The Saskatoon Maker Fair and Toronto’s Tempo Space are the two first-ever recipients of Startup Canada’s Trushield Insurance Retail Startup Fund.
The fund, launched in September of this year, invests in high-impact projects that support entrepreneurs in the retail sector.
“Canada’s startup community goes beyond tech and includes a vibrant retail sector that has transformed significantly with the explosion of e-commerce and social media,” said Victoria Lennox, CEO of Startup Canada. “Retail entrepreneurs are leveraging technology, innovating, and setting their sights on local sustainability and global growth. The Saskatoon Maker Fair and Tempo Space are excellent initiatives to remove barriers and increase opportunities for retailers to test the market.”
The Saskatoon Maker Fair is an initiative of Startup Saskatoon — which will launch in 2016 — is meant to attract people of all ages with creative activities that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the production process. Tempo Space, meanwhile, helps alleviate barriers to entry for retail entrepreneurs with its platform that allows retailers to find temporary space.
“We are delighted to be awarded the TruShield Retail Startup Fund,” said Stephanie Yong, community lead at Startup Saskatoon. “This is a great opportunity for our community to bring together local entrepreneurs and showcase the talents of our creative makers.”