New programs launched to drive the development of retail startups and startup communities
TORONTO, September 11, 2015 – To encourage the creation of more high-growth businesses in Canada, Startup Canada and TruShield Insurance today launched the TruShield Retail Startup Fund to fuel the development of Canada’s retail sector and the TruShield Startup Community Scholarship to help new grassroots startup communities launch across Canada.
“Canada’s startup community goes beyond tech and includes a vibrant retail sector that has transformed significantly with the explosion of e-commerce and social media,” said Victoria Lennox, CEO of Startup Canada. “Retail entrepreneurs are leveraging technology, innovating, and setting their sights on local sustainability and global growth. The TruShield Retail Startup Fund will help startup communities and grassroots organizations provide tailored support and programming for retail entrepreneurs. The TruShield Startup Community Scholarship will help select startup communities across Canada launch to support more entrepreneurs, including retail startups.”
“Small business is the backbone of the Canadian economy, which is why we have been dedicated to providing protection to Canadian small business owners for over 95 years,” said Teed Burns, National Director of TruShield Insurance. “Launching businesses that are “fresh” and “relevant” is critical in the retail sector, but can also be expensive. Through this fund and scholarship, we aim to support entrepreneurs in launching vital services that better Canadian communities.”
Individuals, businesses, and organizations in Canada with projects aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in the retail sector are eligible to apply for the TruShield Retail Startup Fund. Funded projects will provide startups and small businesses with support and opportunities to better compete with the top 30 companies that account for 66 per cent of sales in the sector. Project examples include retail-specific business training and pop-up shops. Applications are due October 7 at startupcan.ca/retail-startup-fund.
Through the TruShield Startup Communities Scholarship, TruShield Insurance will cover the membership fees, marketing materials, and training for five new volunteer-run Startup Canada Communities across Canada. Startup Canada has supported more than 23 grassroots Startup Communities to date, which collectively run more than 500 events and support more than 5,000 entrepreneurs per month by connecting them to support, mentorship, education, customers and funding. More information on the TruShield Startup Communities Scholarship will be released in Winter 2015-2016.
Startup Canada and TruShield Insurance first partnered in 2014 for Startup Canada Day on the Hill, which connected 1,000 entrepreneurs to government leaders in Ottawa. Since then, TruShield and Startup Canada have delivered communications campaigns to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge needed to reduce risk and make informed, cost-effective insurance decisions. Thanks to the partnership, Startup Canada members are also eligible to receive special TruShield Insurance offers and a tailored quote.
The company also plays a key role in the Startup Canada Private Sector Expert Panel. TruShield Vice-President Tony O’Brien is co-chair of the panel, which meets quarterly to discuss ways the private sector can better support entrepreneurs and the growth of entrepreneurship in Canada. The company is also the presenting sponsor of the 2015 Startup Canada Award for Entrepreneur Promotion, the semi-finalists of which will be announced at regional award ceremonies across Canada in October and November. TruShield Insurance mentors will also be on-site during select stops on Startup Canada’s #EveryEntrepreneur Tour, a travelling conference that will provide 7,000 entrepreneurs and 200 community leaders with business and community development training this Autumn.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kathryn Forrest
Communications and Marketing Manager, Startup Canada
613-627-0787 x106
About Startup Canada
Startup Canada is a grassroots network of entrepreneurs working together to build an environment for entrepreneurship in Canada. Through online platforms, grassroots Startup Communities and cross-sector initiatives, Startup Canada is advancing entrepreneurial momentum and a culture of entrepreneurship, as the voice of Canadian entrepreneurs.