Startup Canada Podcast

Discover how Cole Chauvin 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.The post How Pop Up Comedy is Powering Small Business with Cole Chauvin first appeared on Startup Canada.

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. The post Google, AI and Your Business: What Entrepreneurs Need to Know with Natasha Walji first appeared on Startup 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.The post Documenting Decisions: Clarity for the Construction Industry with Karly Heffernan first appeared on Startup Canada.

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.The post The Power of Emotional Literacy for Entrepreneurs with Rhiannon Rosalind first appeared on Startup Canada.

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.The post Solving the Messy Middle of Manufacturing with AI with Kathleen Chan first appeared on Startup Canada.

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. Constant Contact is offering 30% off of their services for 3 months to our listeners!The post Clarity Over Complexity: Email and AI for Small Business with Amanda Parker first appeared on Startup Canada.

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  The post Scaling Smart: Riipen’s Marketplace Approach with Sarah Blackmore first appeared on Startup Canada.

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.The post Investing in Misfits: How Difference Drives Innovation with Mandy Potter first appeared on Startup Canada.

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.The post Trees, Technology and Transparency with Derrick Emsley first appeared on Startup Canada.

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.The post Buying Business: How to Spot Opportunity in the Ordinary with Maureen Ngo first appeared on Startup Canada.