCC and Startup Canada. Directed by CGLCC’s expert knowledge and curated by Startup Canada, we are proud to assemble and present this resource guide for 2SLGBTQIA+ founders across the country. Within this resource guide, you can access documents, videos, spreadsheets, infographics, and more submitted by CGLCC, Egale Canada, TransFocus Consulting, Futurpreneur, and more organizations to come.
• Resources for Indigenous Entrepreneurs: There are over 50,000 Indigenous-owned businesses across Canada, contributing $48.9 billion annually to the country’s economy. Despite this, the majority of Indigenous entrepreneurs rely on their personal savings to start and build their businesses and face continuous barriers to support and funding. We’ve put together a list of resources and organizations offering support and tools to help Indigenous entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses.
• Support Organizations Helping Women Entrepreneurs: Did you know that only 17% of Canadian small businesses are owned by women? At Startup Canada, we know that when you support women, you support a nation! We’ve put together a guide highlighting entrepreneur support organizations working to help women entrepreneurs thrive 365 days a year.
• Resources for Black Entrepreneurs: Did you know that only 56% of Black entrepreneurs in Canada said they were able to pay themselves in 2022? With limited access to seed capital, we need to close these gaps for Black entrepreneurs in Canada. Check out the 2024 version of our resource guide for Black entrepreneurs in Canada.
• 10 Organizations to Help You Export Your Business: Exporting and expanding to international markets is an exciting milestone in a startup’s growth journey. However, it often comes with challenges. If you’re thinking of starting to export but are struggling with where to start, we compiled a list of 10 organizations across Canada with dedicated exporting programs, resources, and support to help guide you when expanding to new markets.
• Startup Women Resource Guide: We’ve compiled a resource guide to connect women-identifying entrepreneurs with funding, training, events, and other programming available to support them locally, regionally, and nationally.
• Startup Global Resource Guide: We’re committed to supporting you at every point of your journey to go global! That’s why we’ve updated and enhanced our resource guide, which will take you through the fundamental stages of exporting. This resource guide includes national resources from across the country, with resources available in both English and French.
• Startup Gov Resource Guide: As part of Startup Gov, a comprehensive government relations toolkit was developed to provide entrepreneurs with foundational government relations tools and support them with their own advocacy efforts. Additionally, we have pulled some helpful links to help entrepreneurs find programs and services that can aid them in their entrepreneurial journey.

Want to stay connected and receive ongoing support for your entrepreneurial journey? Subscribe now to our weekly newsletter, Startup Your Week. Each week, we’ll deliver a curated collection of resources and support straight to your inbox, ensuring you always have the tools you need to succeed!

The post Startup Canada’s Ultimate Resource Guide Collection for Entrepreneurs first appeared on Startup Canada.

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Ottawa, ON – Wednesday, June 26, 2024 | Today, Startup Canada announced the top 6 winners of the Startup Global Virtual Pitch Competition, the national qualifier for the 2024 Startup Global Pitch Competition Grand Finale. Pitching to a virtual audience on Tuesday, June 25, the six winners included:

• Eunice Wu, Co-founder & CEO, Asepha
• Daniel Lirette, CEO, GrowDoc App Inc.
• Amir Soleimani, Founder & CEO, Tree Track Intelligence Inc.
• Helen Yin, Founder & CEO, Inoki Bathhouse Inc.
• Athanasios (Thanos) Kritharis, CEO, FIBR.BIO
• Azadeh Dastmalchi, Co-founder & CEO, VitalTracer Ltd.

“The annual Startup Global Pitch Competition is a great opportunity for early stage entrepreneurs looking to export their products and/or services outside of Canada,” says Isabel Nolan, Program Manager, Startup Canada. “Over the last few years of hosting this event, we have seen entrepreneurs from tech to food and everything in between pitch their businesses for the first time through the Startup Global program. It has been exciting to see these entrepreneurs build their confidence and understanding of exporting and go on to grow their businesses internationally!”

On Monday, June 24, 240 Canadian entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and industries participated in a virtual closed-door competition. Entrepreneurs pitched their businesses to judges from differing backgrounds in the global market, highlighting the strength of Canadian small businesses. Twelve entrepreneurs, each with a unique story and vision, were selected as the finalists and went on to pitch their businesses in a virtual livestream on Tuesday, June 25. Later in the day, our top six finalists were selected.

“I was absolutely blown away by the level of talent and the brilliant ideas showcased by the 12 ambitious Canadian entrepreneurs that pitched. It’s not just inspiring but also a fantastic learning experience for me as a judge to see the future of business innovation up close,” shared Daniel Lewis, Co-Founder of Daniel’s Chai Bar & PEKOE. “This competition is a game-changer for early stage entrepreneurs, offering invaluable exposure, constructive feedback, and a chance to connect with fellow visionaries. Keep pushing boundaries, and remember, your ideas have the power to change the world!”

The Startup Global Virtual Pitch Competition would not have been possible without the support of our incredible panel of judges. A special thank you to our first-round judges, Claudia Worms Sciama, Google Canada; Daniela Tixi, Keiretsu Forum Toronto; Dominic Fielden, Rocky Mountain Flatbread; Enrique Sobalvarro, Enrique Sobalvarro, Advisory Services; Joshe Page, Scotiabank; Jeff Hohn, Trade Commissioner Service; Lora Rigutto, Forum for International Trade Training (FITT); Lucas Alencar, Google Canada; Manish Puri, Google Canada; Reena Khulla, Agilis Executive Consulting; and Zahra Qureshi, Social Venture Circuit for their participation! Our round 2 judges were Molly Middleton, Showrunner and Senior Producer of Dragons’ Den and Daniel Lewis, Co-Founder of Daniel’s Chai Bar & PEKOE. The Startup Global Pitch Competition is presented in partnership with UPS and Export Development Canada.

On October 30th, in Kitchener-Waterloo, the top six will compete live among ten finalists from across Canada for a $70,000 cash prize pool. The Grand Finale of the 2024 Startup Global Pitch Competition is a must-watch event, and it will be available to watch live virtually and in person through Startup Canada Tour registration.

The post Startup Canada Announces Top 6 Finalists in National Virtual Pitch Competition first appeared on Startup Canada.

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According to a 2023 report from Export Development Canada, there are over 50,000 Indigenous-owned businesses across Canada, contributing $48.9 billion annually to the country’s economy. Despite this high contribution, the majority of Indigenous entrepreneurs rely on their personal savings to start and build their businesses. Increasing access to resources and financial support for Indigenous entrepreneurs is vital to help these businesses thrive.

In celebration of National Indigenous History Month, we’ve put together a list of resources and organizations offering support and tools to help Indigenous entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses.

• Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP): The IESP is designed and operated by an Indigenous team that understands the barriers to success faced by young and aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs. IESP provides startup loan financing and up to two years of mentorship, supported by a team with lived experience, and offers access to tools and networking opportunities across Canada.
• Government of Canada – Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP): The AEP seeks to increase the number of viable businesses in Canada owned and controlled by Indigenous people. The AEP funds a broad range of entrepreneurial pursuits and aims to build capacity, reduce barriers, and increase access to capital by forging partnerships that will increase economic opportunities for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.
• Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB): CCIB delivers programs that facilitate the growth of Indigenous businesses, build relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, and ensure lifelong learning for Indigenous entrepreneurs and other Canadian business leaders. Programs and offerings include grants and funding opportunities, procurement, tools for indigenous businesses and more!
• BDC – Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan: BDC offers the Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan with financing of up to $350,000. This dynamic loan is available for entrepreneurs who operate both on and off reserve.
• The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA): NACCA supports First Nations, Métis, and Inuit entrepreneurs by providing funding for Indigenous businesses and communities through Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs). You can learn more about securing financing to become an entrepreneur through NACCA’s inquiries form: https://nacca.ca/become-an-entrepreneur/.
• däna Näye Ventures: däna Näye Ventures is a Yukon-based, First Nation-controlled institution that provides business development and financial services to ALL PEOPLE throughout Yukon and in the Northern British Columbia communities of Atlin, Good Hope Lake and Lower Post. Their financial services and business programs include the women’s entrepreneurship loan fund, Indigenous women entrepreneur microloan, Indigenous women entrepreneurs program, and more!
• Indigenous Tech Circle: Tech Circle is a community for Indigenous change-makers across Turtle Island, dedicated to expanding the Indigenous Tech Ecosystem. They foster a peer-to-peer community of tech organizations, leaders, and change-makers across Turtle Island, offering community, virtual and in-person events, and mentorship. Check out their upcoming events at https://indigenous-tech-circle.webflow.io/upcoming-events.
• Pow Wow Pitch: Pow Wow Pitch is a non-profit organization supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs across Turtle Island, purpose-built to provide a safe, collaborative, empowering, and culturally supportive platform for inspiration, education, mentorship, celebration, and reconciliation through entrepreneurship. Pow Wow Pitch offers online learning modules for entrepreneurs, tech for youth entrepreneurs, and an annual pitch competition to win cash prizes from $500 to $25,000.
• Pauktuutit Inuit Women in Business Network (IWBN): The purpose of the IWBN is to connect Inuit women across Inuit Nunangat who own a business or are interested in starting one. The Network was built to support and assist all Inuit businesswomen at any stage of business development by providing user-friendly resources and having a community that will encourage you. The IWBN is made by Inuit businesswomen for Inuit businesswomen, and anyone is welcome to join!
• True North Aid: The True North Aid Community Initiatives Program supports Indigenous-led projects in northern and remote communities in Canada that aim to create positive and impactful community-centred change. An Indigenous Advisory Committee meets to collectively review and identify grant recipients and communities with capacity-building opportunities.

Want to learn more about ​​Business Reconciliation and ensuring equal economic opportunity for Indigenous Peoples and prosperity for all Canadians? Check out the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business’ Business Reconciliation in Canada Guidebook.

Please note: The above article lists programs and resources for Indigenous entrepreneurs offered across Canada. Startup Canada does not manage or sponsor any of the above programs.

The post Resource Roundup: Essential Support for Indigenous Entrepreneurs first appeared on Startup Canada.

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Why should you believe in the power of .CA?

Say you’re a Canadian looking to build a Canadian website for a Canadian audience. When it comes time to register your new domain name, do you naturally choose to put .CA to the right of the dot?

Or…wait – what is that we hear? Do we detect a whiff of uncertainty? Doubt in the value and power of .CA?? Be still our beating hearts!

Okay – deep breath. Allow us to show you several undeniable reasons why choosing .CA is right for your Canadian website.

Undeniable reason #1: Canadians prefer to deal with .CA websites A recent survey showed that a whopping 84% of Canadians prefer shopping on sites with .CA domains*. What’s more – .CA tells potential shoppers that the site is more likely to offer Canadian shipping, display their prices in good, ol’ Canadian dollars – and more!

*Research conducted in 2022 by the Strategic Counsel

Undeniable reason #2: SEO benefits, eh? Your .CA domain name helpfully tells Google (and all the other search engines) that you and your site are Canadian. This helps make it far more relevant to visitors searching for local Canadian results. Plus, your Canadian visitors are far more likely to click through when presented with a .CA search result!

Undeniable reason #3: .CA means exclusively Canadian By choosing to go with a .CA domain, you’re entering an exclusive club of confirmed Canucks! What do we mean? CIRA, the registry for .CA, enforces a Canadian Presence Requirement, so not just anyone – no matter whether they’re in Cameroon, Croatia or Cambodia – can register a .CA. This provides peace-of-mind that when a site has a .CA domain, it’s actually owned by a Canadian individual or business.

Undeniable reason #4: .CA domains are a more secure choice While nothing is truly impervious to the most dedicated cybercriminals out there, .CA domains have been proven to be among the safest out there.

According to the SpamHaus Project, an international non-profit that tracks spam and cyber threats, .CA is among the “least-abused” domains. That means .CA domains are far less likely to host malware or be used to send spam (and not the delicious canned meat product).

What’s more, any .CA domains that are registered come with free WHOIS privacy protection, so your contact info – and home address – aren’t just out there for public consumption!

Undeniable reason #5: There’s more chance you’ll score the domain name you want Canada itself is a land of plenty… and that extends over to .CA domain-land! With only around 3 million .CA domain names registered – as opposed to over 125 million .COM domains, there’s a far better chance the domain name you want is available in .CA!

Get your free .CA domain today with Rebel.comBringing your brand online is an exciting milestone in a startup’s journey. Rebel is offering an all-in-one package to help you get started, featuring a free .CA domain, WordPress website and a professional email for one year.

Getting your idea online with a .CA really can be that easy! Get started today.

The post Why get a .CA domain – the definitive guide! first appeared on Startup Canada.

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In 2022, as part of the Startup Canada 2SLGBTQIA+ Podcast Takeover in collaboration with CGLCC, leadership from both organizations co-wrote an article outlining the need for Canada to equal the playing field for queer founders. The article – Don’t Roll the Dice – discussed the impacts of historical and contemporary discrimination against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community across the country, the statistics relating to the quantifiable opportunity disparities between queer and non-queer founders, and the need for Canada’s entrepreneurial support ecosystem to take concrete action to right these worrying trends.

Intended to illustrate the depth of the systemic bias that continues to negatively impact queer Canadian business owners and to benchmark support efforts, our 2022 article integrated many facts and figures relating to the state of inclusion within the ecosystem for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. In short, we included these statistics to give readers a reality check and to encourage genuine, resourced action. We did not expect these numbers, over the course of just two years, to trend significantly downward.

2022 Available Statistics

• In 2022, 70% of study respondents had never encountered specialized 2SLGBTQIA+ funding, and only 13% had successfully acquired funding.
• Over a span of 10 years – 2009 to 2019 – hate crimes targeting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community rose by 41% in Canada.
• 57% of queer founders had, on at least one occasion, consciously hid their 2SLGBTQIA+ ownership status.

2024 Available Statistics

• In 2024, 0.5% of venture capital funding was allocated to 2SLGBTQIA+ owned businesses despite representing an estimated 7.6% of the Canadian population.
• In one year – 2020 to 2021 – hate crimes targeting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community rose by 64% in Canada.
• In 2024, 75% of queer founders have reported concealing their identity and 2SLGBTQIA+ ownership status.

As a country that prides itself on its diversity, inclusion and acceptance, these trends are shameful. It’s clear that, despite significant investment through programs like the 2SLGBTQI+ Entrepreneurship Program, the support ecosystem is not doing enough to urgently and holistically address this problem.

Today, in a continued effort to increase awareness of these barriers to success for queer entrepreneurs and improve access to dedicated resources, Startup Canada and CGLCC have launched the fourth annual 2SLGBTQIA+ Podcast Takeover.

Throughout the month of June, the Startup Canada Podcast will feature four episodes with leading queer founders and professionals across the country. This year, we welcomed two subject matter experts to host and facilitate these important conversations – Paige Harlock, Director of Stakeholder Engagement and Pru Girme, Manager of Supplier Diversity at CGLCC.

The 2024 Episode Lineup:

• June 4, 10am ET: Jacq Brasseur and Risa Payant, Ivy + Dean Consulting.
• June 11: Judith Kasiama, Colour The Trails.
• June 18: Martin Straathof, Ontario Farmland Trust.
• June 25: Athanasius “Tanas” Sylliboy (Anita Landback) – Drag Performer, Advocate & Nurse.

In case you missed them, you can still listen to the 2023 Takeover episodes as well! Jamie Alexander of RUBIES talked with us about inclusivity in fashion and trans joy. Joline Beauregard of Sunrise Nutrition shared her insights into nutrition advising and the ingredients needed for community empowerment. Fae Johnstone of Wisdom2Action spoke with us about EDI consulting and key strategies for authentic inclusion. Finally, Ian Burns (Rowena Whey) taught us about queer revitalization and uplifting community through drag.

In addition to these episodes, the Curated 2SLGBTQIA+ Entrepreneur Resource Guide – a living document directed by CGLCC’s expert knowledge, curated by Startup Canada, and supported by organizations like Egale Canada, TransFocus Consulting, Futurpreneur and more to come – has been updated with the latest support channels, programs and educational materials applicable to queer-owned businesses.

