Startup Canada Podcast

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.The post Funding, Values and Growth with Colum Connolly and Elizabeth Murphy first appeared on Startup Canada.

In this conversation, Raegan Swanson, the Executive Director of The ArQuives, discusses the multifaceted responsibilities of leading an archive dedicated to queer and trans histories. Raegan also highlights the role of archives in combating misinformation and preserving the stories of marginalized communities. Check out our 2SLGBTQIA+ Resource Guide, proudly supported by Wealthy Unicorn.The post From Erasure to Evidence: Why Queer Archives Matter with Raegan Swanson first appeared on Startup Canada.

In this episode, we speak with Rae Hill (they/them), Founder and Owner of Origami Customs, a custom-made swimwear and intimates brand designed for all bodies. From humble beginnings sewing swimsuits for scuba divers in Central America to building a beloved, community-driven brand in Canada, Rae shares their powerful journey of designing with intention. Check out our 2SLGBTQIA+ Resource Guide, proudly supported by Wealthy Unicorn.The post Joy as Progress: Designing for Every Body with Rae Hill first appeared on Startup Canada.

In this conversation, Dr. Caley Shukalek  highlights the challenges of providing quality care while scaling a business, the role of healthcare providers in HIV prevention, and the significance of Pride Month as both a celebration and a call for action. Dr. Shukalek also outlines the various services offered by PurposeMed, including Freddie for sexual health, Frida for mental health, and Foria for gender-affirming care, showcasing the company’s commitment to inclusivity and patient-centered care. Check out our 2SLGBTQIA+ Resource Guide, proudly supported by Wealthy Unicorn.  The post PrEP, Pride and Purpose with Dr.Caley Shukalek first appeared on Startup Canada.

In this episode, we interview Ben Waldman, Founder of Gander, a new social media platform that is Canadian. This conversation explores the importance of digital sovereignty for Canada, the entrepreneurial spirit in the country, and the innovative features that Gander aims to implement to create a safe and enjoyable online environment.The post A Vision for Canadian Digital Sovereignty with Ben Waldman first appeared on Startup Canada.

Dallas Barnes is the Founder of Reya Health, a digital platform aimed at empowering individuals with ovaries to take charge of their sexual health. Dallas shares her personal journey of navigating the challenges of contraceptive counseling and the stigma surrounding sexual health. The conversation explores the importance of community, asking the right questions, and the systemic inadequacies in women’s health information.The post ReThinking Birth Control: Reya Health with Dallas Barnes first appeared on Startup Canada.

In this conversation, Kayla Alexander and Nicole Murphy, co-founders of Tall Size, share their journey of empowering tall women through fashion. They discuss the unique experiences of their pop-up shops, the metrics of their business growth, the importance of partnerships, and how they have transformed their customer base into a supportive community.The post Building a Marketplace for a Missing Market with Nicole Murphy and Kayla Alexander first appeared on Startup Canada.

Bruce Poon Tip, Founder of G Adventures, shares his journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of small businesses in Canada and the transformative power of travel. He discusses the vision behind G Adventures, focusing on community tourism and cultural immersion, and reflects on the resilience required to navigate challenges in the travel industry.The post Transforming Travel and Community Tourism with Bruce Poon Tip first appeared on Startup Canada.

In this episode, Rick Spence interviews Maiden Manzanal-Frank,  author and consultant who specializes in strategy, change, and impact. Maiden discusses the importance of entrepreneurs as change makers, the meaning of being a provocateur in business, and her journey in international development. We also talk about the need for strategic thinking over hustling in entrepreneurship.The post Change Starts With You (And Strategy) with Maiden Manzanal Frank first appeared on Startup Canada.

In this episode, we speak to Sarah and Jamie of Where I Thrive. They share insights on hiring practices and reflect on their experiences, including the lessons learned from their unsuccessful cafe venture. We focus on the importance of knowing when to quit, the dynamics of decision-making in partnerships, and the significance of taking responsibility in business.The post Turning Setbacks into Comebacks with Sarah Thompson and Jamie Rigby first appeared on Startup Canada.