Alumni Event Empowers Founders 

Founders from Empowered Startups’ Canada Startup Visa (SUV) Program  recently gathered in Vancouver for an alumni event that was as productive as it was social. The event provided another example of Empowered’s commitment to support its founders with tangible actions that go far beyond the mandatory Letter of Support international entrepreneurs must procure in order to enter the SUV Program.

Network Activity 

One of the great advantages that Empowered Startups provides its founders is access to a large, experienced network that includes entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated the SUV Program. The gathering of alumni brought together founders who are at various stages of their entrepreneurial journeys in an environment conducive to sharing details about their businesses and their experiences in adjusting to life in Canada. 

“This meeting has given me the opportunity to meet other co-founders, other startups, and put heads together… [to] hear challenges, hear successes and where to go,” remarked Chidi Uneze, co-founder of Metaverse Medical.  

Fellow entrepreneur Anh Nyguen offered her perspective on the impact of both the event and the larger network she has been exposed to since working with Empowered Startups.   

Meeting with Mentors  

While alumni comprised the majority of the group at the event, a number of mentors from Empowered Startups were also on hand to connect in person with founders they’ve helped guide. Employing accomplished, professional mentors is another aspect of Empowered’s SUV Program that distinguishes it as the industry leader. Mentors like Matthew Pattinson, Alex Wheaton, and Zoya Brar are frequently referenced as integral resources by the entrepreneurs who are adapting to unfamiliar markets and business environments in North America.    

“I think the key influence that I’ve had is to interact with people who’ve walked the path. It’s a different thing getting advice and guidance from people who’ve just done it in theory and not really being an entrepreneur,” shared BK Cariappa, founder of Joie Professional Wellbeing.  “Some of the mentors that we’ve had are people who have successfully set up their own businesses. It’s good to hear the advice and input from people who’ve already been there and done that, so we don’t have to make our own mistakes and learn from that. I think that was the biggest takeaway that I took from my interaction with our mentors at Empowered.” 

Professional Development 

In addition to sharing details about what they are currently working on in their respective businesses, the founders also used the event as an opportunity to hone their presentation skills by giving pitches and soliciting feedback from one another. Not only did this practice allow for a valuable exchange of techniques and ideas, but it also stimulated conversation about potential collaboration as entrepreneurs gained a deeper understanding of how their businesses might help each other.    

Founders also had the chance to get current high-quality headshots for their professional platforms and websites from a skilled photographer provided by Empowered Startups. Several alumni noted the service aligned with the ongoing support and strong relationship they maintain with Canada’s leading SUV Incubator.   

Learn more about the Canada SUV Program