FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, ON — Startup Canada has announced the return of the Startup Canada Tour for 2026, a national in-person event series designed to connect entrepreneurs with the resources, networks, and ecosystem support needed to start and grow successful businesses in Canada.
The 2026 Startup Canada Tour will launch in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on April 29, followed by Victoria, British Columbia, on September 29, and conclude in Mississauga, Ontario, on October 29. The Mississauga stop will include both in-person and virtual participation options, expanding access for entrepreneurs nationwide.
The Startup Canada Tour brings together entrepreneurs, ecosystem support organizations, industry experts, and mentors to provide practical guidance, meaningful connections, and streamlined access to resources. The Tour supports entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey, with a particular focus on early-stage founders navigating startup and growth challenges.
“Over the years, I have witnessed first-hand the positive impact that Startup Tour has had on early stage entrepreneurs and small businesses. The opportunity to connect, gain exposure and find resources in one place is not only exciting but a key component in building and scaling a successful business,” said Jenn Juby, Interim CEO of Startup Canada.
What to Expect in 2026
The 2026 Startup Canada Tour will feature high-energy experiences designed for connection and collaboration, along with the return of several popular program elements. Attendees can look forward to inspiring keynote speakers taking the mainstage as well as important panel discussions with topics including some of the biggest pain points facing our nation’s founders.
Entrepreneurs can expect the return of the popular and high-demand Ask the Expert Lounge, offering one-on-one guidance from experienced advisors and ecosystem partners, and the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition, returning to each Tour stop, inviting founders to compete for cash prizes.
Each event will also include expanded networking opportunities designed to help turn introductions into meaningful, long-term partnerships. Based on participant feedback, Startup Canada is shaping the 2026 Tour to be its most impactful yet.
While speakers, partners, and detailed programming will be announced closer to each event, the 2026 Startup Canada Tour will continue to offer:
- Educational workshops and panel discussions focused on real-world business challenges
- Direct access to mentors, advisors, and ecosystem support partners
- Networking and connections that encourages collaboration and peer learning
- Tools and resources that support business sustainability and growth
The Startup Canada Tour reflects Startup Canada’s commitment to strengthening Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting founders across regions, industries, and communities.
2026 Startup Canada Tour Dates
- Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 – April 29, 2026
- Victoria, British Columbia, at Victoria Conference Centre – September 29, 2026
- Mississauga, Ontario, at the Living Arts Centre – October 29, 2026 (In-person and virtual participation available)
For more information, visit https://www.startupcan.ca/startuptour.
About Startup Canada
Startup Canada is the gateway to Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We connect entrepreneurs with the support, community, and tools they need to build successful businesses in Canada. Since 2012, Startup Canada has grown to support more than 130,000 entrepreneurs annually and an ever-growing ecosystem support network from coast to coast to coast. Through flagship and digital programs, Startup Canada provides guidance, eliminates barriers, and champions entrepreneurs to private and public sector partners—helping make Canada the best place to start and build a business. For more information, visit https://www.startupcan.ca/.
Media Contact
Olivia Jacobs
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
Startup Canada
press@startupcan.ca