Queer founders have proven their ability to consistently outperform their non-queer counterparts – with 36% more jobs created, 44% more exits, and 114% more patents secured. Beyond entrepreneurship, diverse employees as a whole are also disproportionately impactful within their companies and to the Canadian economy, with higher rates of innovation, problem solving and profitability than homogenous workforces.

Queer inclusion and 2SLGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs matter. The startup support ecosystem in Canada – and its core players – need to accept more responsibility in order to address the inequity that continues to exist within its funding models and under informed programming. Perpetuating the status quo and tolerating performative action is not something to be proud of – it’s time to walk the walk.

About Startup Canada

Startup Canada is the gateway to Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem that points you in the right direction, eliminates barriers, and champions your needs to private and public sector partners. We connect you with support organizations and peers across the country with industry expertise, regional knowledge, and funding to help you start and build successful businesses.

About CGLCC

Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) links 2SLGBTQI+ businesses in Canada to the wider business and corporate community. It fosters economic growth by supporting and nurturing 2SLGBTQI+ businesses, entrepreneurs, students and allies, and by helping Canada’s corporate world connect with the 2SLGBTQI+ business community. For more information, visit www.cglcc.ca.

The post Queer Entrepreneurs Outperform, Yet Equitable Support Still Sorely Lacking in Canada first appeared on Startup Canada.

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Langley, B.C – Monday, May 15, 2024 | Today, Startup Canada announced the winner of the Langley “Pop-up Pitch” Competition, the regional qualifier for the 2024 Startup Global Pitch Competition Grand Finale. Pitching in front of the in-person audience of Startup Canada Tour’s most recent stop in Langley, founder Dr. Mallory Flynn of Insporos was named the first-place winner – taking home $3,000 cash and a guaranteed slot in the October 30th Grand Finale. Ranah Chavoshi of PhyCo Technologies Inc. won the People’s Choice Award and took home a $1,000 cash prize.

Insporos is an intelligence seed sorter that leverages AI and some novel components to look at seeds and gather data in a unique way, providing seed insights to find diseased and defective seeds.

“My experience in the Startup Global Pitch Competition was really positive,” said Flynn. “It was great to meet fellow founders. Every business is so different, and every founder is coming at this from a different perspective.”

PhyCo Technologies Inc. is a marine biotechnology company focused on seaweed aquaculture and manufacturing compostable plastics in partnership with Indigenous Nations. “I was very happy to be here and be invited to pitch,” shared Chavoshi. “It was refreshing and incredible to feel supported by different entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.”

On October 30th, in Kitchener-Waterloo, Dr. Mallory Flynn will compete live against nine other finalists from across Canada for a $70,000 cash prize pool. The Grand Finale of the 2024 Startup Global Pitch Competition will be available to watch live virtually and in-person through Startup Canada Tour registration.

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OTTAWA, ON – May 13, 2024. The Startup Canada Board of Directors and Executive team are excited to announce that Jenn Juby will be joining Startup Canada as managing director, effective May 13, 2024.

Jenn brings decades of team leadership and executive operations experience across global, startup, and private enterprises. She is a founder and leader who scaled her own retail business (acquired) from zero to +$10 million in revenue in sixteen months – all during the COVID-19 pandemic. With lived experience navigating the complexities that Canadian entrepreneurs face, Jenn is dedicated to supporting Canada’s entrepreneurs.

Prior to joining Startup Canada, Jenn served as the CEO of Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation (IEF), a national charity advocating for, supporting, and celebrating Canada’s founders from racialized and equity-deserving groups. She also founded the Women with Influence Network (WWIN), a non-profit mentorship community dedicated to uplifting the lives and work of women at all career levels. Her commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented groups, aligns perfectly with Startup Canada’s mission. Jenn’s leadership style is characterized by her people-first approach, a quality that resonates with Startup Canada’s mission and values.

“Jenn’s eagerness to join the Startup Canada team, roll up her sleeves, and immerse herself in our work is a testament to her dedication and authenticity,” shares Jamie Savage, interim CEO and board chair of Startup Canada. “With Jenn, Startup Canada is poised to continue its mission of connecting Canada’s entrepreneurs with the tools, community, and support they need to start and build their businesses.”

As we welcome Jenn to our team, we also take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to Kristal Felea for her years of dedication to Startup Canada and the Canadian entrepreneurship community. We wish her every success as she embarks on her own entrepreneurial journey as the owner of two Happy Goat Coffee Co. locations in Ottawa. Kristal’s last day with us will be Friday, May 24, 2024.

We offer Jenn a warm welcome and look forward to working with her as our new managing director. If you have any questions about this announcement or would like to discuss opportunities with Startup Canada for the upcoming year, please do not hesitate to reach out to Jamie or Jenn at the emails listed below.

Jamie Savage, jamie.savage@startupcan.ca

Jenn Juby, jenn.juby@startupcan.ca

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Winnipeg, Manitoba – April 18, 2024 | Today, Startup Canada announced the winner of the Winnipeg “Pop-up Pitch” Competition, the regional qualifier for the 2024 Startup Global Pitch Competition Grand Finale. Pitching in front of the in-person audience of Startup Canada Tour’s most recent stop in Winnipeg, startup Kevin Danner of Carbon Lock Tech was named the first-place winner – taking home $3,000 cash and a guaranteed slot in the October 30th Grand Finale. Diogo Tsutomu Iwasaki Ori.Gatou Creative Solutions Inc. won the People’s Choice Award and took home a $1,000 cash prize.

Carbon Lock Tech is an innovative clean-tech company reimagining how we respond to rapid climate change. Carbon Lock Tech’s mission is to develop and deploy carbon removal and sequestration solutions that are clean, sustainable and scalable.

“I had this idea about how we can pull carbon out of the atmosphere,” said Danner. “Carbon Lock Tech is born out of frustration in some ways – we need to reduce the emissions that we put out, but if we can’t do it fast enough, we are going to have to get really good about pulling carbon out of the atmosphere. And this is the type of technology we are building.”

Ori.Gatou Creative Solutions Inc. is a marketing tech startup focused on helping CGP companies and grocery stores become smart stores, creating a new kind of marketing campaign. The company is co-founded by mother and son duo Rosana Iwsaki and Diogo Iwsaki.“Startup Canada Tour was an incredibly fun event,” shared Diogo Iwsaki. “I liked how the day was split up, so we were able to pitch and then got to network in between sessions and talk to other people about our business.”

On October 30th, in Kitchener-Waterloo, Danner will compete live against nine other finalists from across Canada for a $70,000 cash prize pool. The Grand Finale of the 2024 Startup Global Pitch Competition will be available to watch live virtually and in-person through Startup Canada Tour registration.

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This afternoon, Tuesday, April 16, the 2024 Federal Budget was released. Here are some key items that will impact Canadian entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized business owners:

• The New Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses to return proceeds from the price on pollution from 2019-20 through 2023-24 to an estimated 600,000 businesses in provinces where the federal backstop applies, with 499 or fewer employees through a new refundable tax credit. This would deliver over $2.5 billion directly to these small- and medium-sized businesses. A big thank you to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) as they continue to call on the government to ensure the 2.5 Billion is returned in 2024 with meaningful rebates for the smallest businesses and to raise the share of future SME rebates back to 9 % of carbon tax revenue or more!
• Empowering Young Entrepreneurs with an investment of $60 million over five years for Futurpreneur Canada, which is a national not-for-profit organization that provides young entrepreneurs with access to financing, mentorship, and other business supports to help them launch and grow their business.
• Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption Increase from the current amount of $1,016,836 in capital gains tax-free on the sale of small business shares and farming and fishing property to $1.25 million, effective June 25, 2024. The Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption will continue to be indexed to inflation thereafter.
• A new Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive to reduce the inclusion rate to 33.3 per cent on a lifetime maximum of $2 million in eligible capital gains.
• Investing in Canadian Startups with $200 million over two years, starting in 2026-27, on a cash basis, to increase access to venture capital for equity-deserving entrepreneurs, and to invest in underserved communities and outside key metropolitan hubs.
• Boosting Government Procurement from Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses, by announcing the government’s intention to propose legislated procurement targets for small- and medium-sized businesses and innovative firms.
• Supporting Indigenous-owned Businesses by providing $350 million over five years to Indigenous Financial Institutions, including $30 million for Métis Capital Corporations.

Startup Canada will continue to bring the perspectives of entrepreneurs to government via our Startup Gov program to ensure founders can benefit from these key items. Read more from Finance Canada at https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2024/04/growing-small-businesses.html.

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Ottawa, ON – April 8, 2024 | Today, Startup Canada announced that applications are now open for the 2024 Startup Global Virtual Pitch Competition Day, an opportunity for entrepreneurs across the country to win from $70,000 in cash prizes to fund their exporting and growth goals for their business.

Startup Global is one of Startup Canada’s flagship programs, providing resources to entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses internationally. The Startup Global Pitch Competition is a key element of the Startup Global program.

Who is eligible:

The Startup Global Virtual Pitch Competition Day is designed for early stage entrepreneurs who have the intention/ability to export their products/services outside of Canada. To be eligible for the Startup Global Virtual Pitch Competition Day, participants must meet the following criteria:

• Less than $1,000,000 in revenue
• Less than five years of operating their business
• Have business/operations based in Canada

How to participate:

The Virtual Pitch Competition Day will take place on Monday, June 24 from 10:30 AM – 4:00 pm (ET). The top 12 finalists will advance to the Pitch Competition Finals taking place on Tuesday, June 25. Participants will have 3 minutes to pitch their business to a panel of judges, followed by 4 minutes of Q&A. Finalists will be notified if they’ve been selected for the top 12 by the end of the day on Monday, June 24.

How to apply:

Applications open today, Monday, April 8 and will close on Tuesday, June 11 or until all pitch spots are full.

Apply now

The Grand Finale

One winner from each of our Startup Canada Tour stops, plus six of the top 12 pitchers from the Virtual Pitch Competition Day on Tuesday, June 25, will be flown to Kitchener-Waterloo with the support of our partners at Air Canada to compete in the Startup Global Pitch Competition Grand Finale. The Grand Finale will take place on Wednesday, October 30. At this event, three entrepreneurs will walk away with one of the grand prizes plus in-kind support from our network of partners including our presenting partners UPS and Export Development Canada. Our cash prizes include:

• 1st Place | $30,000
• 2nd Place | $15,000
• 3rd Place | $7,500
• People’s Choice Award | $2,500

Here’s what last year’s winners had to say about their experience:

“The Startup Global Pitch Competition allowed us to quickly increase brand awareness of Aruna and the work we were doing. We formed relationships with both the local startup community, and a network of national partners. The cash prize has been pivotal to accelerate our growth!”

– Rashmi Prakash, Co-Founder and CEO of Aruna Revolution Health.

Have more questions on our Startup Global Pitch Competition? Visit https://bit.ly/startup-global-pitch for more details.

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OTTAWA, ON – March 6, 2024. The Startup Canada Board of Directors and Executive team are excited to announce that Jamie Savage will be taking over as the Interim CEO of Startup Canada, effective March 7, 2024. Jamie will be supporting the Startup Canada team over the next few months during current CEO Kayla Isabelle’s upcoming parental leave.

Jamie has been an active member of the Startup Canada Board of Directors since 2021, becoming Board Chair in October 2023. Jamie is also the Founder of The Leadership Agency, the executive recruitment partner of choice for North America’s fastest-growing startups and non-profits. As Founder of The Leadership Agency, Jamie brings a deep passion for and understanding of the Canadian startup and non-profit community. The Leadership Agency gets to help build the most impressive companies of our generation. Some clients include: O2E, 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, SkiptheDishes, Afterpay, Headway, ATB Ventures, CNIB, and Eva’s Initiative. Coming from the corporate world, Jamie launched her firm in 2017 and has continued to grow it ever since, expanding into the US in just 18 months, opening an office in NYC, and earning multiple awards, such as Best Service Provider 2019 (HRD Canada), Best Professional Services 2020 (CanadianSME Business Magazine), and Best Workplaces for Startups 2023 (Great Place to Work). A disruptor in the HR and recruitment space, Jamie contributes her expertise to The Globe and Mail, CBC, Inc., and HRD Magazine, and she’s on the Forbes HR Council. Jamie is an angel investor, an Advisor, and a Board Chair.

The Startup Canada Board and team ask you to join us as we wish Kayla and her family best wishes and health as they welcome their new baby! We also give a warm welcome to Jamie and look forward to working with her in the coming months as Interim CEO.

If you’d like to discuss opportunities with Startup Canada for the upcoming year, you can connect with Jamie at jamie.savage@startupcan.ca.

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Support for women entrepreneurs is essential in boosting and strengthening Canada’s economy. However, there continues to be a stark gender gap and biases in financial support and business tools for women founders. According to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, only 17% of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses are owned by women.

At Startup Canada, we know that when you support women, you support a nation. That’s why we offer exclusive support and programming for women entrepreneurs, including those in the trans and non-binary community, through our Startup Women program. We have also put together a list of other organizations and programs from across Canada that are working to support women entrepreneurs all year long!

Alberta

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) offers a variety of programs for women entrepreneurs at all stages of their business. AWE offers access to capital, training and workshops, and business advising. They also offer the AWE Growth Loan with available financing of up to $150,000.

British Columbia

WeBC is a non-profit organization focused on empowering women entrepreneurs so they can make an impact in their communities and create opportunities in BC’s economy! WeBC offers women entrepreneurs support in financing, business skills development, mentorship, and expert advisory services.

Manitoba

The Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba helps women looking to start or expand their businesses. Their three core services include advising, financing, and training. They also host a series of events and networking and mentorship opportunities throughout the year!

New Brunswick

Women in Business New Brunswick assists both current and aspiring women entrepreneurs throughout New Brunswick through their business counselling and services! They offer a variety of resources on how to start-up, grow, and export for your business, as well as a variety of programs, including their 11-week business start-up training program.

Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE) offers programs and services for women in Newfoundland and Labrador to start, grow, and advance their businesses! Their services include start-up, growth, export, and networking support. Services are free of charge no matter where in the province you are located!

Northwest Territories

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) offers specific support for Indigenous women entrepreneurs through their Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program. The program was created to help reduce the additional barriers Indigenous women face when starting and growing their businesses. Through the program, they have developed a report on the state of Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship in Canada and offer loans up to $50,000 through their Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund.

Nova Scotia

The Centre for Women in Business offers a full spectrum of support for women entrepreneurs from the pre-startup to high-growth stages! They offer a membership program, monthly events, learning opportunities, and funding through the Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) National Loan Program.

Nunavut

Pauktuutit is the national non-profit organization representing all Inuit women in Canada. Their Inuit Women in Business Network (IWBN) offers members free mentorship, input on new resources, community support, and promotion of their businesses.

Ontario

The PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise works to empower women, strengthen small businesses, and promote community economic development across Ontario. PARO assists women entrepreneurs across Ontario in building and growing a company, accessing new growth opportunities, and expanding their access to export markets.

Prince Edward Island

The Prince Edward Island Business Women’s Association features a network of women entrepreneurs and business professionals across PEI. Through their membership program, they offer a variety of tools and services, including the Rural Women’s Business Centre and Accelerate HER PEI.

Quebec

ELLEvate Women Entrepreneurs is an initiative by YES Employment + Entrepreneurship that aims to empower women in Quebec’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. ELLEvate offers a variety of opportunities, including networking, speaker series, coaching, and workshops. They also host an annual Pre-Accelerator program!

Saskatchewan

Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (WESK) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs across Saskatchewan to build their businesses from start to scale-up! WESK offers various services, including business advising, access to industry experts, and the Matchstick program for Indigenous entrepreneurs. WESK also offers financing up to $150,000 for women entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan.

Yukon

däna Näye Ventures is a Yukon-based, First Nation-controlled institution that provides business development and financial services to ALL PEOPLE throughout Yukon. Through the Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Program, däna Näye supports Indigenous women entrepreneurs through business counselling and coaching, workshops, training, and micro-lending!

