As 2024 draws to a close, my team and I are reflecting on the incredible journey of this past year. We’ve celebrated moments of triumph as entrepreneurs across our community launched new businesses, won pitch competitions, and reached ambitious fundraising goals. At the same time, we’ve heard first-hand stories of the challenges entrepreneurs continue to face—from navigating CEBA loan repayments to breaking down persistent barriers to accessing capital.

At Startup Canada, we are guided by one driving mission: to make Canada the best place to start and grow a business. Everything we build is shaped by the needs and aspirations of Canadian entrepreneurs, and I’m happy to share that our programs this year have made a national impact.

• The Startup Canada Tour entered its second year, connecting over 2,000 entrepreneurs in 4 cities across the country.
• The Startup Global Pitch Competition showcased world-class Canadian talent while supporting over 6,000 entrepreneurs through Startup Global’s programming.
• Through Startup Women, we supported 4,966 women-identifying entrepreneurs via workshops and webinars, 1:1 sessions on Tour, community events, and the Startup Women resource guide. 
• Startup Gov hosted 4 roundtable discussions, giving entrepreneurs the chance to connect directly with government officials.
• This year also marked the eighth season of the Startup Canada Podcast, featuring 51 guests and 163,264 listeners.

I am beyond proud of our team, whose passion and expertise continue to shine through every initiative. 

This year also marked a major milestone for me and my family. In April, my husband Brendan and I welcomed our beautiful son, Faran. I am so grateful for the support of my team, our partners, and this incredible community, which allowed me to spend such a special time with Faran and embrace becoming a new parent. A heartfelt thank you also goes to Jamie Savage, Startup Canada’s Board Chair, who stepped into the role of interim CEO during my parental leave. Jamie’s exceptional leadership guided the team throughout the year and shone on stage as the host of our Startup Canada Tour stops in Winnipeg and Langley.

Returning to work in October after my parental leave was a joyful reunion with the Startup Canada team. Like any transition, stepping back into my role as both an organizational leader and a parent has its challenges. As I’ve balanced the demands of parenthood with full-time work, I’ve had many moments of deep reflection—particularly about the persistent barriers women face in entrepreneurship. These challenges made even greater for women balancing parenthood while running a business.

This year, Startup Canada’s programs took a closer look at the issues impacting women-identifying entrepreneurs. In partnership with UPS, we continued the Women Exporters Program (WEP), a free initiative to bridge the gender gap in export participation by providing targeted education and support to women entrepreneurs. Additionally, through a new partnership with the National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) on the Startup Canada Tour, we facilitated both in-person and virtual conversations between women entrepreneurs and investors. A recurring theme in these discussions was that women founders often feel undervalued by investors, a challenge even more acute for women from minority groups. These conversations reinforced a critical call to action: Canadian investors need increased education on the undeniable value of investing in women and marginalized founders. Investors also need to be held accountable for these continued biases.

What resonates most with me from this year are the stories of resilience and triumph from the entrepreneurs we’ve had the privilege to work with. Through the Startup Women Advocacy Network (SWAN) initiative, we showcased the journeys of 11 women entrepreneurs from across Canada as they grew their businesses and championed the cause of women in entrepreneurship within their communities. One standout story comes from Constanza Safatle, Founder and CEO of Newbornlander, a for-profit social enterprise based in Newfoundland and Labrador specializing in slow fashion and baby accessories. This year, Constanza secured funding to launch a groundbreaking initiative, Sewing Hope, the first settlement employment program for refugee women in Newfoundland and Labrador. Her work is a powerful testament to the progress that can be achieved when we invest in women entrepreneurs!

Looking ahead to 2025, Startup Canada is building on the momentum of entrepreneurial determination and innovation. We’re enhancing our programming to support founders in navigating an ever-evolving ecosystem, from emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity to the implications of the upcoming federal election. We’ll also continue our advocacy work, connecting equity-deserving entrepreneurs directly with government officials and private-sector partners to have their voices heard.

I’m also thrilled to announce the return of the Startup Canada Tour in 2025, bringing Canada’s entrepreneurial spirit to Calgary and Mississauga! Next year’s Tour and programming promise to be our most impactful yet. Be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to be the first to hear about events and program launches. 

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Your passion and ingenuity fuel our work and inspire us every day. We’ve accomplished so much together, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve in 2025.

Wishing you all a restful holiday season and a happy new year!

With gratitude, 

Kayla Isabelle

CEO of Startup Canada