Startup Canada Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Zena Harris, Founder and President of GreenSpark Group, to explore how she’s transforming sustainability in the film and entertainment industry. From recycling foam spaceships on The X-Files to helping studios and national broadcasters embed sustainable practices, Zena shares what it really takes to change an entire industry from the inside. We dive into circularity, leadership, and why the future of entertainment depends on the choices being made behind the scenes.The post Sustainability on Set: Transforming Entertainment with Zena Harris first appeared on Startup Canada.

Julie Cole is the Co-Founder and Senior Director of Mabel’s Labels. In this episode, she shares her journey from being a lawyer to an entrepreneur. She discusses the early days of Mabel’s Labels, the evolution of their products, and the importance of storytelling in business. Julie emphasizes the significance of networking, managing expectations, and the value of flexibility in entrepreneurship.The post How Community and Storytelling Built Mabel’s Labels with Julie Cole first appeared on Startup Canada.

Maria Halfyard is the Founder of the Canadian raincoat brand Mernini. Hear about how she identified a gap in the outerwear market to successfully launching her brand. Maria discusses the importance of problem-solving, adaptability, and customer feedback in building a business.The post Made for Newfoundland Weather: The Mernini Origin Story with Maria Halfyard first appeared on Startup Canada.

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.The post Advice on Building, Failing and Growing with Michele Romanow, Jenn Harper and Wes Hall first appeared on Startup Canada.

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. The post Reconnecting People, Places and Culture Through Plants with Shayla Chalifoux first appeared on Startup Canada.

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.The post Transforming Caregiving: When Engineering Meets Empathy with Andrew Karesa first appeared on Startup Canada.

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.