Startup Canada and TruShield Insurance jointly announced today the launch of a new fund dedicated to the creation of more high-growth businesses in Canada.
The new TruShield Retail Startup Fund is looking for individuals, businesses, and organizations in Canada with projects aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in the retail sector, such as retail-specific business training and pop-up shops. Applications for the fund are due October 7th, and can be submitted here.
“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 TruShield Retail Startup Fund will help startup communities and grassroots organizations provide tailored support and programming for retail entrepreneurs.”
In addition to the fund, the two organizations also announced the launch of the TruShield Startup Community Scholarship, designed to help grassroots startup communities launch across Canada. Through the scholarship, TruShield will cover the membership fees, marketing materials, and training for five new volunteer-run Startup Canada Communities across Canada (Startup Canada has supported more than 23 grassroots Startup Communities to date). More info on the TruShield Startup Community Scholarship will be released later this year.
“Small business is the backbone of the Canadian economy, which is why we have been dedicated to providing protection to Canadian small business owners for over 95 years,” said Teed Burns, National Director of TruShield Insurance. “Launching businesses that are “fresh” and “relevant” is critical in the retail sector, but can also be expensive. Through this fund and scholarship, we aim to support entrepreneurs in launching vital services that better Canadian communities.”