What is the impact of building startup communities and how can we best support entrepreneurs? Presentation at international conference: Universities developing social entrepreneurship through cross-sector collaboration. York St John University, 1-3 September 2015

Activities include: -A national network of grassroots Startup Communities and Communty Builders -Startup Connect – an online directory, network and marketplace for the Canadian entrepreneur -High-impact social and mainstream media cultural campaigns, flagship events and cross-sector initiatives “We are entrepreneurs on a mission to build an environment for entrepreneurial momentum and success in Canada”

-There needed to be a link between organisations and entreprenurs -They are connectors -Started with a core group -“A road map to help entrepreneurs” (Startup Peterborough) -Communication

-A “connection point for all entrepreneurs” (Startup Calary) -A cultural gap. Society needs to “understand the true value of entrepreneurship to their community, to their society [and] to their country…entrepreneurs are the most important people in the world just below moms” (Startup Fredericton) -Startup Winnipeg received $1 million from the federal government -Struggled to keep volunteers

-Communities don’t always want money. Some times time and support is more valuable -Entrepreneurs want more mentoring, one-on-one support and co-working spaces. -“Many entrepreneurs don’t know the language to search for it” (funding) (Startup Ottawa) -Education for entrepreneurs varied greatly between communities -Government support varied dramatically across Canada

-Startup Edmonton have had over 35,000 participants. Seen over 250 apps, games and projects created. -Startup Montreal generated over $200,000 of business between startups and small companies. -Electronic chips made in Startup Winnipeg’s facilities are now part of the international space station

-The communities “sustain or increase economic growth” (Startup Saskatoon) -Impact through training and education -They “enhance the talent pool for private industries” (Startup Calagry) -People are empowered to solve problems themselves, and they can do it locally.

-Advocacy -Inspiration -Expertise -Improve: -More flexibility around marketing and social media -Simplify and focus the mission -Host a roundtable -Explore support for later stages of community development

- Some communities require more help with digital aspects such as social media and online presence (ie. websites) - Leaders should follow up more often with individuals in their community. Many struggled to know how exactly they are helping entrepreneurs. - Make sure stakeholders and others understand what they do and they are not here to compete but complement one another.