National Resources

Additional organizations offering annual support to women entrepreneurs across Canada include:

• Women in Business and Women Enterprise Organizations of Canada
  • The WEOC National Loan program offers loans up to $50,000 to set up women entrepreneurs for continued growth and success.
• Canadian Blk Women in Excellence Society
  • Canadian Blk Women in Excellence Society works to empower and support both Black women and Black Female Youth through a dynamic, multifaceted approach.
• The Forum
  • The Forum Business Finance Essentials presented by TD Bank Group will help build financial confidence and help you connect more deeply to your business’s financial well-being.
• iFundWomen
  • iFundWomen offers a number of funding opportunities, including a crowdfunding platform, small business grants from corporate partners, and expert business coaching.
• Coralus
  • Coralus offers debt financing to women entrepreneurs with 0% interest, repayable over a 5 year period. They have a supportive community of women activators that pool together capital to support entrepreneurs nationwide.
• Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH)
  • WEKH is a national network and accessible digital platform for sharing research and resources, and leading strategies. With 10 regional hubs and a network of more than 250 organizations, WEKH is designed to address the needs of diverse women entrepreneurs across regions and across sectors!
• RevolutionHer
  • RevolutionHer curates impactful events, programs, and resources for women entrepreneurs. Their flagship RevolutionHer store offers the opportunity to shop 100+ women-owned brands.
• DMZ Women Innovation Program
  • The DMZ Women Innovation Programs offers three programs for women entrepreneurs across various stages of their business: launchpad, pre-incubator, and incubator. Their annual pitch competition, in partnership with The Firehood, offers up to $100,000 in investment.
• ELLA by YSpace
  • York University’s YSpace created ELLA to support women entrepreneurs with advisory services, mentorship, and resources to expand to new markets.
• The Firehood
  • The Firehood is a group of angel investors that provides early-stage funding for women-led businesses in technology.
• BDC Thrive Fund
  • BDC Thrive Fund is a $500 million investment platform that invests in women-led technology businesses at the seed and Series A/B stages.
• The51
  • The51 is a national venture fund that provides seed-series A stage capital for women entrepreneurs.

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OTTAWA, CANADA – February 22, 2024 – Startup Canada is thrilled to announce that the National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) will be joining us as a Presenting Partner for our 2024 Startup Canada Tour. Incorporated in 2002, NACO is Canada’s professional association for 4000+ angel investors and the national umbrella for over 100 organizations, including angel groups, venture funds, family offices, incubators and accelerators. NACO members have invested $1.54 billion into more than 2,400 Canadian companies.

“Last year, on our inaugural Startup Canada Tour, we connected with entrepreneurs from across the country to come together, share ideas, and identify gaps and opportunities for change,” shares Kayla Isabelle, CEO of Startup Canada. “From Whitehorse to Halifax, entrepreneurs echoed the need for increased access and availability to funding resources and tools, especially women-identifying founders looking to start up and scale. We are excited to work with NACO to connect more early stage women-identifying entrepreneurs with angel investors, increase education around funding, as well as build spaces for founders to share their stories across this year’s national Tour stops.”

This year, Startup Canada Tour will touch down in four new Canadian cities – kicking off in Winnipeg on April 18, then stopping in Langley on May 15, Moncton on September 17, with a hybrid final stop in Kitchener-Waterloo on October 30. Attendees can expect inspiring keynotes, engaging panels, and actionable workshops on the Mainstage.

“Mobilizing angel capital so Canadian entrepreneurs have the resources they need to grow a successful and sustainable business is at the core of NACO’s mission. We are thrilled to be partnering with Startup Canada on their national Tour, amplifying our dedication to support and empower women entrepreneurs and investors at every stage of their journey,” states Claudio Rojas, NACO’s CEO. “Together, on the Startup Canada Tour, we’re helping to ignite the Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem.”

Each stop will also feature expert advising through the Ask the Expert Lounge, connections with local and national support organizations, and curated networking and resource sharing. Entrepreneurs will also have the opportunity to participate in the Startup Global “Pop-up Pitch” Competition for the opportunity to win a cash prize of $3,000 and a spot in the Startup Global Pitch Competition Grand Finale in Kitchener-Waterloo, where they can compete for a $70,000 cash prize pool!

Early bird passes for Startup Canada Tour – are available now until March 28, 2024. Visit startupcanadatour.ca to learn more about Startup Canada Tour and purchase a pass for a stop near you!

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Media Contact

Jocelyn Courneya, Startup Canada

jocelyn.courneya@startupcan.ca

Startup Canada is the gateway to Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We’re here to connect entrepreneurs with the support, community, and tools they need to build a successful business in Canada. Since our inception in 2012, Startup Canada has grown to support more than 130,000 entrepreneurs annually and has created an ever-growing grassroots community network from coast to coast to coast. Through our flagship and digital programs, we provide guidance, eliminate barriers, and champion the needs of each and every entrepreneur to private and public sector partners. Startup Canada supports entrepreneurs in starting up and scaling up to ultimately make Canada the best place to start and build a business. For more information, visit https://www.startupcan.ca/.

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After a successful inaugural year, the Startup Canada Tour is back in 2024, stopping in 4 new Canadian cities! We’ll be connecting with founders and support organizations across the country in Winnipeg, Langley, Moncton, and Kitchener-Waterloo.

Last year, we connected 107 exhibitors with over 1,600 entrepreneurs in our Ecosystem Support Zone. Always buzzing with networking opportunities, this area is where entrepreneur support organizations can connect directly with entrepreneurs from across the country to share information about their resources and service offerings!

“In 2023, joining the Halifax and Calgary Tour stops was the single best investment we made in our business. In 2024, we are thrilled to be joining Startup Canada to deliver Workshops in Winnipeg and Langley because we know that the Tour provides an unmatched opportunity to build new relationships with entrepreneurs and organizations from across the country!” – Jeff Mitchell, Co-Owner, The Maker’s Collective.

Ready to elevate your organization’s entrepreneurial impact? Check out what you can access as a Startup Canada Tour Exhibitor!

Promotion of your Brand

As a Startup Canada Tour Exhibitor, you’ll receive promotional opportunities for your brand on and off stage! This includes recognition as an Exhibitor with your logo and a link to your website on the official registration page for the Tour stop you participate in, including brand recognition on Startup Canada’s social media channels. On event day, you’ll be featured on our Mainstage digital screen with verbal thanks and recognition on the day of the event.

Direct Access to Hundreds of Entrepreneurs

As an Exhibitor, you’ll receive a booth in our Ecosystem Support Zone. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your organization and connect directly with hundreds of entrepreneurs to share your service offerings and build your network.

“Startup Canada pulled all the stops for a solid event. This awesome environment was filled with passionate people and organizations from in and far outside of Brampton, connecting as the Canadian entrepreneurship ecosystem.” – Startup Canada Tour Brampton Stop attendee.

Free Passes & Discounts for Your Network

As an Exhibitor, you’ll receive up to 2 complimentary tickets for your team to attend and be a part of the day! We’ll also provide you with a select number of Startup Passes to give away to entrepreneurs in your network so they can experience the day and a special discount code to share for additional passes.

Ready to connect directly with Canada’s entrepreneurs? Apply to be an Exhibitor today via our Startup Canada Tour Exhibitor application form. We can’t wait to meet you!

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February is Black History Month, a time we dedicate to Black Canadians and their contributions to our communities.

Being an entrepreneur is challenging, and Black entrepreneurs have amplified obstacles when trying to start a business due to systemic barriers. In 2023, QuickBooks released a study about Black entrepreneurs in Canada and found that 55% of Black business owners had been denied a bank loan at least once when trying to start their business. Additionally, only 56% of Black entrepreneurs said they were able to pay themselves in 2022. With limited access to seed capital, we need to close these gaps for Black entrepreneurs.

This year, we’re bringing back our resource guide for Black Entrepreneurs in Canada – featuring additional resources, including funding opportunities, loans, access to mentors, and opportunities to build your network!

Calgary Black Chambers

Calgary Black Chambers supports young Black and BIPOC entrepreneurs in the Calgary area through their student mentorship, scholarship, and fellowship programs.

Black Business Ventures Association

The Black Business Ventures Association helps Black founders start and build their tech businesses through events, resources, and programming. A program they offer all year is the Mwanzo Program, which is a free 4-week, hybrid, and virtual program with ongoing enrollment that helps bring business ideas to life.

Real Ventures’ Rep Matters

Real Ventures is an early stage venture capital firm that supports entrepreneurs through resources and connections, guidance, and mentorship. Real Ventures created “Rep Matters” to inspire Black entrepreneurs and tell the stories of successful Black business owners and investors.

Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA)

Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) is an accelerator that supports Black entrepreneurs through their different programs, such as their Product Feasibility Bootcamp, Investment Bootcamp, and more. They even offer Idea Consultations where you can register to meet one-on-one with a BEA team lead so they can evaluate your career roadmap and provide you with feedback!

TD Bank Black Entrepreneur Credit Access Program

The Black Entrepreneur Credit Access Program is made to provide Black entrepreneurs with access to credit in order to drive their businesses forward. The program offers an enhanced credit review process that includes a holistic view of your credit application. As well as services such as business banking advice, financial planning, borrowing advice, mortgage solutions, and more.

Scotiabank Black-Led Business Financing Program

Scotiabank offers a Black-Led Business Financing Program to lend eligible Black entrepreneurs financing for capital investments and/or working capital needs. Businesses can apply for a term loan for capital investments up to $250,000!

DMZ’s Black Innovation Programs

The DMZ’s Black Innovation Programs provide Black-owned tech startups with the support of their incubator network, as well as programming, mentorship, and events. They also facilitate connections to industry advisors, investors, capital, and an alumni network of successful founders to support the growth of Black entrepreneurs.

BKR Capital

BKR Capital is a Canadian venture capital fund that solely invests in Black-led startups and businesses. The team focuses on early stage disruptive companies in the technology space.

Black Business Association of BC

The Black Business Association of BC provides a variety of programs and resources for building your supply chain, preparing for trade shows, and maintaining positive mental health as a founder.

Tribe Network’s Black Start-up Project

Tribe Network’s Black Start-up Project provides access to resources, education, training, capital, mentorship, and coaching to Black, Indigenous, and BIPOC entrepreneurs and business owners in Atlantic Canada. There are currently 280 entrepreneurs registered in the program from across Atlantic Canada!

Black Founders Network

The Black Founders Network is open to Black-identifying University of Toronto’s students. In partnership with U of T’s accelerator programs, BFN provides access to an inclusive community for Black entrepreneurs at all stages of their business. They provide access to mentors, investors, and resources to increase the number of Black-led U of T startups.

Black Entrepreneur Startup Program by Futurpreneur and RBC

Futurpreneur’s Black Entrepreneur Startup Program partnered with RBC to provide startup loan financing and access to mentorship for Black Entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39. The program guides you through all the steps of writing a business plan, from financing to launch.

Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund by FACE

FACE’s Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund provides loans of up to $250,000 to support Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs across Canada. They also offer a number of micro-loans of up to $50,000 for earlier stage businesses.

RBC Black Entrepreneur Program

RBC’s Black Entrepreneur Program provides access to advice, connections, and banking solutions to grow your business. With RBC’s program, you can access loans of up to $250,000. Their website also has access to a variety of helpful tools, including a business loan calculator, business cash flow calculator, and business plan builder.

Black Opportunity Fund

Black Opportunity Fund is a community-led Canadian charity on a mission to create a healthy and thriving Black Canada by challenging anti-Black racism and responding to long-standing underinvestment in Black communities. The fund facilitates access to capital for Black-led businesses and provides access to grants to Black-led non-profits and charities.

Atlantic Canada Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Program

The Atlantic Canada Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Program provides access to business development support, counselling, and mentorship opportunities to Black entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canadian provinces. You can seek advice on marketing and communication strategies, procurement and supply chain, and building your business acumen. They also provide a specific stream for youth entrepreneurs titled “Business is Jammin’”.

ANZA’s Black Entrepreneur Ecosystem Program

ANZA’s Black Entrepreneur Ecosystem Program is designed to help Black youth ages 18 to 30 generate business ideas, convert those ideas into business plans, and seek financing to launch their businesses. Based in Alberta, this program teaches participants transferable skills that they need to become successful entrepreneurs.

Canadian Blk Women in Excellence Society

Canadian Blk Women in Excellence Society works to empower and support both Black women and Black Female Youth through a dynamic, multifaceted approach. Through tailored empowerment programs, interconnected mentorship initiatives, and collaborative educational and skill advancement opportunities, they cultivate a culture of shared experiences, guidance, and mutual support across generations.

There’s more! Tune in to our latest Startup Women Podcast episode titled “How To: Funding for Black Women Entrepreneurs” with Tia Upshaw, CEO of Canadian Blk Women in Excellence Society and Tashauna Reid, Owner of College Creative Curations

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An Overview of Startup Canada’s 2024 Entrepreneurial Programming!Startup Canada’s annual flagship programs are back for another year, helping to connect Canadian entrepreneurs to the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. In 2024, we’re offering free year-long programming and resources through our annual programs Startup Women, Startup Global, Startup Gov, Startup Canada Tour, and the Startup Canada Podcast. Armed with the largest team since our founding in 2012, Startup Canada is committed to creating and enhancing actionable, tailored programming for our community that prioritizes utility, value and genuine impact! We’re here to walk the walk, advocate for the betterment of our ecosystem, and continuously support our network in their entrepreneurial ambitions.

“Everything Startup Canada does is informed, guided, and powered by the community we exist to serve – Canadian early stage entrepreneurs. This critical sector of the national economy inspires me, and the entire Startup Canada team, to do more, push harder, and create meaningful change for all founders in their pursuit of a dream,” said Kayla Isabelle, CEO of Startup Canada. “With these mindfully crafted programs, we’re on a mission to support Canadian entrepreneurs as they strive to solve global problems, deliver innovation, and make our communities healthier, happier places to be.”

A Sneak Peak at Our 2024 Programming

Each of our flagship programs offers unique elements, informed by our specialized support ecosystem partners and subject matter expert program leads, that address the most pressing pain points and growth opportunities for entrepreneurs. Here’s what you can expect for each of our programs in 2024!

Startup Women

The Startup Women program is committed to supporting early stage women and non-binary entrepreneurs in their business development journey, 365 days a year. Founders engaging in the Startup Women program can expect the following:

• Quarterly workshops and webinars
• Monthly industry advisory circles
• In-person community events
• A resource guide tailored to the support needs of women entrepreneurs

“I am endlessly proud of the Startup Women program and Startup Canada’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs. Together, in 2024, we will work tirelessly to support these incredible, inspiring founders,” said Isabel Nolan, Program Manager. “When we empower women, we empower nations.”

The Startup Women Advocacy Network (SWAN) will also return for its third year in 2024! Bringing together a curated group of 13 early stage women founders from each province and territory, SWAN is a network that is ready, willing, and able to advocate for all women entrepreneurs in Canada from coast to coast to coast.

Plug into Startup Women, and learn more, here.

Startup Global

Are you a founder who’s ready to explore international markets?

Startup Global connects a pan-Canadian cohort of entrepreneurs wanting to build global businesses with a network of international ecosystem partners dedicated to their success. The program recognizes the importance of exporting for the Canadian economy, celebrates those making waves in the global marketplace, and empowers early stage founders to take their businesses to the international stage. Entrepreneurs who participate in Startup Global will:

• Have access to export readiness resources and vetted export support via the tailored Resource Guide
• Be eligible to register for the Startup Global Pitch Competition and compete for cash prizes
• Plug into workshops, webinars, partner connection sessions, and more!

“While Canada’s business landscape is strong, it’s relatively small compared to other international economies. By preparing founders with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to go global, we can help them scale their reach and success while delivering world-class Canadian innovation to global markets,” said Myriam Wedge, Program Administrator. “This year, we’re enabling more entrepreneurs to be export ready – and we’re not slowing down anytime soon!”

Do you have global ambitions? Is your business export ready? Take the leap and use the Startup Global newsletter to take advantage of the program.

