Startup Canada Podcast

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.”The post Upskilling a New Generation of Leaders with Sarah Stockdale first appeared on Startup Canada.

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.  The post Redefining Representation Starts with Play with Samantha Ong first appeared on Startup Canada.

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.  The post Love, Identity, and Moissanite with Justin De Bernardi first appeared on Startup Canada.

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.The post Food Sovereignty and Biology as Software with Jon Lomow first appeared on Startup Canada.

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 customersThe post Staying on Top: Collars, Community an Conscious Business with Braden Haley first appeared on Startup Canada.

Zechariah Thomas, CEO and founder of Swift Hockey, discusses his transformation from pro hockey player to entrepreneur. He tackles the high costs of hockey equipment, advocating for affordable high-performance sticks to make the sport accessible. Zechariah shares his journey of resilience and innovation amidst challenges in establishing his brand and navigating competitive markets. He emphasizes the importance of social media marketing and inclusivity, particularly for aspiring young athletes and women's leagues, aiming to disrupt the expensive hockey gear industry.

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.

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.