FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, ON — Startup Canada is proud to announce the return of Startup Women and the launch of its 2026 programming. This comprehensive program is designed to advance women-identifying entrepreneurs across Canada by providing the support, resources, and community needed to thrive at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey.
Building on the success of 2025, which engaged over 4,400 entrepreneurs and maintained an impressive 9 out of 10 satisfaction rate, Startup Women 2026 will feature free expert-led webinars, intimate industry roundtables, in-person community events, and direct access to program leaders through mentorship opportunities, all focused on helping women founders build, scale, and succeed.
“We know that when you support women, you support a nation, and I’m incredibly grateful to our partners for making that possible,” said Jenn Juby, Interim CEO of Startup Canada. “Their commitment means we can remove financial barriers and deliver programming that creates real connections, not just between women entrepreneurs and resources, but between founders and the ecosystem leaders who truly understand their journey. That’s what transforms businesses and builds the community every entrepreneur needs to succeed.”
What to Expect in 2026
Startup Women 2026 will deliver programming from February through November, providing ongoing support and connection opportunities designed around what women entrepreneurs need most: expert guidance, real connections, and practical tools to move their businesses forward.
Expert-Led Webinar Series
From March to October, Startup Women will host webinars covering topics including transforming ideas into market-ready businesses, understanding the funding landscape in Canada, and scaling for growth. Sessions feature presentations and panel discussions designed to deliver insights entrepreneurs can use immediately.
Industry Roundtables
Running from February to November, five focused industry roundtables will bring women founders together for honest, sector-specific conversations. Industries covered include, Women In: STEM, Food & Beverage, Creative Industries, Retail & E-commerce, and Franchise Businesses. Participants gain insights from late-stage founders, engage in candid discussions with support organizations, and connect with peers facing similar challenges across Canada.
Startup Women In-Person Events
Four high-impact in-person events throughout 2026 will foster deep connections from coast to coast between national and local ecosystem supporters, directly addressing regional needs through guided conversations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
Startup Women Advocacy Network (SWAN)
Running from April to October, SWAN will provide storytelling opportunities and amplify the voices of diverse women-identifying entrepreneurs across Canada through roundtable discussions and features during Small Business Week.
Mentorship on Tour
Startup Women leaders will be available for one-on-one mentoring sessions at Startup Canada Tour stops in Halifax, Victoria, and Mississauga. Entrepreneurs can meet with women leading and excelling in their industries for guidance on funding expertise, marketing, sales, and regional or industry-specific topics.
Enhanced Resource Guide
Startup Women’s comprehensive resource guide connects women-identifying entrepreneurs with funding, training, events, and programming available locally, regionally, and nationally.
Get Involved
All webinars and industry roundtables are 100% free. In-person events will be ticketed at accessible prices for early-stage entrepreneurs. Mentorship opportunities will be available at Startup Canada Tour stops in Halifax, Victoria, and Mississauga.
If you would like to attend one of our Tour stops, you can register here:
Halifax, Nova Scotia
You can also participate by visiting our webpage here to register for webinars and roundtables.
For questions about the program, contact women@startupcan.ca For questions or to inquire about speaking or mentorship opportunities, you can fill out the form here.
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