A guide to Startup Canada’s 2025 flagship programs
Navigating Canada’s startup ecosystem can be daunting for early stage entrepreneurs. From securing financing to crafting a solid business plan and preparing for your first pitch, the demands of building a business can feel overwhelming.
That’s where Startup Canada comes in. Our mission is to empower early stage entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Through our flagship programs, we’re here to help you unlock your business’s full potential by providing access to essential tools, expert mentorship, and a network of support organizations and industry leaders.
Check out what we have planned for you in 2025!
Startup Women
While Canadian women entrepreneurs lead the way in innovation and sustainability, they face significant barriers in growing their businesses, such as receiving just 4% of venture capital funding in Canada. At Startup Canada, we know that supporting women means strengthening the nation!
The Startup Women program offers free resources for women and nonbinary entrepreneurs, including:
- Webinars on topics like financial foundations and growing your customer base.
- Monthly industry roundtables with expert panels and late-stage founders.
- In-person networking and mentorship events hosted with partners nationwide.
- Business amplification and advocacy through the Startup Women Advocacy Network (SWAN).
Learn more about Startup Women and register for an upcoming event!
Startup Global
A reported 31% of Canadian small business owners exported their goods and/or services in 2024. As we move into 2025, Canadian businesses expanding internationally face challenges like shifting regulations, rising shipping costs, and potential new U.S. tariffs that could impact cross-border trade.
Startup Global is here to guide entrepreneurs at every stage of their export journey with:
- Webinars and industry roundtables featuring experts on topics ranging from global market expansion to the benefits of growing your business in Canada.
- A resource guide with a step-by-step journey map for new and seasoned exporters.
- The 2025 Startup Global Pitch Competition, offering virtual and in-person opportunities to pitch to win from a $70,000 cash prize pool!
Visit the Startup Global webpage to register for an upcoming event or apply to pitch!
Startup Canada Tour
The Startup Canada Tour returns for its third year! This cross-country conference series connects early stage entrepreneurs with support organizations and industry experts to help grow their businesses. In 2025, we’re bringing Tour to:
Get ready for inspiring keynotes, engaging panels, actionable workshops, expert advising, and curated networking sessions in high-energy venues designed to foster innovation and connections.
Early bird tickets are on sale now until March 31! This is a must-attend event. Visit startupcanadatour.ca to register for a stop near you.
Startup Canada Podcast
2025 marks the ninth season of the Startup Canada Podcast! With weekly episodes released every Tuesday morning, our host, Rick Spence, speaks with the movers and shakers of Canada’s entrepreneurship community.
Here’s what we have planned for this season:
- A Startup Women Podcast takeover in March, where we’ll hear from trailblazing women entrepreneurs addressing the unique needs and challenges of being a woman entrepreneur in Canada.
- Continuation of our annual Pride series in June, where we’ll be featuring entrepreneurs from the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
- Interviews with leading experts on AI and its impacts on entrepreneurship! And so much more.
The Startup Canada Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts! You can listen to past episodes and subscribe here.
Startup Gov
According to a 2024 CFIB survey, 34% of Canadian small business owners lack confidence in the government’s support for their businesses. Startup Gov was created to amplify entrepreneurs’ voices and foster meaningful dialogue with government leaders from across Canada.
With Startup Gov, you’ll gain:
- A government relations toolkit with essential resources to help you advocate for your business.
- Webinars connecting you to key government officials and programs designed to support entrepreneurs.
- Exclusive insights from closed-door roundtable discussions with government leaders.
Visit Startup Gov to access the resource guide and stay updated on upcoming events!
Business Owner’s Toolbox
Starting and scaling a business in Canada comes with its fair share of challenges. That’s why we created the Business Owner’s Toolbox (BOT), a free, all-in-one hub designed to equip entrepreneurs with the essential tools, knowledge, and resources they need to succeed.
With BOT, you’ll gain access to 10 modules covering key areas of business development:
- Pre-Launch
- Business Structures
- Insurance
- Legal
- Sales & Marketing
- Human Resources
- Finances
- Pitching
- Shipping
- Exit Strategy
As a BOT member, you’ll unlock exclusive discounts, resources, and services from Startup Canada partners. Sign up for your free BOT account today and build your business with confidence!
Ready to Launch Your Entrepreneurial Journey?
Stay ahead of the curve with early access to upcoming events, resources, and support opportunities from Startup Canada and our partners. Sign up for the Startup Canada mailing list and take the first step toward growing your business!