June 9, 2016 – Startup Canada, the leading national grassroots organization supporting and giving a voice to entrepreneurs, was today celebrated for the ongoing contributions of its vibrant volunteer community. The organization was recognized as a recipient of Canada’s Volunteer Awards in the Social Innovator category from Employment and Social Development Canada.
Canada’s Volunteer Awards are presented to regional and national recipients to recognize contributions of volunteers, local businesses and innovative not-for-profit organizations in improving the well-being of families and their communities.
The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jean-Yves Duclos personally presented Startup Canada CEO Victoria Lennox with the award at a ceremony in Ottawa.
Startup Canada will celebrate its volunteers at a Volunteer Reception in Ottawa on June 14.
Quick Facts:
- Startup Canada launched in 2012 with a network of 300 volunteers and remained an entirely volunteer-run organization until 2014.
- Today, more than 500 volunteers across Canada donate their time and expertise to run national and local Startup Community events to inspire, educate and connect entrepreneurs to each other, to support, mentorship and growth opportunities.
- Startup Canada’s flagship program, the Startup Canada Communities network, operates in 25 communities in nine provinces and one territory with the help of local volunteers.
- Startup Canada plans to expand this network to 100 communities by 2017 to better support entrepreneurs across Canada to unlock their full economic and innovative potential.
- Individuals interested in volunteering are encouraged to email hello@startupcan.ca to be connected with their local Startup Community.
Quotes:
“Congratulations to Startup Canada volunteers for their outstanding work and for receiving the Canada’s Volunteer Awards for Social Innovator. Thanks to your network of entrepreneurs you are improving the well-being of Canadians by using innovative ideas and approaches,” said the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.
“Thanks to the grassroots support of hundreds of Startup Canada volunteers, many of whom take time away from their own young companies to champion the efforts of their fellow entrepreneurs, Canada is bursting with entrepreneurial creativity and innovation; and communities are embracing a culture that welcomes and nurture entrepreneurs of all stages, ages and sectors as they start-up and scale,” said Victoria Lennox, CEO and co-founder of Startup Canada.
“I first joined Startup Canada in 2013 because I wanted to help connect others to build strong communities, to innovate and to start-up,” said Temanuia Noble, a volunteer who has worked with Startup Canada for nearly three years. “When I see startup communities getting bigger, stronger and better connected to one another, I feel that my time is well invested and that I helped make a difference for a better Canada.”
“The beauty of volunteer-driven Startup Communities is that they are built based on passion versus obligation,” said Startup Fredericton Community Leader Rivers Corbett. “This passion extends beyond the entrepreneurs to also include the extended fans of the ecosystem, making this volunteer group truly representative of the entire community.”
For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact hello@startupcan.ca or call 1-844-782-7801 ext. 200.
About Startup Canada
Startup Canada is a grassroots network of entrepreneurs working together to build an environment for entrepreneurship in Canada. Through online platforms, grassroots Startup Communities, and cross-sector initiatives, Startup Canada is advancing entrepreneurial momentum and a culture of entrepreneurship, as the voice of Canadian entrepreneurs. Learn more at www.startupcan.ca