Startup Gov

Creating opportunities for communication, advocacy, education, and thoughtful collaboration, Startup Gov is a dedicated platform connecting entrepreneurs, industry executives, and government representatives across Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. In 2024, the program will provide meaningful opportunities for entrepreneurs and the private and public sectors to come together and co-create solutions and pathways for entrepreneurial success all year long.

Throughout the year, entrepreneurs involved in Startup Gov will have access to:

• Webinars and workshops to help founders find, understand and engage with government programs at the local, provincial or national level
• Insights from advocacy roundtable discussions featuring key government representatives
• A government relations toolkit curated for founders
• Content and awareness campaigns

“Government is a critical component of Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By empowering founders with knowledge and direct lines of communication to government representatives, we can co-create vital improvements to existing programs, inform and inspire new government support channels, increase access, and actualize the future entrepreneurial nation we want to see,” said Natasha Morano, Corporate & Government Affairs Director.

Have your voice heard and help create the conditions necessary for entrepreneurial success in Canada with the guidance of Startup Gov.

Startup Canada Podcast Network

Looking to learn from Canada’s most successful founders, leading industry experts, and subject matter specialists?

The Startup Canada Podcast, hosted by Rick Spence, is back for another year of weekly episode releases. Tune into new episodes every Tuesday at 10 am ET to learn from the movers and shakers of Canada’s entrepreneurship community, get a glimpse into the future of business, and gain insights on everything from social innovation and the future of work to funding and more. Learn more about the show, and tune in wherever you find your favourite podcasts!

Each of the Startup Women Podcast episodes features a founder and a topic expert to showcase real entrepreneurial challenges experienced by women identifying founders and, most importantly, to identify actionable steps and solutions for our community to apply within their own businesses. Explore the episode list, and listen wherever you stream your podcasts!

Startup Canada Tour

Following a successful inaugural year in 2023, Startup Canada Tour is back in 2024 and better than ever! Startup Canada Tour is a multi-stop national in-person event series connecting early stage entrepreneurs with ecosystem support organizations and industry experts to drive their businesses forward. This year’s series will touch down in four Canadian cities from coast to coast – Winnipeg, Langley, Moncton, and Kitchener-Waterloo. Attendees can expect:

• Inspiring keynotes, engaging panels, and actionable workshops on the Mainstage
• Expert advising through the Ask the Expert Lounge
• Connections with local and national support organizations
• A chance to cheer on colleagues in the live Startup Global Pitch Competition
• Curated networking and resource sharing

“Startup Canada Tour is an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. By convening key ecosystem players and their specialized know-how, paired with thoughtful sessions and unique programming channels, we’re helping early stage entrepreneurs nationwide drive their businesses forward,” said Lauren Macready, Program Manager.

Learn more about Startup Canada Tour, and secure your tickets to the event nearest you!

More Soon!

Ready to arm yourself with free resources and tools to help grow your business? No matter your industry, demographic, or business stage, Startup Canada has something for you.

Be the first to know about our to-be-announced events and support opportunities by signing up for the Startup Canada mailing list. Join us in 2024 – subscribe and get growing!

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OTTAWA, CANADA – January 24, 2024 – Today, Startup Canada has announced the locations and dates for their 2024 Startup Canada Tour, a multi-stop national in-person event series connecting early stage entrepreneurs with ecosystem support organizations and industry experts to drive their businesses forward.

Following a successful inaugural year in 2023, this year’s Tour will touch down in four Canadian cities – kicking off in Winnipeg on April 18, then stopping in Langley on May 15, Moncton on September 17, with a hybrid final stop in Kitchener-Waterloo on October 30.

At each stop, attendees can expect inspiring keynotes, engaging panels, and actionable workshops on the Mainstage. Including a keynote presentation from Meti Basiri, CEO and Co-Founder of ApplyBoard, at their Kitchener-Waterloo stop, workshops from UPS and the Maker’s Collective, and panel discussions with Mastercard. Each stop will also feature expert advising through the Ask the Expert Lounge, connections with local and national support organizations, and curated networking and resource sharing.

“Last year, Startup Canada Tour gave us the opportunity to connect in-person with early stage Canadian entrepreneurs and ecosystem support organizations across the country. We were able to hear about the unique opportunities and challenges facing business owners in each region, as well as the things that unite entrepreneurs nationally,” says Kayla Isabelle, CEO of Startup Canada. “This year, touching down in four new cities, our goal is to continue collaborating across the ecosystem with local, regional, and national players.”

At each Startup Canada Tour stop, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to participate in the Startup Global “Pop-up Pitch” Competition for the opportunity to win a cash prize of $3,000 and a spot in the Startup Global Pitch Competition Grand Finale in Kitchener-Waterloo, where they can compete for a $70,000 cash prize pool!

“Last year’s Startup Canada Tour was such an amazing experience,” states Paul Gaspar, Small Business Director for UPS Canada. “Thousands of Canadian entrepreneurs from across the country connected to learn from each other and from industry partners about supply chain efficiency, growing in global markets, funding, and where to get the support they need.”

The 2024 Startup Canada Tour is presented in partnership with UPS, with program support from Scotiabank and the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT), with featured panels from Mastercard in Langley, Moncton, and Kitchener-Waterloo, and custom workshops from the Maker’s Collective in Winnipeg and Langley. Organizations interested in learning more about Startup Canada Tour partnership opportunities can contact partnerships@startupcan.ca

“In 2023, joining the Halifax and Calgary Tour stops was the single best investment we made in our business,” shares Jeff Mitchell, co-owner of the Maker’s Collective. “In 2024, we are thrilled to be joining Startup Canada to deliver workshops in Winnipeg and Langley. Because we know that the Tour provides an unmatched opportunity to build new relationships with entrepreneurs and organizations from across the country!”

Early bird passes for Startup Canada Tour – are available now until March 28, 2024. Visit startupcanadatour.ca to learn more about Startup Canada Tour and purchase a pass for a stop near you!

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Media Contact

Jocelyn Courneya, Startup Canada

jocelyn.courneya@startupcan.ca

Startup Canada is Canada’s entrepreneurship organization. Startup Canada promotes and supports the success and growth of Canada’s 2.3 million entrepreneurs, with a mandate to foster economic growth, competitiveness, and prosperity through entrepreneurship. Since launching, Startup Canada’s programming has directly supported more than 300,000 entrepreneurs and 50 grassroots Startup Community organizations. Working with over 750 ecosystem partners, including accelerators, incubators, research parks, educational institutions, economic development agencies, associations, and government programs, Startup Canada serves entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, industries, and stages of development, with a network reflective of Canada’s diverse population. Learn more at startupcan.ca.

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OTTAWA, CANADA – MAY 30, 2023 – Today, Startup Canada has announced...

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VANCOUVER, CANADA – March 1, 2023 – Startup Canada has announced the locations and dates for Startup Canada Tour, a five stop national in-person event series connecting small business owners and creators with local support organizations and industry experts to drive their businesses forward.

Vancouver is the third stop of the Startup Canada Tour, taking place on Thursday, May 11, at the Nest at the University of British Columbia. The one-day event welcomes early stage entrepreneurs and national and local support organizations to come together and grow their networks, learn from industry experts, and gain tools and insights to build their businesses!

“The last few years have been challenging for Canadian entrepreneurs,” says Kayla Isabelle, CEO of Startup Canada. “Startup Canada Tour is a great opportunity for early stage entrepreneurs and people interested in starting a business to come together and learn about the unique supports available to them both regionally and across Canada. We want to make Canada the best place to start a business, no matter your location or level of experience.”

Throughout the day, attendees of Startup Canada Tour – Vancouver will have access to a series of keynotes, panels, and workshops featuring fellow entrepreneurs, private and public sector support organizations, and key industry leaders. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect 1:1 with mentors, support organizations, and fellow entrepreneurs in Ask the Expert Lounges.

“Startup Canada has been a strategic partner of Futurpreneur’s for many years, and we are excited to participate in the Startup Canada Tour, says Maryse Gingras, VP, Business Development, Futurpreneur. “We appreciate the work that Startup Canada does in communities across Canada to build networks and exchange knowledge. This initiative not only complements, but also supports our mission to help diverse young entrepreneurs get access to the financing, mentoring and other business resources they need to launch and succeed.”

Startup Canada Tour – Vancouver is presented in partnership with UPS, with national support from Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) and Futurpreneur, and regional support from Ownr, and Moneris. Additional partners and speakers are to be announced in the coming weeks.

“As Canada’s leading provider of unified commerce solutions, Moneris has been supporting Canadian businesses for over 20 years, and we are a proud partner of Startup Canada as they work tirelessly to connect Canada’s entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to succeed, states Ivana Spasovska, Government Relations Specialist at Moneris. “We are confident that this year’s Startup Canada Tour will be a huge success, bringing together entrepreneurs, key government officials, and industry leaders to explore ways of supporting Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Early bird passes for Startup Canada Tour – Vancouver are available now until March 24. Visit www.startupcanadatour.ca to learn more about Startup Canada Tour – Vancouver and get a pass for a stop near you!

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Media Contact

Jocelyn Courneya, Startup Canada

jocelyn.courneya@startupcan.ca

Startup Canada is Canada’s entrepreneurship organization. Startup Canada promotes and supports the success and growth of Canada’s 2.3 million entrepreneurs, with a mandate to foster economic growth, competitiveness, and prosperity through entrepreneurship. Since launching, Startup Canada’s programming has directly supported more than 300,000 entrepreneurs and 50 grassroots Startup Community organizations. Working with over 750 ecosystem partners, including accelerators, incubators, research parks, educational institutions, economic development agencies, associations, and government programs, Startup Canada serves entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, industries, and stages of development, with a network reflective of Canada’s diverse population. Learn more at startupcan.ca.

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Halifax, CANADA – March 1, 2023 – Startup Canada has announced the locations and dates for Startup Canada Tour, a five stop national in-person event series connecting small business owners and creators with local support organizations and industry experts to drive their businesses forward.

Halifax is the second stop of the Startup Canada Tour, taking place on Tuesday, May 2, at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. The one-day event welcomes early stage entrepreneurs and national and local support organizations to come together and grow their networks, learn from industry experts, and gain tools and insights to build their businesses!

“The last few years have been challenging for Canadian entrepreneurs,” says Kayla Isabelle, CEO of Startup Canada. “Startup Canada Tour is a great opportunity for early stage entrepreneurs and people interested in starting a business to come together and learn about the unique supports available to them both regionally and across Canada. We want to make Canada the best place to start a business, no matter your location or level of experience.”

Throughout the day, attendees of Startup Canada Tour – Halifax will have access to a series of keynotes, panels, and workshops featuring fellow entrepreneurs, private and public sector support organizations, and key industry leaders. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect 1:1 with mentors, support organizations, and fellow entrepreneurs in Ask the Expert Lounges.

“We’re so happy to be back in person for the Startup Canada Tour to meet and help our great Canadian entrepreneurs!” States Paul Gaspar, Small Business Director for UPS. “We want to be your trusted advisor to help your business adapt, and are committed to solving your unique business challenges at home and around the globe.”

Startup Canada Tour – Halifax is presented in partnership with UPS, with national support from Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), Futurpreneur, with additional partners and speakers to be announced in the coming weeks.

“Startup Canada has been a strategic partner of Futurpreneur’s for many years, and we are excited to participate in the Startup Canada Tour, says Maryse Gingras, VP, Business Development, Futurpreneur. “We appreciate the work that Startup Canada does in communities across Canada to build networks and exchange knowledge. This initiative not only complements, but also supports our mission to help diverse young entrepreneurs get access to the financing, mentoring and other business resources they need to launch and succeed.”

Early bird passes for Startup Canada Tour are available now until March 24. Visit www.startupcanadatour.ca to learn more about Startup Canada Tour – Halifax and get a pass for a stop near you!

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Media Contact

Jocelyn Courneya, Startup Canada

jocelyn.courneya@startupcan.ca

Startup Canada is Canada’s entrepreneurship organization. Startup Canada promotes and supports the success and growth of Canada’s 2.3 million entrepreneurs, with a mandate to foster economic growth, competitiveness, and prosperity through entrepreneurship. Since launching, Startup Canada’s programming has directly supported more than 300,000 entrepreneurs and 50 grassroots Startup Community organizations. Working with over 750 ecosystem partners, including accelerators, incubators, research parks, educational institutions, economic development agencies, associations, and government programs, Startup Canada serves entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, industries, and stages of development, with a network reflective of Canada’s diverse population. Learn more at startupcan.ca.

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Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey. It is crucial to surround yourself with like-minded founders and mentors who can provide you with the right resources and advice to set you up for success. This feeling of isolation is especially true for women-identifying entrepreneurs, who face additional barriers on their entrepreneurial journey, such as receiving less funding than their male-identifying counterparts.

In partnership with BDC, we spoke to women-identifying entrepreneurs from across Canada to speak about their unique journeys and the importance of community support in entrepreneurship.

Meet Christine Lieu, founder of CL Designs and the Brand Party PodcastWhat is your elevator pitch to the world? How does it improve the lives of customers?

I am the expert behind CL Designs and the Brand Party Podcast. I help purpose-driven businesses create cohesive branding, web design, and marketing collateral to increase your impact and sales. My mission is to create with integrity and to communicate with a positive impact. As featured in the Top 10 Canada Design and Apple Podcasts’ New + Noteworthy lists, the Brand Party Podcast shares fun, honest, and actionable tips that you can implement RIGHT AWAY in your entrepreneurial journey.

What is the “why” behind what you do?

I traded in climbing the corporate ladder for climbing mountains around the world because my creativity needed a new challenge, and I wanted to change the world. I knew there was more out there that I could accomplish and help others without being defined by a title or limited on my creativity.

If it’s not challenging you (in a good way), if you’re not learning from it, or enjoying it, you should really ask yourself why you’re doing it.

Having a few personal health scares and a few loved ones pass away at an impressionable age, this has motivated me to live life on my own terms because it is short. It’s all about spending it doing what I love most, with who I love most, and spending my time efficiently. Through the work I do with the catalyst of design, I can inspire others to create their bold legacy.

What is your big hairy audacious goal (BHAG) of how you will change the world?

I am living my dream life! My BHAG is to help more businesses in the purpose-driven and non-profit space. I hope to lead by example and show others a non-traditional way to live your life through entrepreneurship and building your own business. My goal is to inspire others to come back to what’s most important to them.

My catalyst for this is through my VIP Design Days to get everything you need checked off your design wishlist in one day. Yep, you heard that right! Having earned my stripes in the fast-paced media world, and learning first-hand the challenges faced by startups through my own journey, (sometimes the hard way!), I wanted to provide lean and efficient design and branding services that would free businesses to push on with what they’re best at. These VIP Design Days have allowed business owners to reclaim quality time with their families, to expand their business in a way that feels integral for them, and to have more bandwidth to do what they love.

Having the privilege to take a full month off in my life and business, graciously doing it two years in a row, has been the ultimate reminder to slow down and enjoy this journey we call life. It’s allowed me to creatively recharge and better serve my clients in the process. You do not need to sacrifice your life for your work alone. When your values align, these things are able to coexist.

How has being a part of a startup support organization helped you grow?

Startup Canada and the Startup Community have always been great leaders in sharing stories and experiences of entrepreneurs in this community. They are generous with the resources they offer from events, podcasts, grant opportunities, and more! By having access to this, it’s continued to keep me inspired and influenced me on how I can in turn inspire others along the way as I continue to grow.

What is a piece of advice that you wish you knew before you started?

Focus on the gain, not the gap. There’s enough pressure from society and those close to us that we don’t need another bully within ourselves to sabotage what we want in life. Focus on the progress of how far you’ve come instead of what’s missing or lacking. For example, if in your first year of business, your goal was to make $50K in revenue, but you happened to generate $35K, focus on the accomplishment of how much you generated but also the impact you created with that, not that you were $15K short of your goal. This attitude of gratitude and celebration is what will keep you going on the not so “sunny days” as an entrepreneur.

Where is the best place for individuals to go to learn more about you and your business?

