Startup Canada Board of Directors Board Member

Board of Directors | Board Member

Role TypeVolunteer, Part-TimeLocationCanada (Remote)TermTwo-year renewable termRecruitment WindowMay 2026 to August 2026, rolling review

About Startup Canada

Startup Canada is the nation’s gateway to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. As a national non-profit, we connect, empower, and champion Canada's founders at every stage of their journey, from ideation to international scale. Through national programs, cross-country events, advocacy, and funding opportunities, we eliminate barriers and pave the way for entrepreneurial success from coast to coast to coast.

We have been scaling our national impact since 2012. In 2025, Startup Canada engaged over 156,000 founders and ecosystem supporters in our programs, podcasts, and communications across +400 cities and townships from every province and territory in Canada. We hosted over 40 in-person and virtual events, including 5 closed-door policy roundtables with federal and provincial ministers, and provided over $170,000 in non-diluted funding to founders across Canada.

Our Vision

To position Canada as a global leader in entrepreneurship.

Our Mission

To connect and empower entrepreneurs and foster an ecosystem that drives innovation, inclusion, and economic growth across Canada.

The Opportunity

This is an active, engaged governance role for senior leaders who want to help shape the future of Canadian entrepreneurship. Startup Canada's Board of Directors provides the highest level of strategic oversight, fiduciary accountability, and organizational leadership. Directors play a meaningful role in guiding the organization through a period of significant growth and national impact.

We are recruiting 2 to 4 Directors to join our Board for a 2-year renewable term, ahead of our Annual General Meeting in August, 2026.

Board Responsibilities

As a Director, you will:

• Provide governance oversight and strategic direction for Startup Canada
• Uphold your fiduciary duties to the organization and its stakeholders
• Support the CEO and senior leadership team as a strategic thought partner
• Participate in Board committees aligned to your expertise
• Serve as an ambassador for Startup Canada's mission with your networks and communities
• Contribute to fundraising strategy and partnership development at a governance level
• Help shape organizational policy and ensure strong governance standards

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking Directors with depth of experience in at least one of the following profiles, who also bring a passion for Canadian entrepreneurship, a strategic mindset, and a readiness to contribute actively.

Legal Expertise

• Corporate, nonprofit, or regulatory law experience at a national level
• Ability to provide legal guidance on governance, contracts, and organizational risk
• Experience advising boards or executive teams on compliance and legal accountability
• Familiarity with Canadian nonprofit and charitable law is a strong asset

Policy, Grant Writing, and Funding

• Knowledge of federal and provincial funding ecosystems
• Experience in grant writing, public policy development, or government program design
• Relationships with key funders, government departments, or policy decision-makers

Capital and Government Networks

• Established relationships with investors, funders, and senior government officials
• Experience mobilizing capital or government support for organizations or initiatives
• Ability to open doors and champion Startup Canada's mission at the highest levels
• Strong network within Canada's innovation, investment, or public sector communities

National Platform Scaling

• Experience scaling a national brand, membership organization, or multi-region program
• Track record of growing audience, reach, or community engagement at scale
• Ability to advise on organizational growth strategy and long-term sustainability

We strongly encourage applications from leaders who reflect the diversity of Canada's entrepreneurial community, including women, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Please notify us in your application if you require accommodations during the interview process.

The Commitment

Board service is a meaningful time investment. Here is what Directors can expect:

• Minimum 2-year term
• Quarterly Board Meetings: 2 hours each (virtual)
• Quarterly Committee Meetings and Strategy Meetings (virtual)
• Annual General Meeting: 1 per year, virtual or in-person (travel and accommodation covered by Startup Canada for in-person attendance)
• Committee participation: ongoing, aligned to your area of expertise
• Availability to support the CEO on strategic matters between meetings as needed

Interested in learning more about Startup Canada’s work? Check out the Startup Canada 2025 Impact Report.

How to Apply

Please send your application to careers@startupcan.ca with the subject line: Board of Directors 2026.

Your submission must include:

• A one-page cover letter sharing why you want to join Startup Canada's Board of Directors, and your area of expertise as it relates to the profiles above
• Your resume

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will be invited to a conversation with Startup Canada's Governance and Nominations Committee in June.