October 19, 2017 – The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), the only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs, and Startup Canada, the national rallying community and voice for Canada’s entrepreneurs, announced today a new Startup Canada Awards Alumni Program (Alumni Program) to bring together, tell stories of, and foster a community of influence and excellence amongst the recipients of the Startup Canada Awards.
Each Alumnus has demonstrated excellence and has made an enduring impact in advancing Canadian entrepreneurship. The Alumni Program is a platform to elevate their ongoing impact for Canada and to provide inspiration for the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs.
In November 2017, in partnership with BDC, Startup Canada will launch a digital publication to celebrate the stories of the more than 250 recipients of the Startup Canada Awards to date.
”As the only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs, we at BDC recognize the importance of celebrating Canadian entrepreneurs demonstrating excellence,” said Michael Denham, President and CEO of BDC. “By advocating and promoting these success stories through the Startup Canada Awards Alumni Program, we can shape future generations of entrepreneurs.”
“Telling the stories of Canada’s diverse and daring entrepreneurs and sharing their impact on building our nation, helps foster a culture of entrepreneurship,” said Victoria Lennox, Co-Founder and CEO of Startup Canada. “Through this the Startup Canada Awards Alumni Program we are championing and sharing the stories of some of Canada’s top entrepreneurs in the hopes of inspiring the next generation of Canadian leaders.”
An exclusive network of outstanding Canadian leaders and entrepreneurs will be joining the Alumni Program such as The Right Honourable Paul Martin, former Prime Minister of Canada; Nicole Verkindt, Founder of OMX; the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development; Anthony Lacavera, Founder of Wind Mobile; and many more.
Alumni are elevated as thought leaders in policy discussions, as speakers inspiring the next generation, and as representatives of the Canadian entrepreneurship community. Through the Alumni Program, they connect with each other through VIP in-person events and virtual platforms to continue to advance their growth and impact in advancing Canadian entrepreneurship.
For more information, please contact:
Lindsay Bright
Marketing, Communications and Digital Production Administrator
lindsay.bright@startupcan.ca
613-627-0787 ext. 101
About Startup Canada
Startup Canada is the leading national social enterprise supporting and giving a voice to entrepreneurs through online programs, national awards, flagship events, and partnerships with private sector and government to foster a community for startup and small business success across the country. For more information, visit www.startupcan.ca.
About BDC
BDC is the only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs. It promotes Canadian entrepreneurship with a focus on small and medium-sized businesses. With its 118 business centres from coast to coast, BDC provides businesses in all industries with financing and advisory services. Its investment arm, BDC Capital, offers equity, venture capital and flexible growth and transition capital solutions. BDC is also the first financial institution in Canada to receive B Corp certification. To find out more, visit bdc.ca.