Need support on an upcoming project? Learn more about how we can work together at www.christineldesigns.com

Looking for free, fun and honest design tips? Tune into the Brand Party Podcast at christineldesigns.com/podcast.

The celebration continues…

Join The Afterparty weekly newsletter series that gives you your all-access pass to design and marketing tips to cross the waiting line. You. Me. Design. And Dancing. At www.christineldesigns.com/the-afterparty!

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OTTAWA, ON – February 24, 2023 | Startup Canada is pleased to announce that CEO, Kayla Isabelle, has been named a 2023 Report on Business magazine Changemaker.

Changemakers is an editorial award program produced by Report on Business magazine at The Globe and Mail. This program celebrates emerging business leaders who are making a difference in their industry with their ideas, accomplishments, and impact.

As CEO of Startup Canada, Kayla has dedicated her career to supporting entrepreneurs and is passionate about leveraging the power of storytelling in the business community, particularly for women entrepreneurs, as the host of the Startup Women Podcast. Kayla is also the Founding Executive Director of the Innovators and Entrepreneurs Foundation, Board Member at the Ottawa Board of Trade, Past-President of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Ottawa Chapter, and Board Member at StartUP Sault Ste. Marie.

“I am honoured to have been selected as a recipient of the 2023 Changemakers award and to be amongst such great company with my fellow recipients,” says Kayla Isabelle. “Every day, I get to work with and hear from the incredible people that make up Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and be a part of the many changes being made to make Canada the best place to start a business.”

The Globe and Mail solicited nominations for the Changemakers award in the fall of 2022. Winners were selected by The Globe and Mail’s award-winning editorial team for their bold notions and leadership, as determined by their nominations, subsequent interviews, and reference checks. Kayla is one of 50 winners of the Changemakers award.

“As the world grapples with new challenges from greening the economy to adjusting to the new geopolitical reality, the Canadian business community needs new ideas and bold leaders,” says Dawn Calleja, editor of Report on Business magazine. “The Changemakers program aims to highlight 50 people who are taking on pressing issues and turning ideas into impact.”

Editorial coverage of the 2023 Changemakers is in the March 2023 issue of Report on Business magazine, distributed with The Globe and Mail on Saturday, February 25th, 2023 and online at tgam.ca/Changemakers.

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About Startup Canada

Startup Canada is Canada’s entrepreneurship organization. Startup Canada promotes and supports the success and growth of Canada’s 2.3 million entrepreneurs, with a mandate to foster economic growth, competitiveness, and prosperity through entrepreneurship. Since launching, Startup Canada’s programming has directly supported more than 300,000 entrepreneurs and 50 grassroots Startup Community organizations. Working with over 750 ecosystem partners, including accelerators, incubators, research parks, educational institutions, economic development agencies, associations, and government programs, Startup Canada serves entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, industries, and stages of development, with a network reflective of Canada’s diverse population. Learn more at startupcan.ca.

About The Globe and Mail

The Globe and Mail is Canada’s foremost news media company, leading the national discussion and causing policy change through brave and independent journalism since 1844. With our award-winning coverage of business, politics and national affairs, The Globe and Mail newspaper reaches 6.1 million readers every week in our print or digital formats, and Report on Business magazine reaches 2.5 million readers in print and digital every issue. Our investment in innovative data science means that as the world continues to change, so does The Globe. The Globe and Mail is owned by Woodbridge, the investment arm of the Thomson family.

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OTTAWA, CANADA – February 15, 2023 – Today, Startup Canada has announed the locations and dates for Startup Canada Tour, a five stop national in-person event series connecting early stage entrepreneurs with local support organizations and industry experts to drive their businesses forward.

Kicking off in Whitehorse on April 25, Startup Canada Tour will make additional stops in Halifax, Vancouver and Calgary, with a soon-to-be-announced final hybrid stop in Ontario. Each Tour stop welcomes local entrepreneurs, support organizations, investors, and community leaders to come together, grow their networks, learn from industry experts, and gain tools and insights to build their businesses!

“The last few years have been challenging for Canadian entrepreneurs,” says Kayla Isabelle, CEO of Startup Canada. “Startup Canada Tour is a great opportunity for early stage entrepreneurs and people interested in starting a business to come together and learn about the unique supports available to them both regionally and across Canada. We want to make Canada the best place to start a business, no matter your location or level of experience.”

Throughout the day, attendees of Startup Canada Tour will have access to a series of keynotes, panels, and practical workshops featuring fellow entrepreneurs, private and public sector support organizations, and key industry leaders. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect 1:1 with mentors, support organizations, and fellow entrepreneurs in Ask the Expert Lounges.

“We’re so happy to be back in person for the Startup Canada Tour to meet and help our great Canadian entrepreneurs!” States Paul Gaspar, Small Business Director for UPS. “We want to be your trusted advisor to help your business adapt, and are committed to solving your unique business challenges at home and around the globe.”

Startup Canada Tour is presented in partnership with UPS, with national support from Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) and regional support from Moneris, Ownr, and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). Additional partners and speakers for each Tour stop will be announced in the coming weeks.

“CGLCC is a long standing partner of Startup Canada. As Canada’s only national advocate for over 100,000 2SLGBTQI+ owned and operated businesses in Canada, generating 22 billion dollars in gross corporate revenue,” says A.J. Stewart, Manager of Business Development at CGLCC. “We are excited to continue to expand our reach and make new connections with 2SLGBTQI+ and allied businesses, from coast to coast to coast.”

“As Canada’s leading provider of unified commerce solutions, Moneris has been supporting Canadian businesses for over 20 years, and we are a proud partner of Startup Canada as they work tirelessly to connect Canada’s entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to succeed, states Ivana Spasovska, Government Relations Specialist at Moneris. “We are confident that this year’s Startup Canada Tour will be a huge success, bringing together entrepreneurs, key government officials, and industry leaders to explore ways of supporting Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Early bird passes for Startup Canada Tour – Whitehorse, Halifax, and Vancouver are available now until March 24. Calgary Early Bird passes are available until July 18, and Ontario passes will be announced in early Spring 2023. Visit startupcanadatour.ca to learn more about Startup Canada Tour and purchase a pass for a stop near you!

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Media Contact

Jocelyn Courneya, Startup Canada

jocelyn.courneya@startupcan.ca

Startup Canada is Canada’s entrepreneurship organization. Startup Canada promotes and supports the success and growth of Canada’s 2.3 million entrepreneurs, with a mandate to foster economic growth, competitiveness, and prosperity through entrepreneurship. Since launching, Startup Canada’s programming has directly supported more than 300,000 entrepreneurs and 50 grassroots Startup Community organizations. Working with over 750 ecosystem partners, including accelerators, incubators, research parks, educational institutions, economic development agencies, associations, and government programs, Startup Canada serves entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, industries, and stages of development, with a network reflective of Canada’s diverse population. Learn more at startupcan.ca.

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WHITEHORSE, CANADA – February 15, 2023 – Today, Startup Canada has launched the locations and dates for Startup Canada Tour, a five stop national in-person event series connecting small business owners and creators with local support organizations and industry experts to drive their businesses forward.

Startup Canada Tour will kick off its first of five stops in Whitehorse, Yukon, on Tuesday, April 25, at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. The one-day event welcomes small business owners, creative entrepreneurs, and national and local support organizations to come together and grow their networks, learn from industry experts, and gain tools and insights to build their businesses!

“The last few years have been challenging for Canadian entrepreneurs,” says Kayla Isabelle, CEO of Startup Canada. “Startup Canada Tour is a great opportunity for early stage entrepreneurs and people interested in starting a business to come together and learn about the unique supports available to them both regionally and across Canada. We want to make Canada the best place to start a business, no matter your location or level of experience.”

Throughout the day, attendees of Startup Canada Tour – Whitehorse will have access to a series of keynotes, panels, and workshops featuring fellow entrepreneurs, private and public sector support organizations, and key industry leaders. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect 1:1 with mentors, support organizations, and fellow entrepreneurs in Ask the Expert Lounges.

“Yukon’s vibrant ecosystem of makers, entrepreneurs, creatives, and startups is strengthened by the level of collaboration that exists between this community and its partners,” says Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon. “Events such as Startup Canada’s Tour stop in Whitehorse create space for Yukoners to come together to learn, share, and grow. Our government, through CanNor, is committed to working alongside partners to support the continued growth of Yukon-driven innovation and entrepreneurship through this event and beyond.”

Startup Canada Tour – Whitehorse is presented in partnership with UPS, with national support from Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC), and regional support from the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor). Additional partners and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

“Small- and medium-sized businesses, innovators and startups represent the backbone of local economies,” states The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor. “They generate quality local jobs and are a source of pride for their communities. By working with industry partners such as Startup Canada, we will continue to support the sustainable growth of economic sectors with a focus on strengthened entrepreneurship and Northern innovation.”

Early bird passes for Startup Canada Tour are available now until March 24. Visit startupcanadatour.ca to learn more about Startup Canada Tour – Whitehorse and get a pass for a stop near you!

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Media Contact

Jocelyn Courneya, Startup Canada

jocelyn.courneya@startupcan.ca

Startup Canada is Canada’s entrepreneurship organization. Startup Canada promotes and supports the success and growth of Canada’s 2.3 million entrepreneurs, with a mandate to foster economic growth, competitiveness, and prosperity through entrepreneurship. Since launching, Startup Canada’s programming has directly supported more than 300,000 entrepreneurs and 50 grassroots Startup Community organizations. Working with over 750 ecosystem partners, including accelerators, incubators, research parks, educational institutions, economic development agencies, associations, and government programs, Startup Canada serves entrepreneurs from all backgrounds, industries, and stages of development, with a network reflective of Canada’s diverse population. Learn more at startupcan.ca.

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Startup Canada’s annual flagship programs are back and here to provide Canadian entrepreneurs with the tools, community, and support they need to build their businesses. This year, we’re offering free year-long programming and resources through our Startup Women, Startup Global, and Startup Gov programs and the Business Owner’s Toolbox. Through each program, early stage entrepreneurs will have access to 1:1 mentorship, networking, workshops with leading industry experts, tools, resources, and more!

“2023 marks Startup Canada’s tenth anniversary! We’ve spent the last decade connecting with entrepreneurs across the country on their challenges and the support they need to build a successful business in Canada. The needs of these entrepreneurs inform our program offerings and help us continue to support over 130,000 entrepreneurs annually,” said Kayla Isabelle, CEO of Startup Canada. “The last few years have brought a tough economic climate for Canadian entrepreneurs. With these programs, we’re on our mission to support founders every step of the way and make Canada the best place to start a business.”

A Look at Our 2023 ProgramsEach of our programs has unique offerings to help Canadian entrepreneurs face their most significant challenges and grow their businesses. Check out what you can expect from each of our programs this year!

Startup Women Dedicated to showing up for women all year round, Startup Women is an annual program offering support to early stage women-identifying entrepreneurs across Canada! Entrepreneurs engaging in the program can expect:

• 1:1 meetings with Startup Women leaders
• Industry-specific networking opportunities and resources
• Interactive workshops and webinars covering topics from funding to HR, branding, and more!

“UPS is proud to commit our resources and industry know-how to empower women through programs like the UPS Women Exporters Program and Startup Women,” stated Paul Gaspar, Small Business Director for UPS. “We’re also looking forward to the Startup Global program and events across Canada to help connect our great entrepreneurs and their products to the world.”

The Startup Women Advocacy Network (SWAN) is also back for a second year! SWAN will bring together a curated group of 13 early stage, woman-identifying entrepreneurs from each province and territory who advocate for women’s entrepreneurship across Canada. The 2023 SWAN cohort will be announced in March, showcasing a cohort of entrepreneurs ready to help advocate for women-identifying entrepreneurs from coast to coast to coast!

Learn more about Startup Women.

Startup Global Are you an entrepreneur ready to expand your business to new international markets?

Startup Global connects a pan-Canadian cohort of entrepreneurs wanting to build global businesses with a network of international ecosystem partners dedicated to their success. The program recognizes the importance that exporting plays on the Canadian economy, celebrates those making waves in the global marketplace, and empowers early stage founders to take their businesses to the international stage. Entrepreneurs who register for Startup Global will:

• Have access to export readiness resources in the Startup Global portal
• Be able to register for our Startup Global Pitch Competition with cash prizes
• Access webinars, 1:1 expert support, and more!

“Throughout EDC’s longstanding collaboration with Startup Canada and our partners across the trade ecosystem, we have been delighted to see the ongoing benefits their work has on Canadian entrepreneurs,” said Armin Nourozi, Regional Vice-President, Partnerships at EDC. “We know firsthand that knowledge, expertise and global connections are key enablers to helping Canadian businesses take their first steps towards going global, and this year’s Startup Global program will help us reach more entrepreneurs and get them export ready.”

Is your business export ready? Register today Startup Global.

Startup Gov Startup Gov gives every entrepreneur a voice to government to create the conditions necessary for entrepreneurial success in Canada! This year, Startup Gov will provide unique opportunities for entrepreneurs and the private and public sectors to come together and co-create solutions and pathways for entrepreneurial success all year long. Throughout the year, entrepreneurs involved in Startup Gov will have access to:

• A government relations toolkit curated for entrepreneurs
• Insights from advocacy roundtable discussions with government representatives
• Webinars connecting entrepreneurs with bureaucrats and select private sector partners

Check out our Startup Gov resources and upcoming events.

Business Owner’s Toolbox Do you have the tools you need to build your business?

The Business Owner’s Toolbox is an online hub that provides early stage entrepreneurs with the foundational knowledge, access points, and resources you need to start and scale your business! By signing up, you’ll have access to free, easy-to-understand modules covering topics from pre-launch to insurance, marketing, and more!

Get started for free and see what’s inside the Business Owner’s Toolbox.

More to come!Ready to get access to free resources and tools to help grow your business? Get started today by signing up for one of our exciting programs. Plus! Be the first to know about our upcoming cross-country Startup Canada Tour, #StartupChats, and more by signing up for Startup Canada’s mailing list.

The post Get Ready for Another Year of Free Support for Canadian Entrepreneurs! first appeared on Startup Canada.

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Les programmes phares de Startup Canada sont de retour pour fournir à la communauté entrepreneuriale canadienne les outils, le milieu et le soutien nécessaires pour développer des entreprises. Des activités et des ressources gratuites seront offertes à longueur d’année dans le cadre des programmes Startup Women, Startup Global et Startup Gov, et par l’entremise de la trousse d’outils pour les propriétaires d’une entreprise. Chaque programme offre aux entrepreneuses et entrepreneurs en démarrage un soutien de mentorat personnalisé, des occasions de réseautage, un accès à des ateliers qui accueillent des chefs de file de diverses industries et à des ressources, et plus encore!

« Startup Canada célèbre son dixième anniversaire en 2023! Notre équipe a passé la dernière décennie à établir des liens avec des entrepreneuses et entrepreneurs partout au pays pour aborder leurs défis et leur offrir du soutien pour fonder une entreprise florissante au Canada. Les programmes offerts sont formulés selon les besoins des communautés entrepreneuriales afin d’apporter un soutien à plus de 130 000 entrepreneuses et entrepreneurs chaque année,» déclare Kayla Isabelle, PDG de Startup Canada. «Par l’entremise de ces programmes, nous exerçons notre mission d’apporter un soutien aux propriétaires d’entreprises à chaque étape de leur parcours et de faire du Canada un milieu propice à lancer une entreprise. »

Aperçu des programmes offerts en 2023Chaque programme offre des possibilités uniques pour aider les entrepreneuses et entrepreneurs canadiens à affronter leurs plus grands défis et pour stimuler une croissance de leur entreprise. Découvrez ce qui est prévu pour chaque programme cette année!

Startup Women Startup Women est un programme annuel dédié aux femmes à longueur d’année qui offre un soutien aux entrepreneuses en démarrage partout au Canada! Les participantes du programme auront accès à :

• Des rencontres individuelles avec des leaders du programme Startup Women.
• Du réseautage et des ressources propres à chaque industrie.
• Des ateliers et webinaires interactifs sur des sujets tels que le financement, les ressources humaines, la marque, et plus encore!

