FoundersBeta Startup Forum - Recent Topics

CanExport SMEs Non-dilutive Funding $50,000

FoundersBeta — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 22:03:27 +0000

CanExport SMEs 2026 intake is now open. CanExport SMEs program offers $50,000 funding to cover 50% of eligible costs to enter new international markets

It is designed for Canadian startups and SMEs:

-Canadian, for-profit SMEs with
– 3 to 500 full-time employees
– $300K to $100M in annual Canadian revenue

Deadline: Applications will be accepted from 12:00pm (ET) on February 4, 2026 until 12:00pm (ET) on May 29, 2026 for the 2026-2027 year.

EXTENDED August 31, 2026

Export development activities like trade events, travel to meet buyers, market intelligence, translation and marketing adaptation, and IP or contract support.

Funding is assessed competitively on a rolling basis while funds remain available.

Creative Export Canada Export Development Stream

FoundersBeta — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:59:08 +0000

Canadian businesses and organizations can access up to $90,000 in non-repayable funding through the Creative Export Canada Export Development Stream. The program is designed to help organizations grow their international presence by supporting export initiatives, including market expansion, partnership development, trade missions, sales activities, and strategies to enter new global markets. Funding can cover up to 75% of eligible project expenses.

Who Can Apply?

Canadian-owned for-profit or not-for-profit organizations
Operating in an eligible creative industry sector
Annual revenue below $10 million
Employs at least one full-time staff member
Proposing an export-focused project aimed at international market growth

Learn More

NEW Startup Forum Welcome

FoundersBeta — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:25:07 +0000

Welcome to the FoundersBeta new Startup Forum, a community for founders, builders, entrepreneurs, creators, freelancers, and startup enthusiasts to connect, learn, and support one another.

Whether you're validating an idea, building your first product, raising funding, hiring talent, growing a business, or simply looking to meet like-minded people, this is your space to ask questions, share experiences, and help others succeed.

Community Guidelines

1. Be Respectful

Treat everyone with respect and professionalism. Healthy debate is encouraged, personal attacks, harassment, discrimination, or offensive behavior are not.

2. Be Helpful

Share knowledge, insights, resources, and constructive feedback. The best communities are built on people helping each other.

3. Keep Discussions Relevant

Post content related to startups, entrepreneurship, technology, business growth, marketing, fundraising, product development, careers, networking, and related topics.

4. No Spam or Excessive Promotion

You are welcome to share your startup, product, event, job opportunity, or content when relevant. However, avoid repetitive self-promotion, unsolicited sales pitches, or posting solely for advertising purposes.

5. Give More Than You Take

Before promoting your own project, consider contributing to discussions, answering questions, and supporting other members.

6. Protect Privacy

Do not share private, confidential, or sensitive information about yourself or others without permission.

7. Keep It Professional

FoundersBeta is a professional community. Content that is inappropriate, misleading, deceptive, or harmful may be removed.

8. No Solicitation

Do not use the community to mislead members, collect information under false pretenses, or promote questionable opportunities.

9. Share Opportunities Thoughtfully

Feel free to post funding opportunities, jobs, events, accelerator programs, grants, partnerships, and resources that may benefit the community.

10. Have Fun and Build Connections

Some of the best startup relationships begin with a simple conversation. Ask questions, introduce yourself, collaborate, and support fellow founders on their journey.

Small Business Competition $10,000

FoundersBeta — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 20:09:32 +0000

Huumans has launched My Canada. My Story., a national campaign inviting small business owners across Canada to submit a 60-second video explaining who they are, what they are building, and the journey behind their venture.

Submissions are officially open for My Canada. My Story.—a national campaign by Huumans powered by Merchant Growth, supported by TEC Canada, to celebrate the real people behind Canadian small businesses.

They are putting everyday founders under a national spotlight and giving away some massive prizes to help boost local businesses:

1st Place: $10,000 cash
2nd Place: A free mountain getaway to Banff, Alberta
3rd Place: Lifetime video promotion for your business

The entry process is super straightforward and takes less than 90 seconds. You don't need a polished, corporate commercial—they actually just want a raw, honest cell phone video answering 4 quick questions about your business journey.

Submissions close on July 1, which is the exact day all the videos go live on YouTube for the public voting window.

If you want to claim your share of the national spotlight (or know a fellow entrepreneur who deserves a $10,000 boost), check out all the details and submit your video here: https://www.huumans.com/my-canada-my-story