Startup Canada Podcast Funding, Values and Growth with Colum Connolly and Elizabeth Murphy
Jun 24, 2025
Colum Connolly, a scientist turned entrepreneur with a PhD in medical genetics, and Elizabeth Murphy, an openly bisexual entrepreneur with deep nonprofit roots, co-founded Bloom Funding to help businesses and nonprofits secure essential funding. They discuss how empathy and community values can transform funding practices and contribute to sustainability. Their insights on future-proofing businesses and the importance of non-financial values not only highlight innovation but also emphasize the role of small, incremental changes in workplace culture.
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Diverse Clientele and Queer Community Impact
- Bloom Funding works with a diverse range of sectors including cannabis, medical, energy, software, and agriculture.
- They aspire to grow their impact in the 2SLGBTQI community, actively participating in mentorship and workshops for queer entrepreneurs.
Profit and Purpose Align
- Profit and purpose are intertwined, not conflicting elements of success.
- Measuring non-financial outcomes like wellness and community impact builds strategic assets.
Prioritize Employee Wellness
- Frequently check in with staff about their wellness, including vacation usage.
- Surveying employees to understand their needs boosts organizational culture and prevents burnout.
