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!