

Startup Canada Podcast
Rick Spence
On the Startup Canada Podcast, we speak with the movers and shakers of Canada’s entrepreneurship community to give a glimpse into the future of business, and share insights on everything from social innovation to the future of work, investing, and why we need to think bigger to take our businesses global.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 30, 2025 • 39min
Documenting Decisions: Clarity for the Construction Industry with Karly Heffernan
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.

Sep 23, 2025 • 46min
The Power of Emotional Literacy for Entrepreneurs with Rhiannon Rosalind
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.

Sep 16, 2025 • 40min
Solving the Messy Middle of Manufacturing with AI with Kathleen Chan
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.

Sep 9, 2025 • 47min
Clarity Over Complexity: Email and AI for Small Business with Amanda Parker
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.

Sep 2, 2025 • 43min
Scaling Smart: Riipen’s Marketplace Approach with Sarah Blackmore
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.

Aug 25, 2025 • 52min
Investing in Misfits: How Difference Drives Innovation with Mandy Potter
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.

Aug 19, 2025 • 47min
Trees, Technology and Transparency with Derrick Emsley
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.

Aug 12, 2025 • 48min
Buying Business: How to Spot Opportunity in the Ordinary with Maureen Ngo
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.

Aug 5, 2025 • 41min
Upskilling a New Generation of Leaders with Sarah Stockdale
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.

Jul 29, 2025 • 44min
Redefining Representation Starts with Play with Samantha Ong
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.


