On April 29th, over 1000 entrepreneurs from across Alberta came together at the BMO Centre for the Calgary stop of the 2025 Startup Canada Tour, creating an inspirational hub buzzing with ideas, energy, and the collective wisdom of both seasoned leaders and first-time founders. The day unfolded as a powerful catalyst for connection and learning, offering a deep dive into the critical challenges and exhilarating triumphs of building a business in today’s dynamic landscape. From the mainstage, ten insightful sessions delivered a potent mix of honest truths, actionable advice, and forward-thinking perspectives, igniting a shared passion for Canadian innovation.
Here’s a look back at the standout moments and key takeaways from the Calgary mainstage, offering a glimpse into the impactful conversations that fueled the entrepreneurial spirit in the room. For those who couldn’t join us, get ready to be inspired!
Welcome to the Startup Canada Tour – Calgary
Startup Canada’s CEO, Kayla Isabelle, kicked off the day by underlining the value of in-person connection. “This isn’t just another event. This is where you meet the people who are going to shape your journey.” The message was clear: entrepreneurs thrive in community, not in isolation.
Representatives from the Hunter Family Foundation, the University of Calgary, and Platform Calgary echoed this sentiment, celebrating the strength of Calgary’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the importance of funding, mentorship, and collaboration.
Burning Boats & Building Empires
Speaker: Brett Colvin, Co-founder, Goodlawyer
Brett Colvin’s keynote, “Burning Boats & Building Empires,” ignited the audience with powerful anecdotes and a call to embrace discomfort. Drawing parallels to figures like Oprah and Walt Disney, who faced setbacks before achieving legendary success, Colvin emphasized that “If you wanna take the island, take the boat,” highlighting the necessity of unwavering commitment. He challenged the notion of comfort-driven founders, stating, “Great founders aren’t driven by comfort. They’re driven by the discomfort of doubt.” With vivid imagery, he described startups as “pirate ships, scrappy, risky, underfunded,” where survival and a shared belief in a world-changing vision are the driving forces.
Key Takeaway: True entrepreneurial success often arises from embracing challenges and pursuing a vision with relentless dedication, even amidst uncertainty.
Emerging Technologies and the Future of Small Business
Moderator: Kayla Isabelle, CEO, Startup Canada
Panelists: Amanda Parker, General Manager, Canada, Constant Contact | Cara Wolf, CEO & Founder, Ammolite Security | Danielle Gifford, Director of AI, PwC
Startup Canada CEO Kayla Isabelle expertly guided this dynamic panel exploring the transformative power and potential pitfalls of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, for small businesses. Danielle Gifford cautioned entrepreneurs about free AI tools, stating, “If you aren’t paying for something, you are the product,” emphasizing the importance of understanding data privacy. Cara Wolf highlighted the adversarial use of AI in cyberattacks, urging startups to realize that “your IP, your communications, your ideas, those are all worth protecting from day one.” Amanda Parker focused on the practical application of AI, encouraging founders to “pick the problem” they want to solve.
Key Takeaway: While emerging technologies offer immense opportunities, entrepreneurs must be mindful of data privacy and security from the outset.
Tips to Reduce Shopping Cart Abandonment
Speaker: Paul Gaspar, Director of Small Business, UPS Canada
E-commerce success hinges on converting browsers into buyers, and UPS Canada’s Paul Gaspar provided a masterclass on tackling the dreaded shopping cart abandonment. He emphasized that as a new entrepreneur, “It doesn’t hurt for you to negotiate with your carrier to have discounts and rates in place for all other service options, so that you could provide that to your customers.” Gaspar offered actionable strategies around transparent shipping costs, diverse payment options, clear return policies, and leveraging technology for accurate information.
Key Takeaway: A seamless and trustworthy online shopping experience, with clear and fair pricing, is crucial for minimizing cart abandonment and maximizing sales.
Thriving Through Failure: A Fireside Chat on Mental Health in Entrepreneurship
Moderator: Paul Gaspar, Director of Small Business, UPS Canada
Panellists: Bobbie Racette, Founder & CEO, Virtual Gurus | Dr. Ryan Todd, Psychiatrist & Co-founder, Headversity
This powerful fireside chat bravely addressed the often-overlooked realities of the entrepreneurial journey: the challenges to mental health. Bobbie Racette shared her personal journey, stating, “I didn’t come this far just to come this far,” underscoring the resilience required. Dr. Ryan Todd highlighted the importance of proactive mental health skills, advising founders to “identify your emotion” and “know who your group/go-to is.” He also emphasized the inevitable sacrifices, urging entrepreneurs to “choose your sacrifice” consciously. Paul Gaspar framed the conversation by stating, “Mental health and entrepreneurship need to be part of the same conversation. We celebrate grit and growth, but we also need to support the people doing the growing.”
Key Takeaway: Prioritizing mental well-being and developing coping mechanisms are essential for navigating the demanding entrepreneurial path.
