Photo credit: City of Mississauga
Mississauga is preparing to welcome entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders from across Canada as the Startup Canada Tour returns to the city on October 29, 2026, at the Living Arts Centre.
As one of only three Canadian stops on the 2026 Startup Canada Tour, Mississauga will host a national gathering focused on entrepreneurship, innovation and business growth. The event aims to connect early-stage founders, scaling companies and small business owners with industry experts, investors, mentors and resources to support their entrepreneurial journeys.
Building on the success of last year’s event, the Startup Canada Tour will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, interactive workshops and networking opportunities designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of building and scaling businesses. The Tour is presented by Pizza Hut, Scotiabank and UPS, with IDEA Mississauga and Visit Mississauga supporting the Mississauga stop as local event partners.
Connecting Canada’s Startup Ecosystem
The event will bring together startup founders, investors, business leaders and ecosystem organizations to explore opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and business development. Attendees will have access to the Ask the Expert Lounge, where entrepreneurs can connect directly with mentors and advisors for practical guidance on launching, managing and growing their businesses. The program will also feature discussions on entrepreneurship, business development and strategies for navigating today’s competitive business environment.
Featured speakers include:
- Emily O’Brien, Founder and CEO, Comeback Snacks (Keynote Speaker)
- Kayla Isabelle, CEO, Startup Canada
- Anand Misir, Founder and CEO, Access2Pay Ltd.
- Donna Heslin, Manager of Small Business Enterprise and Innovation, Invest Mississauga
- Gharsa Amin, CEO, Kavodax
- Graham McBride, Investor and Altitude Angels Member, LarchHill Capital Inc.
- Paul Gaspar, Director of Small Business, UPS Canada
The event will also feature a fireside chat between Donna Heslin and Gharsa Amin, offering perspectives on entrepreneurship and business growth.
National Pitch Competition Offers $30,000 Grand Prize
One of the event’s major highlights will be the Startup Global National Pitch Competition, providing entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their businesses, gain national exposure and compete for funding. Participating founders will have the chance to win $8,500 and secure a place in the Grand Finale in Mississauga, where finalists will compete for a national grand prize of $30,000. Attendees will also have an opportunity to participate by voting for the People’s Choice Award, which carries a $1,000 prize. Beyond the financial awards, the competition offers participating startups an opportunity to present their businesses to investors, industry leaders and members of Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Mississauga Strengthens Its Position as an Innovation Hub
The return of the Startup Canada Tour highlights Mississauga’s growing role in Canada’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. With a diverse business community and an expanding network of entrepreneurs, technology companies and support organizations, the city continues to position itself as a destination for business development and investment.
“We’re proud to support premier events like the Startup Canada Tour that help to connect entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks and support they need at every stage of their business journey. From valuable introductions and mentorship opportunities to investor connections and national recognition through the pitch competition, the event can help open doors that support future business growth.” – Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Economic Development, City of Mississauga
The event also represents an opportunity to showcase the city’s business community to entrepreneurs and investors visiting from across Canada.
“We’re pleased to welcome the Startup Canada Tour back to Mississauga, and to show our support as an event partner. Bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders from across Canada creates valuable opportunities to connect and collaborate, while showcasing our vibrant and growing city. Events like this support our local economy and reinforce Mississauga’s reputation as a destination where people come together to build connections, share ideas and succeed.” – Victoria Clarke, CEO, Visit Mississauga
Building Connections Beyond the Event
As Canada’s startup ecosystem continues to evolve, events like the Startup Canada Tour provide opportunities for founders to build relationships beyond their local markets, discover new resources and connect with potential partners and investors. For Mississauga, hosting one of the Tour’s three Canadian stops provides another opportunity to strengthen its national visibility as a centre for entrepreneurship and innovation. The Startup Canada Tour takes place on October 29, 2026, at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, with opportunities to participate online.
Entrepreneurs and business leaders interested in attending can learn more and register through the official event website.
