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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Discover how Cole 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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  

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.

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.

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.