Kayla Isabelle
CEO, Startup Canada
As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, it’s vital to celebrate the Canadian entrepreneurs who are disrupting their industries and delivering thoughtful, innovative solutions to consumers. However, it’s equally important to support these entrepreneurs through the current crisis and collectively empower them to thrive.
Startups helping Canadians
Adversity is fuelling innovation in Canada’s entrepreneurial landscape despite the pandemic. These innovations have resulted in a number of new tools that are helping consumers navigate the pandemic, such as:
- VitalTracer, co-founded by Azadeh Dastmalchi, launched a medical-grade smartwatch that continuously measures all vital signs and provides cardiac monitoring, while also serving as an early-stage COVID-19 prediction solution.
- Canamasq, co-founded by Audra Renyi, is a transparent face mask that allows people with hearing disabilities to read lips and see facial expressions.
Adversity is fuelling innovation in Canada’s entrepreneurial landscape despite the pandemic.
Tools and resources for entrepreneurs
Across the country, individuals and organizations have been working to promote and empower entrepreneurs, their employees, and Canada’s collective startup community.
Amid growing mental health concerns, platforms like Snap Clarity have pivoted to provide specialized COVID-19 mental health resources for entrepreneurs. Acknowledging the growing importance of local networks, Startup Canada’s Communities program supports the connectivity and promotion of healthy entrepreneur-led communities across the country. Startup Canada also offers a number of supports for underrepresented entrepreneurs, including resource guides for women and Indigenous founders, the THRIVE Podcast for Women Entrepreneurs, and weekly Twitter-based #StartupChats, as well as unannounced 2021 programming.
