Startup Gov
Startup Gov gives every entrepreneur a voice to government to create the conditions necessary for entrepreneurial success in Canada.
About Startup Gov
What is it?
Startup Gov (formerly Startup Canada Day on the Hill) is one of Startup Canada’s flagship programs. It connects a pan-Canadian cohort of entrepreneurs to government representatives, with the support of our network of private-sector partners.
This year, we hosted online events throughout summer and fall, with the aim to provide entrepreneurs with a better understanding of what is in the Federal Budget 2021 and how they can benefit from specific programs. Additionally, we worked with our Startup Communities from coast to coast to coast to provide an opportunity for their voices to be heard and allow for regional perspectives to be shared with the provincial government representatives.
How we do it
Startup Gov is where valuable partnerships are made. We engage the entire ecosystem to connect, communicate, and collaborate; a commitment to better serving Canadian entrepreneurs and feeding a vibrant entrepreneurial network.
What's in it for you?
In 2021, Startup Gov will support entrepreneurs to:
Get heard
Have their voices heard internationally, federally and provincially
Provide recommendations
Provide concrete recommendations on how they can be better supported by both the public and private sector
Government relations 101
Develop skills and training to grasp government relations 101
Get insights
Hear directly from government both internationally, federally and provincially pertaining to how they are supporting entrepreneurs
Connect
Connect with international governments
Connect with government through coast to coast to coast meetings
This is your chance to connect with elected officials and Members of Parliament, as well as project your voice as an entrepreneurial leader in your community. During these town halls, you’ll have an opportunity to connect directly with government leaders, voice your concerns, and advance collaborative efforts between the government and the local entrepreneurship ecosystem you’re a part of. This is your chance to have your voice heard.
We know navigating funding, grants, resources, and programming can be a challenge. We’re connecting you with advisors and experts who can help walk you through the process.
It’s time to put Canadians on the global stage. Entrepreneurs are invited to connect with global entrepreneurship ecosystems, discuss challenges and opportunities, and come together as a global community that supports entrepreneurs to succeed.
Event Recaps
Missed an event? No problem! Watch the recaps and recordings below.
On July 27th, 2022, Startup Canada hosted an intimate roundtable featuring the Co-Chairs of the All-Party Entrepreneur Caucus, Startup Canada Community Leaders, and key Startup Canada ecosystem support partners. This roundtable provided a vehicle for Parliamentarians to hear directly from entrepreneurs so stronger partnerships can blossom at the grassroots. Watch some highlights from the events below.
Startup Canada held a session featuring MP Ali Ehsassi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry (Innovation and Industry), and MP Rachel Bendayan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion, and International Trade to help entrepreneurs understand the Federal Budget, components that are intended to support their growth, and a mechanism for entrepreneurs to provide feedback on additional support required. The topics included:
- Procurement diversification
- Support for women entrepreneurs
- Digital Adoption
- Canada Recovering Hiring Program
- Removing barriers to international trade
- Investing in Canada’s next generation of innovators
- Indigenous Entrepreneurship
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Program
- Regional Development Agency Support
Watch the recaps below:
Startup Canada Community members will meet and discuss what key aspects they would like to see the federal government do to better support them. Two additional sessions will be offered in both French and English to Startup Canada general community members. The notes and key recommendations will be packaged and sent to their local MP and used for federal and in ongoing federal meetings. Please note that in 2022 we will be hosting monthly sessions to learn more about the key areas community leaders would like to see the federal and provincial governments do to better support them.
During Small Business Week, Startup Canada hosted a series of events focusing on various themes, such as women’s perspectives, innovation, e-commerce and trade, rural entrepreneurship and inclusive communities, and examining how we can create a more supportive environment (policy recommendations for all levels of government) for entrepreneurs and small business owners to succeed post-pandemic and beyond.
Learn about the latest findings and trends from the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs Report. Representatives from the top 5 countries featured in the report were highlighted, including Israel, the United States, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Poland. Additionally, this interactive International Perspectives session began with a special fireside chat with Isabelle Hudon, former Ambassador of Canada to France and Monaco, now President and CEO of BDC – Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs. A champion of diversity and gender equality, Isabelle is BDC’s first woman CEO and also the co-founder of The A Effect, a program to empower ambitious women.
The event will be aired twice to accommodate the different time zones. When registering, select the time that is most convenient for you.
- A Global Snapshot: The Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs | Watch Now
Stay in the know
Subscribe to our mailing list to be the first to hear about any and all Startup Gov programming.
Join the listOur program partners
Co-presenting partners
National partners
Community partners
Event partner
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Join our mailing list to receive updates on Startup Gov activities, we will have some exciting announcements in the next month.
Yes, we will be hosting a series of webinars and workshops throughout the year. To receive reminders on our latest webinars and workshops, subscribe to our mailing list.
You can insert your postal code into this website to learn who your MP is https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en
Yes, as part of Startup Gov, Startup Canada historically hosted a large style conference in Ottawa during BDC’s Small Business Week™, called Startup Day on the Hill. This year, we have decided to activate that event once again through our Startup Canada Tour! Stay tuned for more dates and details.
Email gov@startupcan.ca !