Canada, Let’s Look Into Our Backyard and Buy From Startups
This Canada Day got me thinking, how can we create more startups in Canada that turn into scaleup businesses? A big shoutout to all the Canadian founders and business owners who are hustling on the day off to create new job opportunities and economic growth in this country. We need more support and resources for entrepreneurs in Canada now more than ever. Here are some ways to help:
1. Share their site and follow them on social.
This is one of the most useful things you can do, and it costs nothing. If you like a product, hit that like or share button! It will greatly help the founder.
2. Try out a product or be a beta tester when you can.
Early-stage startups are hungry for users and feedback. One of the best ways to help is to try out a product and give honest feedback. This will greatly help them so they don’t spend months, or even years, building the wrong thing.
3. Purchase when you can. Be that first customer!
This is absolutely huge. Sales are the lifeline for startups. Not only do they provide validation, but they also give startups some fuel to keep going.
4. Let’s look into our own backyard when selecting products and services first.
We’re seeing too many large organizations spend their budgets outside the country when they could be spending them here, which can, in turn, create more job opportunities.
5. If a founder reaches out to earn your business, give them a “yes” or “no” answer.
There’s too much ghosting going on! A yes or no is one of the best things you can do for that founder.
6. Refer folks who may be able to use the product or service.
Referrals help startups save time and money on marketing. Marketing is never free.
7. Advocate for better policies that support startups, including funding, banking, and procurement.
As one of the founders said in the Canadian startup documentary, we need to give startups a market to sell to. Many times, their customers are coming from outside the country because we don’t take a chance on them.
Canada has huge potential to become a global startup hub, but that starts with actually buying from startups and supporting local innovation. Next time if you’re buying something consider buying locally first! It will help that small business grow and create job opportunities.