« UPS est fière de mobiliser ses ressources et ses connaissances des industries pour autonomiser les femmes par l’entremise de programmes comme le Programme des femmes exportatrices et Startup Women », déclare Paul Gaspar, directeur principal du segment des petites entreprises chez UPS Canada. « Notre équipe attend avec impatience le programme Startup Global et les activités partout au Canada qui présenteront d’incroyables entrepreneuses et entrepreneurs et leurs produits au monde entier. »

Le Startup Women Advocacy Network (SWAN) est de retour pour une deuxième année! Dirigé par treize entrepreneuses en démarrage provenant de chaque province et territoire, le SWAN est un groupe qui assure la promotion des intérêts des entrepreneuses partout au Canada. La cohorte 2023 du SWAN sera annoncée en mars et mettra en valeur des entrepreneuses qui visent à faire la promotion des intérêts des communautés d’entrepreneuses dans l’ensemble du pays!

Renseignez-vous sur Startup Women.

Startup Global Souhaitez-vous introduire votre entreprise aux marchés internationaux?

Startup Global met en relation les cohortes d’entrepreneuses et d’entrepreneurs de partout au pays qui veulent bâtir des entreprises de calibre mondial et le réseau de partenaires de l’écosystème international dévoués à leur réussite. Le programme souligne l’importance de l’exportation pour l’économie canadienne, encourage celles et ceux qui se distinguent sur le marché mondial, et donne la possibilité aux propriétaires d’une entreprise en démarrage de prendre place sur la scène internationale. Les entrepreneuses et entrepreneurs qui s’inscrivent à Startup Global pourront :

• Consulter des ressources pour la préparation à l’exportation dans le portail de Startup Global.
• S’inscrire au concours de pitch de Startup Global et remporter des prix en espèces.
• Accéder aux webinaires, à un soutien personnalisé avec des spécialistes, et plus encore!

« Tout au long de la collaboration de longue date d’EDC avec StartUp Canada et nos partenaires de l’écosystème commercial, nous avons été ravis de constater les retombées constantes de leur travail sur les entrepreneurs canadiens », a déclaré Armin Nourozi, vice-président régional, Partenariats, à EDC. « Nous sommes bien placés pour savoir que les connaissances, l’expertise et les relations internationales sont des outils essentiels aux entreprises canadiennes qui font leurs premiers pas sur le marché mondial, et le programme StartUp Global de cette année nous aidera à atteindre plus d’entrepreneurs et à les préparer à l’exportation. »

Votre entreprise est prête à exporter? Inscrivez-vous à Startup Global dès maintenant.

Startup Gov Startup Gov permet aux entrepreneuses et aux entrepreneurs de s’exprimer auprès du gouvernement et crée un milieu propice à la réussite entrepreneuriale au Canada! Cette année, Startup Gov offre des occasions uniques aux entrepreneuses, aux entrepreneurs et aux secteurs privé et public de collaborer pour trouver des solutions et des moyens d’assurer la réussite entrepreneuriale à longueur d’année. Tout au long de l’année, les entrepreneuses et entrepreneurs qui participent au Startup Gov auront accès à :

• Une trousse d’outils de relations gouvernementales conçue pour l’entrepreneuriat.
• Des renseignements obtenus de discussions en table ronde tenues avec des membres du gouvernement en matière de la promotion des intérêts.
• Des webinaires pour mettre des entrepreneuses et entrepreneurs en relation avec des fonctionnaires et une sélection de partenaires du secteur privé.

Consultez les ressources et les activités à venir dans le cadre du Startup Gov.

Trousse d’outils pour les propriétaires d’une entreprise Avez-vous les outils nécessaires pour bâtir votre entreprise?

La trousse d’outils pour les propriétaires d’une entreprise est une plateforme en ligne qui offre des connaissances fondamentales, des points d’accès et des ressources indispensables pour les entrepreneuses et entrepreneurs en démarrage qui visent à lancer et à stimuler une croissance de leur entreprise! Inscrivez-vous gratuitement pour avoir accès à des modules faciles à comprendre qui abordent divers sujets, dont le prélancement, les assurances, la commercialisation, et plus encore!

Découvrez le contenu de la trousse d’outils pour les propriétaires d’une entreprise.

Plus à venir!Souhaitez-vous tirer profit des ressources et outils gratuits pour stimuler une croissance de votre entreprise? Inscrivez-vous à un de nos formidables programmes dès maintenant pour faire le premier pas! Abonnez-vous à la liste d’envoi de Startup Canada pour être parmi les premières personnes à obtenir des renseignements sur la prochaine Tournée pancanadienne de Startup Canada, sur les #StartupChats, et plus encore!

The post Avis aux entrepreneuses et entrepreneurs du Canada : une autre année de soutien gratuit commence! first appeared on Startup Canada.

The post Avis aux entrepreneuses et entrepreneurs du Canada : une autre année de soutien gratuit commence! appeared first on Startup Canada.

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Financial Literacy Month in partnership with Scotiabank – Taking the Fear Out of Finance

*The following content should not be considered financial advice. Before acting upon the following information, we recommend you seek the guidance of a qualified financial or business advisor who can take your unique needs into account.

Financial management and funding are consistently the number one pain points for Canadian entrepreneurs. Powered by Scotiabank, in recognition of Financial Literacy Month, Startup Canada is shedding some light on this complex, multifaceted hurdle countless founders face across the country. Through the curation of specialized financial resources for small businesses and speaking to leading early-stage entrepreneurs across the country about their financial journeys, we can take the fear out of finance together!

In a 2018 study, it was found that less than 20% of Canadians believe they have strong financial literacy – with over 40% rating their financial literacy as poor. Financial literacy is something that impacts all Canadians, including entrepreneurs.

This four part series will take a deep dive into four key topics of financial management and planning for startups:

1. Feasibility and Foundations.
2. Financing That Works for You.
3. Performance Monitoring and Optimization for Profit.
4. Retirement and Succession Planning.

Financing That Works for You

Finding funding is the most common and pervasive issue for Canadian entrepreneurs, with 69% of respondents of Startup Canada’s most recent census noting that funding is their number one area of needed support.

For startups, there are three main categories of funding:

| FINANCING TYPE | BENEFITS | DRAWBACKS | | --- | --- | --- | | Self-Funded(Bootstrapping) | Greater Focus: Owners won’t have to worry about fundraising or impressing investors, leaving more time to focus on the business. Easier Pivoting: Without investor, stakeholder and director input the owner can pivot and iterate quickly. Total Control: Bootstrapping in the beginning means total control over your business decisions and retaining full equity. If you choose to explore other forms of financing down the road, it will likely be for less equity and for better rates as you will be more established and have a proven, viable market. | Time: Without external help, scaling can be much slower when bootstrapping.Lack of Support: Investors often play a larger role than supplying money - without the support, you may be on your own to track down strategic connections, team talent, and potential buyers.Personal Risk: While success in bootstrapping means all profits and benefits go to the owner, the same is true if the venture fails - there can be a lot to lose. | | Equity(VC Firms, Angel Investors, etc.) | Credit Problems: Credit is often not a hurdle with equity financing like it is with debt financing. Even if a lender approves you with non-ideal credit, the interest rate or repayment structure may be unwise. Cash Flow: Equity financing does not take money out of the business, but rather retains a portion of your profits and a percentage of ownership. Planning: Equity investors do not expect an immediate return on investment or require immediate repayment, but rather a medium to long-term view. Less Risk: Due to not requiring immediate repayment, equity can be less risky for early stage ventures who are in pre-revenue. (In certain circumstances). | Cost: Equity investors expect a return on their investment and will take an agreed upon amount of profits. These profits may be more than the interest rates on a debt financing loan. Loss of Control: The owner must forfeit a percentage of equity in their business to the equity investor, meaning they will lose total control over business decisions. Potential for Conflict: Equity partners may disagree on the direction of the venture and business decisions made. The owner must be prepared to handle these differences in opinion. | | Debt(Term Loans, Lines of Credit, Credit Cards, Family and Friend Loans, etc.) | Control: This relationship is temporary and ends when the loan is repaid. The lender does not get a say in business decisions. Taxes: Where dividend repayments are not tax deductible, loan interest is. Predictability: Loans can be long, medium or short term. Interest and principal repayments can be predicted early. | Qualification: Many lending institutions require good credit as a prerequisite.Cash Flow: Too much debt can lead to problems repaying said loan if cash flow decreases. Debt is also a deterrent for complimentary equity financing. Fixed Payments: Principal and interest repayments are scheduled on a fixed date. If venture cash flow is unpredictable you may have trouble keeping up with these payments. Collateral: Lenders will typically demand company assets be held as collateral, in addition to the owner guaranteeing the loan personally. |

For this segment, Startup Canada was pleased to sit down with Bernice Kootoo Clarke, founder of Uasau Soap and the Startup Women Advocacy Network (SWAN) representative for Nunavut, to learn more about her financing journey – how she strategized for success in the early days, her purposeful venture structure, and her advice for other early-stage founders just starting out with financing.

SC: Tell us about you and your business! Who are you, and what does your business do?

BC: My name is Bernice Kootoo Clarke. I am an Inuk from south Baffin Island. My business – Uasau Soap – is a body care line where we incorporate the traditional healing of Inuit in a new and modern way.

SC: Speak to your experience with finances and funding in your business – was it something that scared you? What were your biggest worries or anxieties associated with money?

BC: Yes, definitely. When you’re entering the new world of business, it’s very intimidating. First, we are intimated and second guess ourselves – “Can I even do this? Am I able to?”. Those are the first questions that you start to ask yourself, then you become brave enough to start asking questions and reaching out to organizations, to businesses, to anybody that you feel can be your mentor. I approached other businesses with questions like “How did you do it? What did that feel like for you?”. Really, I was trying to take away the intimidating part of talking about my business to another business person, because even that was intimidating.

Find your passion and purpose and use it to drive you. Find what you want to do – your business – and find support. Is there someone that you can speak with that has started a similar business? It can be different, but you can take their model and make it your own. Go for it – ask questions and reach out to people. I really can’t stress this enough – be brave and seek out the people that you feel can give you the answers that you need.

I’ll add that dealing with any group that provides grants and funding is intimidating. However the paperwork and the processes that go with seeking funding and support from organizations is your first step in your journey of growth, so be brave and ask for help. No question is a stupid question. Be okay and confident in every question that you ask. My mentor really helped me open the gates for me to be able to accept help and to see money as not scary. In my culture and to me as an Inuk, money wasn’t flowing in my life previously. I had to heal a lot of parts of myself where I was afraid to touch money. I don’t want to say that I thought money was “dirty,” but money has an evil part to it that I didn’t want my business to be. I had to heal the money aspect – it’s not bad, it’s good and my business needs it. My mentor with EntrepreNorth, his name is Dave, was really helpful in this journey because he knew my “why” – wanting to help and inspire my fellow Inuit while also wanting to be economically wealthy and be okay with it. He said to me “how will you help your people if you cannot accept money?” … When he said that to me, my heart flew and I had goosebumps. I knew he was right and I saw it. So I told him and myself, “I am okay with taking money, I am okay with touching money because I will clean it – I’ll clean it through my heart and my spirit and make it beautiful.” So I began to see money in a new way – it’s a path to help my fellow Inuit, to help us grow and to do the things we need to do.

SC: You have scaled quickly – specifically in terms of your internal processes. How do you ensure you have enough capital to float your inventory, and keep up with distributors, suppliers and shipping? Walk us through your system!

BC: We are isolated here, so our struggles are not the same as someone that isn’t on an island such as myself. The only way to get to us is by plane and by ship, which requires more thought and planning for the upcoming sealift season – when the ship comes in and there’s a timeframe, you have to work with the tides. It comes with a lot of high costs and logistics. We do have a bookkeeper who helps to keep us organized and ready for tax season. We also have QuickBooks which helps us track our sales. QuickBooks helps us organize our invoicing, keeps our retailers accountable and tracks what is owed. We also use it for inventory – it helps with forecasting and shows us how much product we went through and prepares us product-wise for the upcoming year.

| If cash flow is a pain point for your business, check out the following from Scotiabank:Featured Resource: Cash Flow is King. The survival of any business depends on cash. Even if your business makes a healthy profit at the end of the year, you still need to manage the inflow and outflow of cash to survive on a day-to-day basis.Featured Resource: 6 Steps to Better Cash Flow. Improving your cash flow is critical to your overall success.Featured Resource: The Power of Cash Flow Forecasts. Get to know this essential tool to manage your cash flow. |

SC: What does your financing structure look like today – self-funded, VC, bank loans, grants, a combination? Why did you choose said structure?

BC: We’ve received a forgivable loan and a grant. We have structured our business to take care of itself which gives us time to find the free money such as the grant with the lowest interest rates possible. We decided not to go with investors because we don’t want to lose any control over our business, our baby. We took our time growing our baby very purposefully. This is our 10th year and she’s ready for a new apartment and she’s ready for University. She’s ready for growth.

| Eager to learn more about grants and subsidies? Explore the following from Scotiabank:Featured Resource: Grants & Subsidies to Grow Your Business. Canada is a nation that supports its small businesses, offering numerous government programs, incentives, subsidies, and grants worth billions of dollars. |

SC: What were your biggest hurdles in terms of financing in your business’ early days versus today?

BC: I was very careful with the money that came in. Every dollar that came to Uasau was put away and never touched. I used my own money to build the business – I set up two other forms of income to go towards and fund Uasau. I’m never sure if I should talk about these things, but this is the reality of how many businesses grow. I had a full time job and actually sold Mary Kay and every dollar I could afford to pass over went to Uasau. Every dollar from craft markets and other things. I kept doing that over and over – it was a really slow process but a very purposeful one with no help other than my two jobs. I really wanted Uasau to have a chance so it was a lot of recycling the money over and over until the business grew.

Once I had enough money in Uasau and had gathered customers, I went to the funding organizations and could prove the market demand for our product was there – I showed them our customers and my ability to save and grow our funds. So I said, “I would like to apply for a $15,000 grant that will give me some inventory”. When I got that $15,000… wow. Just watching the product come in from off the ship… to this day that’s the moment I knew the dream was happening. I had inventory! I didn’t have to take from my Vacation Travel Assistance anymore – when you live in the Arctic in an isolated area some organizations will help you with your air travel expenses because it is so expensive – and I used to use that to grow Uasau. For a while I actually had a third job with the airline so my Vacation Travel Assistance wasn’t eaten up but I could still travel, network, and make connections for Uasau.

So it really was a lot of a little bit here, a little bit there to get to where we are today. I knew I loved makeup and travel, so I made money for my business with the things that brought me joy. I was juggling, but the passion and the drive was there.

| Curious about protecting your business in the early days? Scotiabank can help: Featured Resource: Can Your New Business Pay You a Salary? 3 ways to measure the impact of your salary on your new business.Featured Resource: Get Through Lean Times by Creating a Cash Cushion. Some call it emergency funds, while others call it savings. Whatever the label, setting aside enough money to fund your business and personal expenses for a few months is a good idea to help survive some rainy economic days. |

SC: At the heart of your business is the idea of traditional Inuit knowledge sharing and empowering your community – how have you bridged rigid western colonial business structures with the culturally relevant values and mission of Uasau?

BC: I had to be the washing machine. I had to clean the money and the idea of the money. This is old me talking here, but the idea that money was “dirty” – money can bring with it a negative aspect. I found myself through my business. I had to be very true to myself and remember who I am and where I came from – that I am my grandparents granddaughter. I am Eekeeluak and Kanayuk Kootoo’s granddaughter. That’s my start and that’s who I am. It’s so important to remember why you do what you do. That has always been my “why” – to help Inuit, tell our story and keep it authentic. Keeping it authentic is a way of staying true to yourself.

Really really get to know yourself. Become comfortable with your own self in your own skin and then root yourself in the ground so nobody can sway you. That is how I have been able to bridge the traditional aspect and money aspect in my business – they have woven together for one purpose. It’s about weaving them together, not keeping them separate. That’s been my trick. Staying connected to Inuit and our stories.

