Get ready to connect and grow! Mississauga is one of only three Canadian stops on the Startup Canada Tour

As one of only three Canadian stops on the 2026 Startup Canada Tour, Mississauga will welcome entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and business leaders from across the country to the Living Arts Centre on October 29. Building on the success of last year’s event, the Tour will connect attendees with industry experts, support organizations and practical resources to help start and grow businesses, while highlighting Mississauga’s key role as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.  

The Startup Canada Tour is presented by Pizza Hut, Scotiabank and UPS, with IDEA Mississauga and Visit Mississauga proudly supporting the Mississauga stop as local event partners. 

What

The Startup Canada Tour in Mississauga gives attendees a chance to: 

• Learn from inspiring keynote speakers and industry experts. 
• Gain practical business advice through panel discussions and workshops. 
• Connect with mentors and advisors in the Ask the Expert Lounge. 
• Build relationships with entrepreneurs, investors and support organizations. 
• Discover new tools, resources and strategies to help grow their businesses. 
• Explore opportunities to start, scale and succeed. 

Entrepreneurs can also compete in the Startup Global National Pitch Competition for a chance to win $8,500 and secure a spot in the Grand Finale in Mississauga, where finalists will compete for a national prize of $30,000. Attendees will also vote for a People’s Choice Award winner, who will receive a prize of $1,000. 

Who 

The event will bring together entrepreneurs, startup founders, scale-up leaders, small business owners, investors, students and ecosystem partners. Attendees will hear from business leaders, entrepreneurs and industry experts, including: 

• Emily O’Brien, founder and CEO of Comeback Snacks (keynote speaker) 
• Kayla Isabelle, Chief Executive Officer of Startup Canada 
• Anand Misir, Founder and CEO of Access2Pay Ltd. 
• Donna Heslin, Manager of Small Business Enterprise and Innovation, Invest Mississauga 
• Gharsa Amin, CEO of Kavodax 
• Graham McBride, Investor and Altitude Angels member at LarchHill Capital Inc. 
• Paul Gaspar, Director of Small Business for UPS Canada 

The day will also feature a fireside chat with Donna Heslin and Gharsa Amin.  

When

Thursday, October 29, 2026
Doors open: 8:30 a.m.
Mainstage and breakout sessions: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Event concludes: 5:15 p.m. 

Where 

Living Arts Centre
4141 Living Arts Dr.
Mississauga, Ontario 

Registration 

Tickets start at $49 plus fees and taxes. Register here using the promotional code MISSISSAUGA30 at checkout for 30 per cent off all passes. 

About IDEA Mississauga 

IDEA Mississauga, powered by Invest Mississauga, the City’s Economic Development Division, brings together industry, government, education and organizational leaders. It helps startups and scale-ups bring those ideas to market. IDEA Mississauga gives entrepreneurs access to mentorship, services and a strong network of partners and talent. From startup to scale-up, IDEA supports businesses in turning ideas into real-world impact.   

About Visit Mississauga 

Visit Mississauga is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the City of Mississauga. As an industry-led organization, it is responsible for developing the city’s tourism strategy, leading tourism marketing and development efforts, promoting local businesses and attracting business, sport and leisure events to Mississauga.  

About Startup Canada   

Startup Canada is the gateway to Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem that points you in the right direction, eliminates barriers, and champions your needs to private and public sector partners. We connect you with support organizations and peers across the country with industry expertise, regional knowledge, and funding to help you start and build successful businesses. 

Quotes 

“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 

“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   

“Mississauga is home to thousands of entrepreneurs looking to start and grow a business, and we’re thrilled to bring the Startup Canada Tour back to the city on October 29, 2026. Founders who join us at the Living Arts Centre or online will leave with new connections, practical strategies and the backing of a regional and national community that is invested in their success. Strong Canadian businesses are the foundation of a strong, sovereign Canada, and supporting the founders building them here at home has never been more important. We’re grateful to the City of Mississauga for championing its entrepreneurs and helping make this day possible.” 

— Kayla Isabelle, CEO, Startup Canada   

Digital Assets 

Download assets from Startup Canada

View the Startup Canada Tour – Mississauga 2025 video 

Tags

• Economic Development
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Tourism