From Dream to Launch: A Roadmap to Go from Idea to Reality
Speaker: Jeff Mitchell, Founder, Lane Two
Jeff Mitchell offered a practical and inspiring roadmap for turning entrepreneurial dreams into tangible launches. He emphasized the importance of understanding “what currencies matter most to you” beyond just monetary value. Mitchell stressed the need to “build market awareness is the first step, then provide the evidence,” highlighting the crucial role of prototypes and mock-up testing. His core advice was direct: “Go spend more time talking to your customers than to your competition.”
Key Takeaway: A customer-centric approach, coupled with tangible evidence of your solution, is fundamental to successfully launching a business from an initial idea.
Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition | Calgary Top 5
This high-energy session showcased the top five finalists from the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition in Calgary. These promising early-stage ventures took to the mainstage to present their innovative ideas and business models to a panel of expert judges. The competition provided a valuable platform for these startups to gain exposure, receive critical feedback, and compete for prizes and recognition. The audience witnessed the cutting edge of Calgary’s burgeoning startup ecosystem and the passion driving these emerging entrepreneurs. The announcement of the Calgary pitch winner at the end of the event highlighted the city’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and the exciting talent within its ranks.
Doubling Down on DEI: Why Inclusive Entrepreneurship Matters More Than Ever
Moderator: Dennis Agbegha, Regional Manager, Inclusive Entrepreneurship, BDC Panelists: Musap (Moose) Abdel, Founder, President & CEO, SIYS and CEO, QA Enterprises | Shannon Pestun, Senior Advisor, Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub and Co-Founder, The Finance Cafe
This vital session tackled the imperative of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today’s entrepreneurial landscape. Moderator Dennis Agbegha set the tone, emphasizing that DEI is no longer optional but a fundamental driver of future business success and economic prosperity. Musap Abdel passionately advocated for creating opportunities for underrepresented youth. Shannon Pestun powerfully highlighted the significant economic potential being lost by not fully embracing inclusivity.
Key Takeaway: DEI isn’t just a social imperative; it’s a core business strategy for innovation and economic growth.
Prove Your Market – Marketing without a Budget
Speaker: Nathan Yeung, Founder, Find Your Audience
For startups bootstrapping their marketing efforts, Nathan Yeung delivered a masterclass in resourcefulness. Challenging the notion that “no money” equals “no problem,” Yeung emphasized creativity and direct engagement with the market. He stated, “No money is not an excuse. The reality is: no funds is not a problem,” stressing that the real issues often lie in focus and messaging. He championed the power of momentum, saying, “You don’t need money, you just need momentum. Momentum is the compound interest of grinding.”
Key Takeaway: Resourceful and customer-centric marketing strategies, focused on clear messaging and consistent effort, can effectively prove your market even without a significant budget.
Securing the Bag – Financing Strategies for New Entrepreneurs
Moderator: Miguel Barrieras, Chief Community Banking and Impact Officer, BDC Panelists: Holly Atjecoutay, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Director of the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program, Futurpreneur | Braden Haley, Co-Founder, Summit Dogwear | Shawna Morning Bull, Manager, Business Development, Community Futures Treaty Seven (CFT7)
Navigating the complexities of funding was expertly addressed by this panel of financing champions. Holly Atjecoutay emphasized the importance of “understanding your value proposition.” Braden Haley stressed the need to “be shameless” in building relationships. Shauna Morning Bull advised entrepreneurs to honestly assess, “‘Is this a business or just an expensive hobby?'” The panel collectively highlighted the importance of a strong foundation, clear communication with lenders, and leveraging available resources.
Key Takeaway: A well-defined business, proactive networking, and a realistic assessment of your venture are crucial for securing funding as a new entrepreneur.
Innovating With Purpose: How to Build a Startup That Stands for More
Moderator: Brenda Beckedorf, CEO, Society 5.0 Speaker: April Hicke, CEO, Toast
In this session, Hicke shared her journey of building a values-driven company, emphasizing the importance of trusting your instincts, stating, “You have to trust your gut… nobody knows your business better than you.” She also highlighted the power of authentic relationships, noting, “Impact over ego… relationships have been the key for us. Relationships are everything. Nothing is transactional.” Hicke firmly believed that “Don’t sacrifice your purpose for profit. Purpose and profit can coexist.”
Key Takeaway: Building a startup rooted in strong values, authentic relationships, and a clear purpose fosters resilience and long-term impact.
Thank you, Calgary!
The 2025 Startup Canada Tour stop in Calgary was a resounding success, leaving attendees energized, informed, and more connected than ever. The dynamic discussions, practical insights, and inspiring stories underscored the vibrant spirit of Canadian entrepreneurship and Startup Canada’s unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem for all.
From bold conversations around mental wellness and DEI to practical strategies for funding, scaling, and securing your startup’s future, Calgary’s sessions were packed with value at every turn. Entrepreneurs walked away with fresh ideas, new relationships, and renewed motivation to take the next step in their journey.
To relive the energy and impact of the Calgary stop, check out our photo gallery capturing the key moments, speakers, and startup community that made it unforgettable. A huge thank you to our incredible partners, speakers, and attendees for making it all possible.
As we gear up for the next stop in Mississauga, one thing is clear: when entrepreneurs come together, great things happen. Register now and be part of the momentum.
We hope to see you at our next Startup Canada Tour Stop in Mississauga in October.