On Wednesday, October 13th, we hosted #StartupChats in advance of Small Business Week to celebrate entrepreneurship with Mastercard. We talked about the meaning of Small Business Week and the ways entrepreneurs across Canada celebrate it.
We were joined by three great entrepreneurs;
Zahra Qureshi, Executive Director at Social Venture Circuit & Principal
Mary Doyle, CEO of Rural on Purpose
Nunzio Presta, CEO of BuyAndSellABusiness.com
What does Small Business Week mean to Canadian entrepreneurs?
A2. I always try to shop with local small businesses – especially now. They are the fabric of our economy and without them we’ll be in trouble #StartupChats
— LYNDON [THINK DIFFERENTLY] JOHNSON (@THINK_Lyndon) October 13, 2021
A2 Small Business Week is important to recognize & celebrate small businesses, especially since the onset of the global health crisis. The resilience of the community is unparalleled, with the number of SMBs going online tripling between pre-pandemic & 2021. #StartupChats
— Mastercard Canada (@MastercardCA) October 13, 2021
A2/1: This week is all about celebrating the hard work done by SMEs and the courage they have to live on their own terms! As an ex pro athlete, routine was and still is a part of my life. One thing I stand strong on: “my non-negotiables”. 👇 #StartupChats
— BuyAndSellABusiness.com (@buyandsellabiz) October 13, 2021
What accomplishments are entrepreneurs are celebrating?
A4 While challenging, the past year created incredible opportunities for those that could innovate & take advantage of the expansive reach of digital channels. According to an analysis by Mastercard Test & Learn, SMBs attracted more customers & boosted revenue. #StartupChats
— Mastercard Canada (@MastercardCA) October 13, 2021
A4: Entrepreneurship through acquisition! It’s far cheaper, much less risky & potentially just as profitable as chasing a unicorn. We’re extremely vocal about letting the entrepreneurial community know that they don’t have to start a business to own one. #StartupChats pic.twitter.com/kipwIINf7H
— BuyAndSellABusiness.com (@buyandsellabiz) October 13, 2021
A4 I want to acknowledge all of the #SocialImpact businesses out there making the world kinder, safer and healthier. I believe that meaningful contribution is at the heart of being human. Thankfully entrepreneurs have faith in the future. @MastercardCA #StartupChats pic.twitter.com/fqpk6YnjJw
— Mary Doyle (@CanadianTutor) October 13, 2021
What makes Canadian entrepreneurs proud?
We have so many social entrepreneurs and changemakers who care about helping their communities and protecting the environment. Love their passion and dedication and we are thrilled to support it#startupchats
— Social Venture Circuit (@thesvcircuit) October 13, 2021
We have so many social entrepreneurs and changemakers who care about helping their communities and protecting the environment. Love their passion and dedication and we are thrilled to support it#startupchats
— Social Venture Circuit (@thesvcircuit) October 13, 2021
A7 Participating in International events that repeatedly reference Canadian innovations in social development. While WE see all the work we have yet to do, others see the work that we have already done. No time to rest though folks – we still have much to do. #StartupChats pic.twitter.com/kqUZAiSXNb
— Mary Doyle (@CanadianTutor) October 13, 2021
All the funding, mentorship, grant & support programs that are available through various govt organizations, and non-govt ones as well like @Startup_Canada, @RyersonDI, @rotmanschool, @TRSMRyersonU, etc. #StartupChats #CanadianBiz https://t.co/2c6iXW6sXL
— Shaun Pingitore (@shaunpingitore) October 13, 2021
We are so proud of Canadian entrepreneurs and recognize how important it is to celebrate the work that they do and how they show up every day, from coast to coast to coast. If you want to see this entire #StartupChats conversation, you can read the whole transcript.