Your Late-Summer Entrepreneur Game Plan | August 11 Edition
Startup Canada
Connecting Canada’s entrepreneurs with the tools, community and support to start and build their businesses
This LinkedIn edition gives you a taste, but the full Startup Your Week newsletter delivers the insights that matter most to Canadian entrepreneurs, including a carefully curated roundup of recent news articles, entrepreneur-focused events, funding announcements, and ecosystem updates you won’t want to miss.
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BDC Small Business Week is Just Around the Corner!
We know it’s still summer, but if there’s one thing we know about entrepreneurs, it’s that you’re always thinking ahead. That’s why we’re already looking toward October and the return of BDC Small Business Week. Whether you’re scaling, pivoting, or just starting out, Small Business Week is a prime moment to pause, get inspired, and refocus your strategy. So while you’re dreaming big under the sun, don’t forget to mark your calendar and read on to see what’s in store for #SBW2025.
In this 45th edition, BDC is calling on entrepreneurs to embrace change, act boldly, and innovate. Canada is undergoing an unprecedented transformation: the disappearance of internal trade barriers, the redefinition of global economic relations, the rise of AI, and a wave of business transfers. Entrepreneurship is evolving rapidly, and the status quo is becoming risky. BDC Small Business Week is taking place October 19 to 25, 2025, under the theme “An economic revolution is underway: position your SME."
SMEs are at the heart of this transition. Throughout Small Business Week, we will explore the impacts of these upheavals and the levers for action for small businesses. Where will your business be in 10 years? It's time to prepare it for this revolution.
More details will be released soon, but be sure to stay in the loop so you don't miss out!
Looking for a carefully curated roundup of recent news articles, funding announcements, and ecosystem updates? Subscribe to the full newsletter and stay one step ahead.
Startup Global
Moncton Pitch Competition - Sept 17
Attention early-stage founders in New Brunswick! Step into the spotlight at our Moncton pitch competition for a chance to win $3,000, receive expert feedback, and secure your spot in the $70,000 Startup Global Finals.
Startup Canada Tour
Mississauga Tour Stop - Oct 21
Calling all entrepreneurs, don’t miss your chance to connect with Canada’s top founders, funders, and startup support organizations at the Startup Canada Tour stop in Mississauga. Join us in person to take advantage of this stellar networking opportunity or join us online to gain insights, grow your network, and move your business forward.
Mississauga Pitch Competition - October 21
Ready to take the stage with your big idea? Pitch live at our Mississauga Tour stop for a shot at $3,000, real-time feedback from industry pros, and a path to the $70,000 Startup Global Finals.
Startup Women
Event Recaps - Startup Women 2025
Missed one of our events? No worries, every session is recorded and available on our YouTube channel. Catch up anytime and learn directly from the experts on the topics that matter most to your business.
Startup Canada Equal Slice Program
Virtual Pitch Competition | October 7
Ready to share your startup with the world? This high-energy Pitch Competition is your chance to spotlight your business, get game-changing feedback from industry pros, and compete for your share of $100,000 in cash grants!
Startup Canada Tariff Toolkit and Impact Report
The Startup Canada Tariff Toolkit is your go-to source for curated tariff news, resources, and events, delivering the most relevant updates in one streamlined space, so you can focus on growing your business. If you only read 1-2 tariff updates today, we suggest reading our “Key Tariff Update” in the top section of our Tariff Toolkit.
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At 14, I discovered that 85% of clothing ends up in landfills despite being reusable. This waste produces billions of tons of CO₂ annually, yet little action was being taken. Remembering Hana, I turned her missed opportunity into my mission. In 2023, I founded Keswick Tailoring—starting with a logo, building community support, and gaining local media attention. With backing from industry leaders, I secured funding, opened a storefront, and hired expert tailors with 15+ years of experience.
In 2024, we received recognition from the Georgina Chamber of Commerce as an influential business. We’ve since been honored by the Empowering Women in Business Awards, Women Empowerment Foundation, provincial funding, and the Green Business of the Year award.
By June 2025, Keswick Tailoring saved over 45 tons of CO₂ emissions and became internationally recognized. Looking ahead, we're launching Canada’s first climate-friendly men's suit line and alterations in one stop and AI-powered experience where our customers can get consultations online.
Want to learn how scrappiness and community can fuel entrepreneurial journeys? In this episode, Sarah Stockdale , Founder & CEO of Growclass, shares her mantra, “Just don’t die,” and how it embodies the resilience and resourcefulness that drives her mission. Tune in to explore how Growclass empowers underrepresented founders through growth marketing education and collective support.
In partnership with Mastercard and Constant Contact
💯 Excellent
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