EDL partners with Startup Canada to bring national entrepreneur-led initiative to Lethbridge

Economic Development Lethbridge (EDL) is calling any and all entrepreneurs to join an exciting opportunity to forge new policy and direction in Canada. EDL is proud to announce that it is a Founding Community Member of Startup Canada–Canada's first-ever, entrepreneur-led, national movement to enhance the nation's competitiveness and prosperity by supporting and celebrating Canadian entrepreneurship.

Startup Canada is harnessing the collective energies of Canadian entrepreneurs and enterprise support communities from coast-to-coast with the goals of providing the entrepreneurship community with a strong voice, promoting a vibrant entrepreneurial culture and creating a unified brand that Canadians can rally around.

Alberta's launch will be in Edmonton on May 31 as part of the AccelerateAB conference. Then, the national tour delegation (including Rick Spence, a columnist with the National Post, and Andrea Mandel-Campbell, former anchor of CTV's Business News Network) will be in Lethbridge on June 7 and 8 to learn from business owners and take that input back to Ottawa.

"This is an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs of all levels and interests to come together in a collaborative environment to identify issues, share ideas and develop solutions that will contribute to a shared national vision for Canada's entrepreneurial future," says EDL CEO Cheryl Dick. "With research indicating that more than half of all new private sector jobs are created by fewer than three per cent of companies, we know businesses are an integral part of a vibrant economy and we want to ensure this region has the resources to support them."

The tour will engage 25,000 Canadians and 250 partner organizations with more than 30 town halls and 100 Fringe Events across the country. Startup Canada officials say, "This unique effort will not only identify key challenges facing Canadian entrepreneurs, but will bring them together in a way they never have been before. It's the beginning of a critical conversation and the first step in a new way of thinking."

A recent study by an MIT researcher indicates that for every 100 new jobs created in the private sector 55 jobs will be created by the expansion of existing local business, 44 jobs will be created by new start-up companies and one new job will be created by a corporate relocation.

In order to encourage an environment that supports that type of growth, it is important for entrepreneurs to register now! Visit www.chooselethbridge.ca/startupcanada or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by May 18.

Startup Canada Event Overview

Thursday, June 7

Kick-Off Ceremony (open event)
Time: 1:00–1:45 p.m.
Place: tecconnect – An Alberta centre for new commerce (3582 30 St. N)
Join Startup Canada officials, Economic Development Lethbridge and our partners as we kick-off two days of events to celebrate, highlight and support entrepreneurs in the Lethbridge area. This media event will promote the Startup Canada initiative and highlight the important role entrepreneurs play in the development of our economic and innovation ecosystems.

En-tour-prenuer Afternoon (closed event)
Time: 2:00– 4:30 p.m.
Place: Leaving from tecconnect (transportation provided)
Startup Canada members, federal officials and city representatives will take part in this afternoon tour to create awareness of the diversity of entrepreneurs in the Lethbridge area that are building interesting businesses. Tours will include entrepreneurial companies in industries such as Bio-Fuel, Information & Communications Technology, Hospitality and Manufacturing.

Startup Canada Reception (open event)
Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Place: Lethbridge City Hall Foyer
This reception will provide an opportunity for networking with community leaders, government representatives, the Economic Development Lethbridge Board, local business leaders and other stakeholders.

Friday, June 8

Startup Canada Town Hall (open event)
Time: 9:00a.m.–noon
Place: TBD