OTTAWA, ON – September 9, 2024 – On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Startup Canada and the United States Embassy in Ottawa hosted a pitch competition at Lornado, the official residence of the United States Ambassador to Canada. The pitch competition is part of Startup Canada’s 2024 partnership with the U.S. Embassy, furthering Ambassador David L. Cohen’s commitment to bolster the economic recovery of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) founded by entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups, and foster inclusive economic growth across Canada and the United States.
Ten diverse founders representing nine businesses delivered compelling pitches before a distinguished panel of judges and a private audience, competing for a $5000 USD seed funding prize.
Following nine talented pitches delivered by founders who are leaders in their industry, Thierry Lindor, Co-founder & CEO of Montreal-based Happly.ai, was announced as the winner by Ambassador Cohen at a reception following the pitch competition.
Happly.ai uses AI to empower SMBs, nonprofits, municipalities and institutions to find, apply, and qualify for grants, procurements, tax credits and other funding programs based on their unique profile.
Thierry Lindor will join Ambassador Cohen on the main stage at the Startup Canada Tour in Kitchener-Waterloo on October 30, 2024, where he will be celebrated and awarded his cash prize. Startup Canada is also thrilled to have Ambassador Cohen take the main stage this day for a Fireside Chat to discuss the intersectional barriers underrepresented founders face in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.
(from left to right: Jamie Savage, Interim CEO of Startup Canada, Ambassador David L. Cohen, United States Ambassador to Canada, Thierry Lindor, Co-founder & CEO of Happly.ai)
Background
Released February 2021, President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau identified six priority pillars in their Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership. Ambassador Cohen identified two pillars of significant intersectionality; Building Back Better, and advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. Startup Canada has been proud to partner with the U.S. Embassy over the last three years, supporting Ambassador Cohen’s action plans to Build Back Better, and advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility across the United States and Canada. This pitch competition is the culmination of years of work, engaging with hundreds of entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities across Canada.
“We are honoured to partner again with the U.S. Embassy to inform, support, and celebrate underrepresented entrepreneurs as part of Ambassador David L. Cohen’s action plan to bolster the U.S. and Canadian economies”, said Jamie Savage, Interim CEO of Startup Canada. “Our combined efforts work to bridge the gap created by the intersectional biases impacting underrepresented entrepreneurs in Canada and the United States. The talented founders that pitched at this event are a testament to the innovative solutions and incredible businesses developed by Canadian entrepreneurs.”
“This pitch competition and reception exemplify our shared, unequivocal commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility—by giving underrepresented founders the opportunity to showcase their ideas, access resources, and turn their challenges into opportunities,” Ambassador Cohen said. “Entrepreneurs from diverse communities bring unique perspectives and innovative solutions that can reshape industries and communities, and by supporting them, we are not only strengthening the U.S.- Canada partnership, but also fostering inclusive economic growth that benefits us all. Congratulations to all the businesses that took part. I’m excited to join Thierry, the Startup Canada team, and many other outstanding entrepreneurs in Kitchener-Waterloo in October.”
About Startup Canada
Startup Canada is the gateway to Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We’re here to connect entrepreneurs with the support, community, and tools they need to build a successful business in Canada. Since our inception in 2012, Startup Canada has grown to support more than 130,000 entrepreneurs annually and an ever-growing entrepreneurial ecosystem support network from coast to coast to coast. Through our flagship and digital programs, we provide guidance, eliminate barriers, and champion the needs of each and every entrepreneur to private and public sector partners. Startup Canada supports entrepreneurs in starting up and scaling up to ultimately make Canada the best place to start and build a business. For more information, visit https://www.startupcan.ca/.