NOVEMBER 2023 | INNOVATINGCANADA.CA
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A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
Supporting Small Business Q&A WITH
Jenny Bird From your experience, what words of encouragement and guidance can you offer to those who have a great business idea but might be held back by self-doubt or fear of failure? Just go for it! Inertia kills want-to-be founders. Don’t overthink it and be open to adjusting your initial idea over and over until you have a viable business model. Never be afraid to say “I don’t know” and to ask for help. Get over your fear of failure right away. Surround yourself with positive people, and
We chatted with Jenny Bird, Founder and Creative Director of JENNY BIRD, to learn how she got started in the jewellery business, how she balances work and life, and her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. seek out mentors you feel aligned with. You choose who you surround yourself with.
Could you share the story of how you founded JENNY BIRD and what inspired you to start your own business in the jewellery industry? Despite my successful brand marketing career, I wasn’t fulfilled. I daydreamed of a big, beautiful creative life where I was designing things I loved while being in charge of my days, who I was surrounded by, and ultimately my own destiny. I found my passion for jewellery after a first chapter with handbag design. I believed in my creative talent.
How did you manage your time and energy while growing JENNY BIRD and do you have any advice for maintaining that balance? You must fiercely protect the time for your wellness each day against the raging needs of your growth Scan here to read the full company like it’s a interview with Jenny on sport. This is the hardinnovatingcanada.ca. est one to commit to but it will always deliver the highest returns. I also recommend regularly disconnecting and unplugging to get into an inspired headspace and out of the tiresome day-to-day distractions.
Startup Global Pitch Competition: Road to the 2023 Grand Finale Startup Canada’s Startup Global Pitch Competition puts the spotlight on innovative, global-ready, early-stage Canadian startups. Kayla Isabelle, CEO, Startup Canada
E
xporting can be a scary word, especially for early stage entrepreneurs. It’s this fear that persuades many founders to restrain all operations to local markets — forced to squeeze more juice out of the same lemon. In reality, involvement in international markets offers founders expanded customer bases, diversified supply chains, and improved stability amidst periods of localized economic uncertainty. Startup Canada’s Startup Global program connects a cohort of early stage entrepreneurs with networks of international ecosystem partners and celebrates those making waves in the global marketplace. This year’s Startup Global Pitch Competition finalists — selected at hybrid competitions as part of our cross-country Startup Canada Tour — are proving that Canada’s innovative, early stage ventures are internationally competitive.
1. Hinterland Flour Mill — Whitehorse, Yukon The Yukon’s first flour mill, Hinterland is working to help shape a sustainable food system in Northern Canada.
2. Aruna Revolution — Halifax, N.S. As a producer of compostable menstrual pads, Aruna Revolution provides an affordable and environmentally responsible period product.
3. Mae: Making Auto Easy — Vancouver, B.C. The first-ever unbiased car shopping experience built for women, by women.
4. HEAT-MX — Montreal, Que. HEAT-MX provides performance benefits and environmental contributions never before seen in the outdoor product and clothing industry.
5. ImaginAble Solutions — Hamilton, Ont. Creator of the technology Guided Hands — an assistive device enabling anyone with limited fine motor skills to write, paint, draw, and
acce s s technology.
6. MycoFutures — Bonavista, N.L. This cleantech startup cultivates mycelium — the root system of fungi — to create a new, circular material for the fashion industry and beyond.
7. Tokidos — Montreal, Que. The first screen-free gaming console for kids aged three to eight, to play independently or as a family.
8. mDETECT Inc. — Kingston, Ont. mDETECT is transforming how treatment decisions are made for late-stage, metastatic cancer patients through its innovative “liquid biopsy” technologies.
Once the remaining competitors are announced, all 10 finalists will compete live on October 26th during the Grand Finale in Brampton. Secure your virtual or in-person ticket at startupcanadatour.ca.
Senior Strategic Account Manager: Anna Sibiga Strategic Account Manager: Olivia Delbello Strategic Account Director: Jessica Golyatov Country Manager: Nina Theodorlis Production Lead: Michael Taylor Creative Lead: Kylie Armishaw Designer & Web Editor: Christina Morgan Digital Media Coordinator: Kristen Neals Content Strategist: Nicole Kansakar This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve Maclean’s Magazine or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.