As Inuit we are very humble, so I had to learn how to talk, put myself out there and tell our stories – even to you. Knowing these stories are so old and that they were given to me and I am now sharing them with the world, I am always so careful and I always always reference who I learned them from – I say their name – or I mention that these stories have been a part of our histories for thousands of years. So all that to say, be true to yourself, remember your why, and the rest will flow.

SC: What advice do you have for early-stage founders in terms of financing? Where should they start?

BC: Start in your backyard. Talk to businesses around you. Most businesses want to help you and share their experience. You need to put yourself out there – attend functions, ask questions, network, share your ideas, and put it out there to the world. Share your “why” and share your enthusiasm. People will grab on to that – people love stories. They want to be a part of the story.

Get yourself on LinkedIn, go on Google, YouTube. That’s what I do. I use those platforms. If I don’t understand a platform right away I decide “I’m going to become an expert on this in the way I want to and the way I can best absorb this information.”Recently I have been using LinkedIn like a playground – get connected, listen to other people’s stories, and be part of the community that is out there. Just be very curious and listen – do a lot of listening before you speak.

SC: That’s great advice and so true. So many people think you need to be an expert on all things entrepreneurship before they get involved and speak when in reality you only need to be an expert in your own business sometimes.

BC: An expert in yourself.

SC: Agreed. Bernice, if you could talk to your younger self about the anxieties surrounding money and financial management you discussed above, what would you tell her?

BC: Trust in the unknown. Let the fear drive you. It’s okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them. Us Inuit, we encourage you to make a mistake. We encourage it as long as you learn from it. So I really want to emphasize that you have to trust in the unknown and trust in yourself. You first. There’s really nothing else I can say that is as deep as this: you are the answers. Because Mufasa was right, the answers are inside.

SC: Why is financial literacy crucial for founders to get a good grasp on early? How does it give you a competitive advantage?

BC: You really need to get comfortable with the money aspect. If you can learn where your money needs to go early on, you can forecast problems and be able to work through them, understand how the economy moves, and how people are spending. Do the research for your specific business. Be ahead of the game.

For example, I started using body butter and I thought “other people must have dry skin if I have dry skin – I’m going to provide this as it’s filling a need.” I love sharing and I saw the good that was coming from the body butter because we are in a cold desert – it’s so dry, everything cracks in the Arctic. So I started doing some research. First, go see how a store does it because they are doing well in order to have a bricks and mortar business. Okay why are they doing well? I started putting things together and gathering this information – people love shopping, they make it look nice with their displays, and they make people feel good about spending money. I quickly began researching and exploring the idea of how to make people feel good about giving me their money. There was definitely a learning curve.

I then started exploring and trying new things. I knew I loved attending craft markets so I decided one day to switch my mindset to become a seller. I went to the market, watched others and took notes pretending to be them. “I see her talking… okay so it’s about conversations and connection… okay I am going to learn to connect with people over the products I am trying to sell.” So I got to really know my product – I tried it, I made it, I added an ingredient, I took one away.

If you love your business and what you make, it’s like playing – have fun. Have so much fun you get lost in it. When I sell I play music, connect, and live in my joy. I just love it. When you love something it feeds you, you feed it, and together you feed other people. I really got lost in my business in the early days, including the money aspect – how to make money, how to take money, how customers want to be treated. For me it really comes back to learning, playing, having fun, making mistakes and then learning from them. Just spice it up… or not. Just see what happens.

| Need to plan wisely while saving time and money? Explore the following from Scotiabank: Featured Resource: Where Startups Spend Their Money. Be prepared for the expense and know exactly what everything will cost.Featured Tool: Better Business Banking Tool. Save time, money and prepare your business for growth! |

SC: What’s the most actionable piece of advice entrepreneurs can take from this conversation and implement in their businesses immediately?

BC: First, understand your business. Get really cozy with your “why” and those that can help you get there. Get close to your bookkeeper. If you need a lawyer, become best friends with them. Find the people that will help you do the things you need to do and show them you care about them. We’re really good friends with our bookkeeper. We treat her really well because she treats us well. We gift her, we love her, we talk to her. And it gives back – it’s like a flow, right? You have to be connected to the people who will help you. Find the people that want to help you. My friend and mentor with EntrepreNorth said “find the people that will help you and become best friends. Why? Because they have your best interest at heart and when they have your best interest in mind, they will spend the time and go above and beyond. It’s protecting yourself.” Find your people and get really close with them.

Second, show your passion. Your passion is your driver, the rest follows. Do it your way. At times you’re going to feel like “oh, that was too much – I don’t want to do that again. I don’t like that feeling.” Listen to that. Listen to that voice and your gut will tell you, your heart will tell you, your mind will tell you – be connected to yourself. Those answers? They’re going to help you to stay true to what you want to do.

Finally, accept free advertisement. Accept requests for interviews, podcasts, local channels – just get yourself out there! Put yourself out there, put your neck out and trust in the unknown. Know that you’re going to be okay and that you’re surrounded by people that want to see you thrive – not just survive – we want to see you thrive. Because when you thrive, we thrive. So pass that on, pass the light, pass the torch.

| Need to get familiar with your financial service provider? Explore Scotiabank’s tool:Featured Tool: Small Business Solutions Builder. Use this interactive selector to help you find the right combination of banking solutions for your business. |

SC: Thank you so much for your time today, Bernice!

Get Advice from a Scotiabank Small Business Advisor: Book Appointment.

The post Taking the Fear out of Finance: Financing That Works for You first appeared on Startup Canada.

The post Taking the Fear out of Finance: Financing That Works for You appeared first on Startup Canada.

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Financial Literacy Month in partnership with Scotiabank – Taking the Fear Out of Finance

*The following content should not be considered financial advice. Before acting upon the following information, we recommend you seek the guidance of a qualified financial or business advisor who can take your unique needs into account.

Financial management and funding are consistently the number one pain point for Canadian entrepreneurs. Powered by Scotiabank, in recognition of Financial Literacy Month, Startup Canada is shedding some light on this complex, multifaceted hurdle countless founders face across the country. Through the curation of specialised financial resources for small businesses and speaking to leading early-stage entrepreneurs across the country about their financial journeys, we can take the fear out of finance together.

In a 2018 study, it was found that less than 20% of Canadians believe they have strong financial literacy – with over 40% rating theirs as poor. Financial literacy is something that impacts all Canadians, including entrepreneurs.

This four part series will take a deep dive into four key topics of financial management and planning for startups:

1. Feasibility & Foundations.
2. Financing That Works for You.
3. Performance Monitoring & Optimization for Profit.
4. Retirement & Succession Planning.

Business Planning, Feasibility & Foundations

When you’re an entrepreneur, even getting the foundations in place for your new venture can bring a mountain of hurdles and headaches. Feasibility and business planning are common pain points for Canadian founders, with 58.6% of respondents of Startup Canada’s most recent census noting that business planning is a top area of support they need in order to grow. What’s more, 41.7% of respondents indicated they currently have negligible revenue and are still refining their concept.

For startups there are a number of key foundational elements to consider and implement, even before launch. The following is helpful for getting you started, curated from Startup Canada’s Business Owner’s Toolbox:

| ELEMENT | WHAT’S INCLUDED | WHY IT’S VITAL | | --- | --- | --- | | Ideation andBusiness Planning | Business Model Canvas: Composed of nine building blocks that show the logic of how a company intends to deliver value and make money. The nine blocks cover the three main areas of a business: desirability, viability, and feasibility. This model is similar to a blueprint for implementing organisational structures, processes, and systems.Ideation Process: Analysis of market demand (why consumers will do business with you and not your competitors. It’s also important for you to understand if there’s a real need for your product or service) and skills/competencies (do you have the skills to implement your idea and transform it into a successful business?). Techniques for ideation include: brainstorming, prototyping, and the 6-3-5 method. | Business Model Canvas: As opposed to the traditional, intricate business plan — helps organisations conduct structured, tangible, and strategic conversations around new businesses or existing ones. This is a time-saving, helpful tool before you’re ready to complete your full business plan.Ideation Process: A creative process and a crucial step in your design thinking process, where you as an entrepreneur can put yourself in your customers’ shoes and understand their needs, desires and problems. | | Market Research | SWOT Analysis: SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. In doing effective strategic planning, your company should focus on: building on strengths, converting weaknesses, maximising response to opportunities, and overcoming threats.Competitor Analysis: Identify your competitors, analyse their strengths and weaknesses (price point, customer service, size, etc.), and strategically identify your competitive advantage. Primary Research: Can take the form of internal analysis, like outlined above, or it can include primary surveys of potential or existing customers through: surveys, focus groups or observations. Secondary Research: Involves making use of existing information. In this age where data feeds every decision, it will be easy to find existing data on the industry, customer base, and product line that your business is focusing on. | SWOT Analysis: A form of primary research, a successful SWOT Analysis will give your organisation and team clarity and direction when you’re in the early stages for strategic planning. This process can be repeated at every stage of your business, when launching a new service/product, or when there are shifts in a given market. Competitor Analysis: A successful competitor analysis will help you in identifying and defining your competitive strengths – attributes that make your business stand out from the competition. Primary Research: Helps you and your organisation to understand your USP (unique selling point) and gather pointed, applicable feedback on your business specifically from potential customers, stakeholders, and other key ecosystem players. Secondary Research: Increases your market and industry awareness on a large scale - industry data is typically taken from much more substantial survey pools conducted by professional research institutions. While you may have to pay for some of these studies, it can pay off. | | Testing, Validation, and Feasibility | Testing: Now that you’ve determined the demand for your product in the market, it’s time for you to gather your feedback with the tangible product or service in the market. You can either ask your internal team to assess your offering, or create a campaign to gather external feedback also known as beta testing. Consolidation of Feedback:After you’ve gone through market research and product testing, you need to make sense of the feedback you’ve received. Try to find common trends whether positive or negative. If responses show that people are facing the problem you’re trying to solve, they could use your product/service without any major issues, and are ready to pay the price you’re asking for, then you’ve successfully mastered your Market Validation study! | Testing: Surveys surrounding a hypothetical product/service are great, but feedback on your go-to-market offering is vital - you may catch areas for improvement, bugs, strength and unexpected advantages, or issues with government regulations. Consolidation: Data without analysis is just data. Data with analysis is information that may give you a competitive advantage and help propel your business’ growth trajectory. Take the time here - it’s worth it. |

For this segment, Startup Canada was pleased to sit down with Lourdes Still, founder of Masagana Flower Farm and Startup Women Advocacy Network (SWAN) representative for Manitoba, to learn more about her business planning journey – how she pivoted to feasibility in the early days, her process for projecting income and managing expenses, and her advice for other early-stage founders just starting out with the foundations.

SC: Tell us about you and your business! Who are you, and what does your business do?

LS: My name is Lourdes Still and I am a flower farmer, natural dyer and an experience guide at Masagana Flower Farm. It is a seasonal flower farm, a dye studio and a new experiential tourism destination located in Southeast Manitoba. I grow flowers that I can use not just for floral arrangements, but especially for dyeing my handmade naturally dyed textile goods such as silk scarves and pillowcases. Recently, I pivoted to experiential tourism I call the “Tinta-A Dye Your Own Wearable Art Experience” – TINTA Experience for short. It is a four hour engagement at the farm where my guests learn about growing flowers, picking blooms themselves while touring the garden, and then use these materials to dye their own silk scarves. They also learn about surface design and dye their own cotton shawl with indigo. All of these experiences are with my guidance and at the end of our creative time together, we’ll wind down and get nourished with a salu-salo spread at my table. Salu-salo is a festive, Filipino tradition of celebrating by gathering and eating together. I hope my guests leave the farm feeling refreshed and inspired. In this women-led, Filipina owned small business, I believe that no matter who and where we are, creating magic and growing joy is right at their fingertips. Part of my work is the advocacy for an eco-conscious lifestyle and inspiring others to turn their lawns into garden beds.

I hope that our garden provides respite from fast-paced city living. We are located about an hour’s drive away from the centre of Manitoba and 20 minutes from the closest town – Steinbach, Manitoba. It is in Treaty One territory on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene peoples and the homeland of the Metis Nation.

SC: Speak to your experience with finances and funding in your business – was it something that scared you? What were your biggest worries or anxieties associated with money?

LS: Yes, it is something that intimidated me, worried me and even caused me anxiety. Even before I started writing my business plan in 2020 one of my main worries was if I would be able to get my credit score up at all. Because if I didn’t get my credit rating up, I wouldn’t be able to get the funding to start up my business. Long story short, I got my credit score up and ended up getting the funding I needed but then my fears shifted to “Will I make enough business to pay it off?”. Worries always find their way into my head! It also felt like a very grownup decision. Those were my biggest fears and where the intimidation was coming from.

SC: In 2018 you took a course to equip yourself with the knowledge to run a flower business, but quickly realised it wasn’t feasible with just Manitoba grown flowers. Beyond a gut feeling, walk us through how you realised this before you were in too deep and it was too late.

LS: 2018 is when I decided to register Masagana Flower Farm as a business. At that time I was working as a flower buyer for a wholesaler company and we were importing flowers from around the world – I was mostly involved with the supply chain aspect, buying from Colombia, Ecuador, all over South America and bringing them to Canada. At the same time in my life, I was really into the Slow Food Movement. So one day it dawned on me while I was buying flowers internationally – the entire premise of the Slow Food Movement is connecting people who grow their own food – is there possibly a Slow Flower Movement? Funny enough, there was. So after that it was no longer about the pretty flowers I could make and grow, but rather it became about the search for flowers with a lower carbon footprint, grown with the landscape and workers in mind, and a clientele that serves and shares my values. This is when I flipped the script and became purposeful in my craft, firm in my convictions to work with local resources, and believed clients and business would follow. I really wanted to live in the intersections of my passion, my purpose and my values while also honing in on something I was really good at.

I wrote my business plan throughout the 2021 year in the midst of the pandemic, and by this time I knew that I wanted to explore how this flower farm could be a viable year-round business in Manitoba’s short growing season. Two years previous to this I learned about eco-printing at a fibre farm not very far from my own farm. At this fibre farm they raise their own sheep, shear them, make yarn from the fleece that they gather, and then colour the yarn from flowers they grow. This was a lightbulb moment for me – hey, maybe I can still operate a seasonal flower farm in Manitoba but I need to diversify my offerings to include natural dyeing. So I continued to grow flowers and in 2020 I started to play around with the colours from the flowers we were growing, and in summer of 2021 we began offering the experiential tourism experience to guests. This experience is a natural marriage between two of my passions – growing flowers and inspiring others with different, unique uses for the flowers they can grow in their own green spaces.

Also in 2021, I happened to hear about a pilot program for creating new experiential tourism in my region. It was spearheaded by my rural tourism organisation called Eastman Tourism. Through this program, they really helped me solidify how I could pivot to an agri-tourism business model. This became an integral part of my business plan – it helped me to confidently pivot into something that has not been done before in Manitoba or, I dare say, in Canada.

| Eager to learn more about feasibility & business planning? Explore from Scotiabank:Featured Resource: Is Your New Business Feasible? Before you launch, step back to make sure the elements to succeed are in place.Featured Tool: Business Plan Writer. The most important user of your business plan is you. Use this interactive planning tool to create your custom business plan. |

SC: How did this realisation change Masagana’s trajectory, specifically in terms of how you run the business from a financial planning and management perspective?

LS: What helped me write the business plan and project cash flow was an online workshop by Futurpreneur. That really helped me write a good business plan and then their cash flow template became my tool in planning my revenue generating activities. Then with Eastman Tourism, one of my favourite things about the pilot project is that they helped me calculate the true cost of the Tinta experience – it really informed me about the selling price of what is now my main income generating business activity. It helped me feel like numbers can be your friend, as opposed to something that would continue to intimidate me. It puts things in perspective – that finances are a part of my entrepreneurial journey and that it doesn’t have to be so scary. Utilising those tools and having access to mentorship helped me feel confident in pricing my products and services according to the value that I can deliver to my customers and guests.

| Want to learn more about financial planning and management? Explore from Scotiabank:Featured Resource: Set Your Business Up With This Checklist.This checklist will help you get set up properly and make sure everything is compliant with relevant government regulations before your new business gets started.Featured Resource: Understand These Tax Regulations Before You Start Your Business. Whether you intend to have an accountant handle your taxes or you plan to take care of them yourself, it’s a good idea to take some time to learn how taxation in Canada works for small businesses. |

SC: You subsequently pivoted to expand your services to include natural dyeing. How did you go about market research and calculating demand for this?

