Startup Canada Announces Jenn Juby as Interim CEO During Kayla Isabelle’s Parental Leave
Guiding Canada’s Entrepreneurial Community Through a Season of Growth
Ottawa, Ontario, September 15, 2025 – Startup Canada announced today that their current Managing Director, Jenn Juby, will be stepping in as Interim CEO, effective September 15, 2025, as the current CEO, Kayla Isabelle, begins her parental leave.
An entrepreneur herself, Jenn brings decades of leadership and executive operations experience across the private sector, global organizations, and the startup ecosystem. She successfully scaled and exited her own retail business during the pandemic, growing it from the ground up to over $10 million in revenue in just sixteen months.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are thrilled to welcome Jenn into the Interim CEO role,” said Ali Taiyeb, Board Chair of Startup Canada. “Her entrepreneurial track record and leadership expertise make her exceptionally well-suited to guide Startup Canada during this transition.”
Brenda Beckedorf, Vice Chair of the Board, added, “Jenn has already made a tremendous impact at Startup Canada, leading our programs, operations, and national team as Managing Director. We are confident she will provide steady leadership and continue to champion our community of entrepreneurs across the country.”
“It is an honour to step into this role during Kayla’s parental leave,” said Jenn Juby, Interim CEO of Startup Canada. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation Kayla and the team have created, and continuing to support entrepreneurs who are driving innovation and economic growth in Canada.”
Startup Canada extends its best wishes to Kayla and her family during this exciting new chapter, while reaffirming its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs through national programs, advocacy, and community-building initiatives. Kayla will return to the organization in the summer of 2026.
About Startup Canada
Startup Canada is the gateway to Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. We’re here to connect entrepreneurs with the support, community, and tools they need to build a successful business in Canada. Since our inception in 2012, Startup Canada has grown to support more than 130,000 entrepreneurs annually and an ever-growing entrepreneurial ecosystem support network from coast to coast to coast. Through our flagship and digital programs, we provide guidance, eliminate barriers, and champion the needs of each and every entrepreneur to private and public sector partners. Startup Canada supports entrepreneurs in starting up and scaling up to ultimately make Canada the best place to start and build a business. For more information, visit https://www.startupcan.ca/.
Media Contact:
Britney Bresciani
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
press@startupcan.ca