On this episode of the Sell Me This Podcast, host Keith Daser talks with Brandy Old and Craig Elias from Alberta Innovates about the real state of entrepreneurship in Canada and what it actually takes to build a viable business.

Brandy and Craig share their work as Technology Development Advisors, supporting founders through business coaching, commercialization guidance, and access to non-dilutive funding. They explain why product-market fit matters more than technical novelty, and how startups can avoid skipping the critical early steps that derail growth.

The conversation introduces practical frameworks like the Traction Canvas and the Slingshot approach, why founders often need to go backward before they can scale forward, and the importance of validating problems through real customer discovery. They also unpack smarter ways to build relationships, from enrolling people in conversations rather than selling to maintaining momentum through simple execution habits.

Whether you’re early in your startup journey or looking to pressure-test an idea before scaling, this episode offers clear guidance from two people working on the front lines of Canada’s innovation ecosystem.

Links to everything mentioned in the show:
https://helpastartupout.com/fridays/
https://helpastartupout.com/resources/
https://helpastartupout.com/3-year-financial-projections-templates/
https://helpastartupout.com/traction-canvas/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you believe you deserve more from your technology partnerships – connect with the team at:
https://www.deliverdigital.ca/?utm_source=videodescription&utm_id=youtube

Sell Me This Podcast is brought to you by the team at Deliver Digital, a Calgary-based consulting organization that guides progressive companies through the selection, implementation, and governance of key technology partnerships. Their work is transforming the technology solution and software provider landscape by helping organizations reduce costs and duplication, enhance vendor alignment, and establish sustainable operating models that empower digital progress.

This episode of the Sell Me This Podcast was expertly edited, filmed, and produced by Laila Hobbs and Bretten Roissl of Social Launch Labs, who deliver top-tier storytelling and technical excellence. A special thanks to the entire team for their dedication to crafting compelling content that engages, connects, and inspires.

Find the team at Social Launch Labs at:
www.sociallaunchlabs.com

Sell Me This Podcast is brought to you by the team at Deliver Digital, a Calgary-based consulting organization that guides progressive companies through the selection, implementation, and governance of key technology partnerships. Their work is transforming the technology solution and software provider landscape by helping organizations reduce costs and duplication, enhance vendor alignment, and establish sustainable operating models that empower digital progress.

If you believe you deserve more from your technology partnerships – connect with the team at:
www.deliverdigital.ca

This episode of Sell Me This Podcast was expertly edited, filmed, and produced by Laila Hobbs and Bretten Roissl of Social Launch Labs, who deliver top-tier storytelling and technical excellence. A special thanks to the entire team for their dedication to crafting compelling content that engages, connects, and inspires.

Find the team at Social Launch Labs at:
www.sociallaunchlabs.com