LS: I actually don’t have a textbook answer for this. It was a combination of inspiration and following a gut feeling. I have a love-hate relationship with social media, just like many other small business owners, but it was actually Instagram that helped me discover other natural dyers across the world. One winter it led me to this farm in Indonesia where they offer three day natural dyeing retreats. Guests stay at their farm, they feed their guests with food grown at the farm, and almost all the materials they use are sourced locally.. That really amazed me and helped me to imagine how I can offer something like that here in Manitoba – that was the second light bulb moment for me and the creation of Tinta Experience began.

Like I said, I don’t know of anyone using the exact same business model that I am with the flower farm, natural dyeing, and tourism aspects all combined. It ended up being a combination of that inspiration, just trying it out and feeling like people were hungry for something like this. I think what contributed to the success of the Tinta Experience was its timing. We were at the height of the pandemic two years ago and we couldn’t really go outside our provinces yet, let alone fly elsewhere, so Manitobans were really keen on checking out places and events within the province and a lot of them supported local business and new tourism offerings like mine.

| Interested in market research and validation? Explore the following from Scotiabank:Featured Resource: Easy and Effective Market Research. Good market research will help you better understand what customers want to buy, and what they’re willing to pay, putting you in a better position to be their preferred choice.Featured Resource: 5 Ways to Understand the Competition. The more you know about your competitors, the better you’ll get at running a successful business. |

SC: I know you said that you don’t have a “textbook” answer for this, but when working on a service offering that didn’t really exist in the exact format you envisioned the steps you took are market research – doing the work and going to the farms and seeing what worked and what didn’t, researching competitors and others you admired, and getting connected with an industry specific support organisation is a great way to set yourself up for success. It sounds like you did the legwork to build your foundations and then dove into the specifics of the business plan, cash flow forecasting and feasibility.

LS: Yes, exactly. I’ll also add that I’ve found a real difference in brand storytelling. A great business idea, financial projections and forecasting are very important of course, but so is how we present ourselves and our brands to customers. My website and the way I host the TINTA Experience is sprinkled with my personality – it really comes from what gives me joy. One of the reviews that I got this year said that they felt like they are family. How I host strangers is exactly how I would host family and friends, and I think that the lived experience of my guests with me at the farm makes a big difference.

SC: Agreed, there are so many different factors at play when it comes to your industry along the intersections of tourism and hospitality.

LS: Yes, and in any industry there is always a trial and error process – I think it’s important we normalise that. With the Tinta Experience I was fully prepared to have to tweak it, make adjustments, or fully remake the entire thing – but that was fine as long as I was prepared and protected while doing it. The first year I offered it was in summer 2021 and I had 81 guests in the six week period it was on, so that was vital information I included in my business plan.

SC: Great point – iteration is always important to plan for. What is your method for estimating/projecting costs and expenses, versus revenue? How do you protect your business?

LS: Regularly visiting that cash flow template – the forecast that we did for a given year and also looking at the new numbers for the current season to help us plan for the upcoming year. Checking on my costing formulas for the products I am putting out there – the silk scarfs or tourism experience as a whole – is also big. Another is weekly mentor calls. It’s so important to be honest about what is going on not only in terms of the business and the projections, but the feelings around it as well. For me it has been really important to process with someone else.

Going back to the costing and the numbers, I have created an Excel file for calculating my costs in order to achieve the profit margins that I want to – that helps me apply the markups that I need to. It has helped me build my confidence when putting new prices out on my website because, ultimately, those decisions were based on numbers. It’s a nice feeling to know I am charging the true value of my products and services.

| Interested in estimating expenses and protecting your venture? Explore from Scotiabank:Featured Resource: Start Up Costs for Business. Every business is unique and will have their own start-up costs.Featured Resource: Saving to Startup. Use this article to learn how to calculate your start-up budget and make a savings plan you can live with.Featured Resource: How To Protect Your Business Idea. Starting a business begins with a great idea, so it’s natural to worry about protecting it. Here are some suggestions to help protect your business idea. |

SC: One of the Startup Day 2022 keynote speakers said – as I’m sure you are aware because you were there – women entrepreneurs undervalue themselves regularly and advised them to double their monetary amounts when asking for funding. I’m sure it’s all too common in pricing as well, so it’s a great system to regularly revisit those pricing formulas and make updates.

LS: Yes, it’s crucial – especially now. It’s so important we keep an eye on the markets we are in, evaluate cost of materials, inflation rates and so on, and then make adjustments so our prices and profit margins reflect this.

SC: So is a reevaluation of your pricing something you do annually, quarterly, more frequently? How often do you look at those numbers?

LS: Good question. It entirely depends. Typically in forecasting I look at it annually but things can change fast and opportunities come along so adjustments are made whenever necessary. For example, if I have a market coming up I will take into account the demographic and spending habits of the customers at that particular market and then adjust pricing before tagging the products.

SC: What advice do you have for other founders when building, and iterating, a realistic business and operations plan?

LS: I think based on my own experience facing your fears is the only way through the uncertainties. We can be intimidated, worried and anxious but I think we can not move past those feelings if we’re not doing anything about it. It’s okay to have all sorts of feelings around money and the uncertainty of it, especially if your business model is new. But, at some point, you have to decide when you want to take the next steps. You know, failure is a part of entrepreneurship and sometimes failure is the only way to learn. Take a look at where your entrepreneurial skills are at, be honest with yourself, and then be laser focused on what you want to achieve.

It also really helped me to surround myself with mentors, like minded people, communities and networks that encourage me when things are tough and will be there to celebrate with me when things are good.

| Interested in accurately planning for success? Explore from Scotiabank:Featured Resource: 5 Ways to Get Your Business Off the Ground. Successful entrepreneurs understand that behind every great business idea is extensive research and sound planning. Here are some ways to start planning to get your business off the ground. |

SC: If you could talk to your younger self about the anxieties surrounding money and financial management you discussed above, what would you tell her?

LS: The young Lourdes will need to get to the bottom of her fear of money. I hope that I talk about it more openly with people that I trust. I think that is the only way to change her relationship with money and finances. She will need to learn that money is a tool for reaching her goals, but she also shouldn’t let it define her. In her life she did have bad credit at the beginning, but there are always ways to turn things around and she will. If she has a plan and believes in herself, she will get to the other side and will be equipped to grow her business.

SC: Why is financial literacy crucial for founders to get a good grasp on early? How does it give you a competitive advantage?

LS: Financial literacy is one of those tools that you need to move your business plan forward. Once you get over that fear, the numbers are actually there to help you make informed decisions. That’s actually what happened to my business. I’ll be honest – I have certain flower crops that I love seeing in the garden but I had to let some of them go because they weren’t good for my bottom line. For example, my tulips. When you plant tulip bulbs, as a flower farmer, your investment is literally buried in the ground for seven months of the year in Manitoba. So this year I had to remove them from next year’s crop list and focus on other products that were a good return on investment. How did I have the courage to ditch a product? By looking at my numbers and realising I needed a much faster ROI and this particular crop wasn’t doing that for me.

SC: What’s the most actionable piece of advice entrepreneurs can take from this conversation and implement in their businesses immediately?

LS: Revisit your costing file. If you don’t have one, make one. Are you pricing your products or services properly? Because if not, you have to do something about it. Once you fix it and implement it, tell yourself that you are worth it – you are worth every penny.

SC: Any other words of wisdom before we go?

LS: I just want to encourage women identifying business owners to live out the intersectionality of their own passion, purpose and values – just try it out. Like I said in this interview, sometimes failure is just a part of it. You can define success in your own terms and I encourage them to live out their truths and show up unapologetically in their business.

SC: Thank you so much for your time today, Lourdes!

Get Advice from a Scotiabank Small Business Advisor: Book Appointment.

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Startup Canada celebrates National Entrepreneur Day

November 15th marks the celebration of National Entrepreneur Day, a day that reflects on the willingness of an entrepreneur to take on risk and deal with uncertainty. A day that celebrates entrepreneurs as drivers for economic development and innovation. And most importantly, a day that recognizes the grit and determination that entrepreneurs possess to turn their ideas into a reality.

National Entrepreneur Day first began in 2010 when President Obama proclaimed the last day of National Entrepreneur Week as National Entrepreneur Day. Similarly, with Canada’s diverse and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, we decided to commemorate the day in Canada as well.

For this year’s National Entrepreneur Day, we wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate the incredible entrepreneurs that we get to work with every day and to share why our team at Startup Canada loves doing the work that we do to support entrepreneurs.

1) We get to support entrepreneurs in achieving their vision

One of the best parts about working at Startup Canada is that we spend everyday working to ensure entrepreneurs have the resources and tools they need to build their businesses. Through our flagship programs, we provide educational resources, access to mentorship, informative webinars, and partnerships with leading experts so that entrepreneurs have access to leading tools to build their businesses.

“We are a team who loves to see people do and build cool things, and we get to witness this everyday. At Startup Canada, we get to learn about entrepreneurs and their stories and have a hand in building the programs that can help them on this journey.” – Maddie Stiles, Digital Programs Lead at Startup Canada

2) We provide resources so that entrepreneurs can solve the world’s largest challenges and create social change

Entrepreneurs are tackling some of the world’s largest challenges with their innovations including in the areas of environmental sustainability, health and wellness, access to education, and more. They are constantly creating new ideas and inventions that will change the ways we live and work.

“One of my favourite parts about working in the entrepreneurial ecosystem is seeing the diverse range of problems that founders are tackling. You go from meeting someone who is working on a digital health solution to clean energy to a new consumer brand or the future of work. Entrepreneurs truly are working on the world’s to-do list.” – Nadia Ladak, Marketing and Communications Officer at Startup Canada

3) We get inspired everyday by the entrepreneurs that we meet and their creativity, grit, and innovative mindsets

Entrepreneurs have a contagious energy. They are constantly looking to solve problems and approach these problems with grit and determination. They are willing to take large risks to build their businesses and are able to navigate through a great deal of uncertainty.

“I am energized and inspired by the creativity, grit and innovation that I see in Entrepreneurs and Founders! It takes a lot of courage and hard work, and those people need organizations like Startup Canada in their corner to support them.” – Kristal Felea, Managing Director at Startup Canada

4) Entrepreneurs foster economic growth and development

Entrepreneurs are individuals who can convert a new idea or invention into a successful innovation. They create new products, services, business models, or even entire product categories and markets! Their businesses drive revenue, put Canada on the global stage, and create new jobs that drive economic growth.

“I love the creativity that entrepreneurs possess and their ability to create solutions to solve everyday problems. Doing so helps to improve peoples’ lives, creates jobs, and contributes to the greater economy.” – Ryan Richard, Ecosystem Partnerships Manager

5) We get to make Canada the best place to start and grow a business

At Startup Canada, it is our vision to make Canada the best place to start and grow a business. Through our resources, programming, and partnerships, we strive to create the conditions for success for entrepreneurs to thrive. Next year, we are excited to travel across Canada with our Startup Canada tour to engage with more entrepreneurs than ever before!

“I truly believe in our mission to make Canada the best place in the world to start and build a business and work hard every day to ensure this happens.” – Kayla Isabelle, CEO of Startup Canada

Wrap-up

On this National Entrepreneur Day, we hope you take time to recognize some of the founders in your life. It is not easy to build a business and we applaud each and every entrepreneur that works tirelessly to make this happen.

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On October 20th, 2022, Startup Canada hosted its flagship event Startup Day, where we gathered entrepreneurs, government representatives, and private sector partners from across Canada to discuss the state of entrepreneurship and the trends for the future. Over 1,200 people from 242 cities across Canada attended in-person and virtually to this exciting event. Did you miss out on the day? Keep reading to see some of the highlights.

1) Panels

The day was filled with insightful panels with top tier speakers. From entrepreneurs, to government representatives, and private sector leaders, we heard from a diverse range of perspectives on topics such as building an inclusive ecosystem, the impact of the pandemic on small businesses, and the future trends in entrepreneurship. To watch any of our panels, check out our full event recording of the day here.

2) Startup Global 2022 Pitch Competition

During the day, 11 of our Startup Global pitch competition finalists took the stage to compete for $30,000 (1st place), $15,000 (2nd place), and $10,000 (3rd place) to grow their businesses. After a tough deliberation from the judges, Julia St. Amand from RetinaLogik took home first place followed by Bronwyn Bridges from PragmaClin taking home second, and Stephanie Tien from Arbre taking home third. To see the full announcement, click here.

3) Exhibitor Booth

Throughout the day, 24 entrepreneur support organizations from across Canada set up in our exhibitor area to showcase their services and how they support entrepreneurs. From startup legal services to government support and export services, there was something for everyone regardless of their stage of business.

4) Startup Communities

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey. But did you know that we have a grassroots network of over 40 Startup Communities across all of Canada and various industries? These local chapters help connect you with other entrepreneurs in your area as well as regional support and resources. Several of these communities were in attendance at Startup Day, strengthening their relationships with their community members. Interested in seeing which community you can join? Check out our list of chapters here.

5) Parentpreneur Lounge

Finally, our last highlight was our parentpreneur lounge hosted by Mixing Babies And Business supported through our Community Empowerment Fund presented by UPS, Mastercard, and BDC. This was a dedicated space for caregivers and their families at the event to support working parents who were interested in attending the event. This parent-friendly space was designed for pre-school aged kids and had toys to support parents if bringing their child to the event. It was also an opportunity to network with other working parents to share tips and lessons learned.

Startup Day Photos

Do you want to see more highlights and photos from the day? Check out our photo album to see some of the panelists, attendees, exhibitor booths, and more!

Wrap-up

Whether you attended in-person or virtually, we hope you enjoyed Startup Day 2022 and left feeling inspired and empowered with the connections you made. Do you want to be the first to know when early bird tickets are available for Startup Day 2023? Sign up to our mailing list to not miss out. We hope to see you next year!

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Ottawa (Ontario) — le 20 octobre 2022 | Aujourd’hui, Startup Canada a annoncé...

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Ottawa, ON – October 20th, 2022 | Today Startup Canada announced the...

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In partnership with The U.S. Embassy in Canada, Startup Canada is celebrating...

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Startup Canada is a national organization that connects Canada’s entrepreneurs with the...

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About the Startup Women Advocacy Network (SWAN) There is a lack of...

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In partnership with The U.S. Embassy in Canada, Startup Canada is celebrating...

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Today, we’re excited to announce and introduce our 2022 Startup Global Pitch...

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“The full and equal participation of women in the economy is not...

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OTTAWA, ON – October 4, 2022 – The Board of Directors, and...

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About the Startup Women Advocacy Network (SWAN) There is a lack of...

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In January of 2022, Startup Canada launched their latest flagship program Business...

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September 30th, 2021 was the first official National Day of Truth and...

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In partnership with The U.S. Embassy in Canada, Startup Canada is celebrating...

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About the Startup Women Advocacy Network (SWAN) There is a lack of...

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In celebration of International Charity Day, we sat down with the Upside...

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Today, we’re excited to launch the voting for the Startup Global Pitch...

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About the Startup Women Advocacy Network (SWAN) There is a lack of...

The post Menstruators Deserve the Best, Period with Nadia Ladak first appeared on Startup Canada.

The post Menstruators Deserve the Best, Period with Nadia Ladak appeared first on Startup Canada.

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In partnership with The U.S. Embassy in Canada, Startup Canada is celebrating...

The post CAN-AM Stories – Entrepreneurship Across the Border: Kristine Carey first appeared on Startup Canada.

The post CAN-AM Stories – Entrepreneurship Across the Border: Kristine Carey appeared first on Startup Canada.