Woods, LaFortune LLP attended the very successful Startup Canada Economic Club of Canada Luncheon on November 25, 2014 at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. The topic of discussion at the Luncheon was “Growing Canadian Entrepreneurship: Reducing The Startup Failure Rate and Improving Financial Management”. Specifically, the need to encourage and achieve financial literacy among entrepreneurs in Canada was addressed as an important way to ensure their continued growth and success in various market sectors and locations.
A recent study conducted by Intuit Canada identified financial illiteracy as one of the largest barriers to the success of entrepreneurs. In response to this finding, the Startup Canada Financial Literacy Committee was launched to provide private sector-led initiatives to increase financial literacy among Canadian entrepreneurs. The panelists identified and explored some of the key challenges faced by startup companies and discussed the best approach to creating more resilient and high-growth companies. Overall a well attended and highly informative event.
Speakers and panelists included the Honourable Kevin Sorenson (Minister of State (Finance) for the Government of Canada), Lucie Tedesco (Commissioner of Financial Consumer Agency of Canada), Jeff Cates (President of Intuit Canada), Cairine Wilson (Vice-President, Member Services and Publisher, CPA Magazine, CPA Canada), and Laura O’Blenis (Chair, Startup Canada Task Force). The panel was moderated by former BNN Anchor and Startup Canada Board Director Andrea Mandel Campbell.
