In this episode, we go backstage with our keynote speakers of the Startup Canada Tour; Michele Romanow,Co-Founder of Clearco and "Dragon" on CBC Dragon's Den, Jenn Harper, Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, and Wes Hall, Founder and CEO of Kingsdale Advisors, and "Dragon" on CBC Dragon's Den. Enjoy these intimate conversations hosted by Rick Spence.

Discover how Shayla is indigenizing plant spaces by incorporating native plants and Indigenous knowledge into urban landscapes. Learn about her mission to heal the land and reconnect communities with their cultural roots through sustainable stewardship and the power of native flora. Check out Shaylish Plants. 

In this episode, Andrew Karesa, CEO of blueBell Village shares insights into his innovative approach, blending technology with personalized care, and discusses the challenges and triumphs of being an Indigenous entrepreneur in the health tech sector.

Discover how Cole is transforming local businesses into vibrant comedy venues, creating unique experiences that break down barriers and bring communities together. From his journey in improv to founding a pop-up comedy series, Cole shares insights on creativity, entrepreneurship, and the power of humor in today's world.

In this episode of the Startup Canada podcast, Natasha Walji, Managing Director at Google Canada, shares insights on leveraging AI for business growth. She emphasizes the transformative power of AI in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and discusses her journey in technology and community service.
Key Resources for Canadian Small Businesses


Google's AI Essentials Course: Check out this generative AI course on Coursera. Learn how to use prompting to enhance your creativity, save time, and accomplish everyday tasks. This course is an ideal starting point for anyone looking to understand AI's practical applications, no experience required.
AI for SMBs Course: Tailored specifically for small businesses, this resource provides actionable skills to simplify work, save time, and put AI to work for them.
NotebookLM: As a thinking partner powered by AI, NotebookLM helps users analyze sources, turn complex information into clear insights, and transform content.
Grow with Google: Explore free training, tools, and courses to help you expand your digital presence and build key business skills.
Google Canada's Economic Impact Report: This report provides a look at how Google’s innovations and products are helping Canadians, workers and businesses, and explores the future potential of AI for Canada.

Karly Heffernan shares her journey from being an elite hockey player for Team Canada to co-founding Hardline, an AI-driven solution for the construction industry. She explains how Hardline captures and documents critical conversations to prevent costly mistakes and highlights the challenges and strategies of fundraising in the tech space.

Rhiannon Rosalind is the former CEO of the Economic Club of Canada. She shares her journey from leading a national platform to founding Conscious Economics, a nonprofit focused on financial therapy and systemic change. We talk about financial trauma and the importance of inner work for entrepreneurs.

In this Startup Podcast episode, our host Rick Spence speaks to Kathleen Chan, Founder and CEO of Calico AI. Kathleen discusses the the role of AI in streamlining supply chains, and the impressive growth of Calico. Kathleen also offers valuable advice for first-time founders and emerging brands, highlighting the significance of understanding customer needs and the evolving landscape of supply chain management.

In this episode, Amanda Parker, the Country Manager for Canada at Constant Contact, shares valuable insights on email marketing and its relevance for small businesses. Amanda emphasizes the importance of clarity in marketing strategies, and how entrepreneurs can leverage email to build strong connections with their customers.

Sarah Blackmore is the VP of Operations and Head of People and Culture at Riipen. In this epiosde we discuss the importance of scaling businesses, engaging talent, and the unique marketplace model of Riipen that connects students with real-world projects. Sarah shares insights on the impact of Ripen's programs on students and employers, the significance of feedback loops in operations, and the future direction of the organization, including expansion into the U.S. market. The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and the value of diverse talent in the workforce.

Learn more about Riipen  

Mandy Potter, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Misfit Ventures shares her journey as an entrepreneur, her experiences in the startup ecosystem, and her passion for inclusivity in venture capital. She discusses the importance of being a 'misfit' and how it can be a strength in entrepreneurship.

In this episode, Derrick Emsley, Founder and CEO of veritree and tentree emphasizes the need for transparency and verification in tree planting initiatives and shares insights on building a restorative business model that goes beyond mere sustainability.

In this episode, hear from Maureen Ngo, Founder and Owner of East Van Laundry and Coastal Waves Swim School. Discover how Maureen's journey from university dropout to successful entrepreneur was fuelled by her fascination with non-sexy, yet profitable ventures like laundromat.

Dive into the world of up-skilling and learning  with Sarah Stockdale, Founder and CEO of Growclass. Hear about the power of community, the importance of staying scrappy, and the mantra that kept her going: "Just don't die."

Joey Dolls is dedicated to celebrating Asian cultures through inclusive play. Samantha Ong is the Founder and in this episode we discuss creating culturally representative dolls, the challenges of manufacturing and the growth of her business since it's launch in 2023.

 

Justin DiBernardi, is the Co-Founder of El&Elle, a Toronto-based jewelry retailer. This conversation explores the importance of listening to customers, the unique qualities of moissanite, and the brand's commitment to fair pricing and inclusivity.

 

Jon Lomow is the Founder and CEO of Fieldless Farms, a company revolutionizing agriculture by growing crops indoors without fields. Jon discusses the challenges and opportunities in the Canadian food sector, emphasizing the importance of food sovereignty and the role of technology in modern farming.

In this episode of the Startup Canada podcast, Braden Haley, of Summit Dogwear, shares his journey from overcoming personal adversity to building a successful pet product company. He emphasizes the importance of starting and being ready to pivot, the concept of conscious capitalism, and the significance of creating a brand story that resonates with customers

In this Startup Canada Podcast episode, Zachariah Thomas shares his journey from being a pro hockey player to starting a company that aims to disrupt the expensive hockey equipment market.

In this conversation, Colum Connolly and Elizabeth Murphy from Bloom Funding discuss their journey in helping businesses and nonprofits secure funding while emphasizing sustainability and community impact. They share insights on future-proofing businesses, the importance of empathy in funding, and how to articulate non-financial value.

Check out our 2SLGBTQIA+ Resource Guide, proudly supported by Wealthy Unicorn.