FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, ON — Startup Canada is excited to announce the launch of Startup Global 2026, a comprehensive program designed to equip Canadian entrepreneurs with the tools, networks, and resources needed to confidently expand their businesses into international markets.
Building on the success of 2025, which engaged over 12,800 entrepreneurs, Startup Global 2026 will feature free expert-led webinars, intimate industry roundtables, two distinct pitch competition streams with a combined $100,000 cash prize pool, and an enhanced resource library, all focused on helping Canadian founders navigate the complexities of global expansion.
The program addresses key challenges entrepreneurs face when expanding internationally, including securing financing and accessing capital, navigating government regulations and compliance, building trust and adapting to cultural and business norms, accessing relevant market information and resources, and achieving market differentiation in competitive landscapes.
“Expanding into international markets can feel overwhelming for entrepreneurs,” said Isabel Nolan, Startup Canada’s Director of Programs. “Startup Global is designed to equip founders with the trusted expertise, funding opportunities, and connections needed to navigate the dynamics of global expansion with confidence.”
What to Expect in 2026
Startup Global 2026 will deliver programming throughout the year, providing ongoing support and connection opportunities for entrepreneurs ready to take their businesses beyond Canadian borders.
Expert-Led Webinar Series
Throughout 2026, from March to November, Startup Global will host comprehensive webinars as part of the Global Launchpad Series, addressing critical aspects of international expansion, including topics such as navigating inter-provincial trade in Canada, building global relationships through cultural intelligence for market success, and delivering beyond borders by navigating global supply chain and logistics. Participants will gain practical insights from entrepreneurs who have successfully scaled across borders, connect with industry leaders and export support organizations, and unlock the networks and resources critical for international growth.
Industry Roundtables
Running from April to October 2026, Startup Global will host focused industry roundtables designed for sector-specific learning and connection. These intimate, closed-door virtual sessions create space for early stage entrepreneurs to tackle sector-specific challenges, learn directly from founders who have navigated their industry’s unique landscape, and connect with peers facing similar challenges across Canada.
Startup Global Pitch Competitions
In 2026, Startup Global is proud to introduce two distinct pitch competition streams, each with its own structure, prizes, and opportunities, giving more Canadian founders more ways to compete.
Startup Global National Pitch Competition — NEW for 2026
The Startup Global National Pitch Competition is our biggest pitch format yet. This brand-new, coast-to-coast competition features three in-person qualifying pitch competitions at Startup Canada Tour stops in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Victoria, British Columbia, and Mississauga, Ontario, plus one virtual pitch competition open to founders from across Canada. One finalist advances from each qualifying competition, four in total, to the Grand Finale in Mississauga.
Each Grand Finale finalist receives $8,500 for earning their spot on the national stage. A People’s Choice Award of $1,000 is presented at each qualifying competition, voted on by the audience. At the Grand Finale, one winner takes home $30,000.
Learn more and apply for the Startup Global National Pitch Competition
Startup Global In-Person Pop-Up Pitch Competitions
Separate from the National Pitch Competition, Startup Global will also host two standalone In-Person Pop-Up Pitch Competitions. These independent events are not connected to the national series and do not feed into the Grand Finale. Locations and dates will be announced later in 2026.
The winner of each event receives a $15,000 cash prize, and a People’s Choice Award of $1,000 is presented at each event, voted on by the audience.
Learn more about the Startup Global In-Person Pop-Up Pitch Competitions
Enhanced Resource Guide
Startup Global’s comprehensive Resource Guide will continue to walk founders through the fundamental stages of exporting, organizing tools and information into an easy-to-follow exporter’s journey map. This guide provides clear overviews and direct access to national resources, whether entrepreneurs are new to exporting or looking for a refresher.
Program Partners
“For founders, access to the right expertise at the right time can be the difference between stalled growth and successful global expansion,” said Jenn Juby, Interim CEO, Startup Canada. “Support from UPS and Export Development Canada allows us to remove cost barriers and connect entrepreneurs with critical resources and proven support systems that help founders expand into global markets with success.”
Startup Global 2026 is made possible through the support of co-presenting partners UPS and Export Development Canada (EDC).
Get Involved
All webinars and industry roundtables are 100% free. The Startup Global National Pitch Competition is now open for applications at the Halifax Tour stop, with Victoria and Mississauga opening soon. Our two standalone In-Person Pop-Up Pitch Competition locations and dates will be announced later in 2026.
If you would like to attend one of our Tour stops, you can register here:
Entrepreneurs interested in participating in Startup Global 2026 can visit the Startup Global page to register for webinars and roundtables.
For questions about the program, contact [email protected]
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