Startup Canada and EDC open call for submissions to the Adam Chowaniec Memorial Fund for Global Entrepreneurship

OTTAWA, ON--(Marketwired - November 16, 2016) - Startup Canada and Export Development Canada

Startup Canada (StartupCan.ca) and Export Development Canada (EDC.ca) are calling for submissions to the Adam Chowaniec Memorial Fund for Global Entrepreneurship. The Fund invests in high-impact initiatives that advance the prospects of Canada's globally-oriented, entrepreneur-led companies.

"The time has never been better for Canadians to start strong and scale in global markets," says Victoria Lennox, co-founder and CEO of Startup Canada. "Startup Canada is committed to providing and promoting global growth opportunities for every entrepreneur. We are proud to partner with EDC to invest in grassroots organizations that are supporting Canadian entrepreneurs in their pursuit of global success."

Established in 2015, the Fund is in memory of Dr. Adam Chowaniec, the Founding Chairman of the Startup Canada Board of Directors and a former EDC board member. Known in Canada's tech community for his involvement in starting, growing, and selling more than a dozen companies, Dr. Chowaniec was instrumental in encouraging and supporting Canadian businesses to anchor deeply in Canada and to grow into strong, global companies.

"Adam was a champion of entrepreneurs who made an immense contribution to the Canadian entrepreneur community," says Paul Day, Vice-President of Investments at EDC. "We are proud to honour his memory by partnering with Startup Canada to invest in entrepreneur-led initiatives across Canada, encouraging and supporting them in exporting and leveraging global markets to grow their business."

The Fund is open to Canadian entrepreneurs, groups and organizations to execute programs and initiatives that support export-focused startups and small businesses. Applications close January 31, 2017.

​The first round of the Fund invested in projects led by three Canadian organizations: Ontario-based Go South! Consulting Inc., Alberta-based Leduc-Nisku Economic Development Association, and the British-Columbia based Vancouver Angel Technology Network (VANTEC).

As a result, more than 400 entrepreneurs gained access to resources, training and opportunities to help them scale their companies globally through the first cohort of projects funded.

"Thanks to the support of the Adam Chowaniec Memorial Fund, we were able to deliver five workshops across Canada in partnership with the Startup Canada Community," says Miryam Lazarte, Co-Founder of Go South! Consulting Inc. "We believe that Canadian entrepreneurs should go global from day one, and that includes the booming Latin American markets. Thanks to Startup Canada and EDC​, ​a cohort of entrepreneurs from across Ontario and Quebec gained insights into opportunities in Latin America, and Go South! will continue to deliver the training for years to come."

Visit www.startupcan.ca/adam-chowaniec-memorial-fund-for-global-entrepreneurship to apply.

About Startup Canada
Startup Canada is the leading national social enterprise supporting and giving a voice to entrepreneurs through online programs, national awards, flagship events, and partnerships with private sector and government to foster a community for startup and small business success across the country. Learn more at startupcan.ca.

About EDC
EDC helps Canadian companies go, grow, and succeed in their international business. As a financial Crown corporation, EDC provides financing, insurance, bonding, trade knowledge, and matchmaking connections to help Canadian companies sell and invest abroad. EDC can also provide financial solutions to foreign buyers to facilitate and grow purchases from Canadian companies.

About Adam Chowaniec
Adam was a one-of-a-kind visionary, entrepreneur, and trailblazer who inspired and influenced the lives of those around him. Recognized for his leadership, business excellence and innovation, Adam was a leading champion of entrepreneurship and high-growth export companies. Believing fiercely in going global, the value of mentorship, and the fundamental importance of culture, he became the founding Chairman of Startup Canada in May 2012. An investor in the next generation of companies, Adam also offered his time and expertise generously, including his membership on the Board of Directors for Export Development Canada.