Startup Canada has named Sean Wise as its first fellow for Startup Communities, a program aimed at building stronger entrepreneurial communities across Canada.
Wise will work towards helping the startup communities program reach its goal of establishing 100 communities across the country.
Since its launch in 2012, Startup Canada has established 25 startup communities designed to provide entrepreneurs with access to tools, resources, and promotional support. As a fellow of the program, Wise will work with Startup Canada for one year to accelerate the development of startup communities in various cities across the country, visiting existing communities as well as new communities interested in joining Startup Canada’s program.
“I have followed the development of startup communities in Canada and have experienced first hand the importance of building this culture of community, entrepreneurship, and innovation,” said Wise, who is an associate professor of entrepreneurship at Ryerson University. “I am delighted to assist Startup Canada in strengthening the program by helping wantrepreneurs become entrepreneurs, helping founders go from start to smart, and mentoring Startup Communities to empower their regions through entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.”
Wise will also work towards helping the startup communities program reach its goal of establishing 100 communities across the country. On October 6, Wise will begin his tour of visiting 20 communities in various cities in Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia.
“Dr. Sean Wise has been a stalwart supporter of Startup Canada since it launched in 2012 and has been a great asset to our community,” said Victoria Lennox, the CEO and co-founder of Startup Canada. “His new role as the fellow will strengthen local and national connections between entrepreneurs and access to tools, networks, advisors, and opportunities to start, sale, innovate and pivot.”
Wise’s fellowship is supported by Ryerson University and The First 100 Steps to Startup, a digital program for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses.