Canada’s most spectacular and memorable urban areas are thoughtfully planned out by teams of bright innovators. For the best results, Mayor Jeff Lehman knows urban economies flourish when collaborating public and private entrepreneurship. “Government has to embrace the idea that we can work with the startup community and even embed them in what we do.” Jeff Lehman, as the 46th Mayor of the City of Barrie, had led a series of urban innovations through public and private entrepreneurship. He is a seasoned economize as well as an innovative urban planner. In this week’s #StartupPodcast, host Rivers Corbett talks to Mayor Jeff about the opportunities of urban innovations when public office meets private entrepreneurs.

Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) represents a nationwide network of women and companies. WCT is dedicated to the advancement of women as leaders and contributors to Canada’s digital economy. “Were not just talking about it, were making a difference with programs in place that...

Ailish Campbell’s seasoned history in the public service is the foundation for her ability to create long lasting impact in policy. Ailish is the driving force behind exporting, investing and partnership developments for entrepreneurs in Canada. “I think it is our job to help entrepreneurs navigate government. Our trade commissioners know the entire ecosystem and follow the exporter through their whole journey.” Ailish is one of Canada’s leading women role models in the public service as the Chief Trade Commissioner of Canada and Assistant Deputy Minister of Global Affairs. A government game changer, Ailish is working to shape the lives of Canadians through policy and reform. In this week’s #StartupPodcast, host Rivers Corbett talks to Ailish about what it takes to empower a generation of women entrepreneurs and how she’s working to create a globally competitive Canadian economy.

As the Director of SheWorx, a Toronto-based mentorship hub for women entrepreneurs, Ria Lupton is closing the funding gap by democratizing access to top mentors and investors. She’s also driving the global movement for gender parity in entrepreneurship. “Educate yourself around whatever you are supporting,...

After experiencing dissatisfaction in her life and career, Cortney climbed out from her personal rock bottom to create a world in which the success people saw on the outside was the same as the success she felt inside. In 2017, Cortney published her book, Change Starts Within You, a memoir on self-awareness, self-reflection and an ode to personal sustainability. that changes the way high-achievers see success.Cortney is a TEDx speaker and a former executive at Vanity Fair Corporation. Since leaving the corporate world for bigger and better things, she’s started and co-founded multiple companies. In this week’s #StartupPodcast, host Rivers Corbett talks to Cortney about her personal journey from rock bottom to sustainable success.

He wears many hats, and sometimes wears them all together. He is a golf disruptor, sports architect, and a podcast host. Originally coming from an international architectural background, Colin Westin brings innovative designs to the sports industry and re-imagines the ways people enjoy sports, particularly golf. “I’m an architect, an entrepreneur, and we just have to figure things out. We just have to find a way that’s part of the tenacity, the curiosity, and the resolve that makes us the entrepreneurs that we are.” As the co-founder of REVIVER Sports + Entertainment, Colin’s latest project conceptualized a surf park next to the golf course in Vancouver. His innovative approach comes from another right mindset: taking calculated risks as an entrepreneur. He is also an engaging podcast host at the ModGolf Podcast, where he talks to golf’s top influencers and entrepreneurs. In this week’s #StartupPodcast, host Rivers Corbett talks Colin about his vision as sports innovator and how he’s pursuing entrepreneurship.

With over 109,000 members, Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is the largest organization in Canada devoted exclusively to the interests of independent small business owners. “The foundation of the organization has been on the advocacy side, it’s what got us started and motivates us...

Listen as host Rivers Corbett talks to Nicky Billou about empowering those around him to invest in themselves and become their most successful selves on the #StartupPodcast.

If you’re a Canadian who’s traveled abroad, you’ve likely had a conversation describing your favourite Canadian dish. With three ingredients and the potential for hundreds more, Canadian’s often bond over gravy, curds, and PEI potatoes. Ryan Smolkin, the Founder and CEO of Smokes Poutine is no stranger to the poutine frenzy - in fact, he started a poutine empire spanning borders.“I had the concept for years and years and it was just loading everything on top of that fries, cheese, curds, and gravy!” Ryan is the Founder and CEO of Smoke’s Poutinerie, the world’s largest award-winning poutinerie. Ryan has topped his fries with everything and anything you can think of and treats his business and brand the same way. A serial entrepreneur, Ryan started his first venture in 1996 with Amoeba Corp, a branding agency that worked with brands such as Nike, Molson and YTV. Ryan’s original take on poutine along with his electric energy and vision has taken his poutine business from Toronto to the United States. In this week’s #StartupPodcast, host Rivers Corbett talks to Ryan about building businesses from scratch, balancing being a founder and a dad, and of course his plans for global poutine domination.

Laura is Vice President of Alberta South at the Business Development Bank of Canada – Canada’s only financial institution devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs. “Understand your strengths and weaknesses and surround yourself with people to fill those gaps, like a good accountant or financial advisor to...