Welcome to Canada Startup Association ™

Canada Startup Association™ (CSA) is more than an organization—it is a thriving community where startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs come together to drive collaboration and innovation. Through peer-to-peer learning, expert-led networking events, and access to critical resources, CSA cultivates an environment where shared knowledge and mutual support drive progress and success. These efforts strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.

At CSA, we believe that breaking barriers and building bridges creates limitless opportunities for equity-deserving entrepreneurs and their communities. By fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and growth, we empower Canadian startups to achieve their full potential and contribute to the broader economic landscape. Join us and be part of the movement shaping the future of Canadian entrepreneurship while showcasing the transformative power of innovation on a global scale.

About Us

The Canada Startup Association™ (CSA) is dedicated to empowering equity-deserving communities through meaningful connections within Canada’s thriving startup and SME ecosystem. As a key driver of economic growth, CSA works to break barriers by addressing challenges faced by entrepreneurs and building bridges that unite innovators, industry leaders, and stakeholders. Our tagline, “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges,” embodies this mission by focusing on fostering collaboration, innovation, and opportunities for Canadian startups to thrive. Our initiatives are designed to create significant economic impact by championing Canadian startups on the global stage. From leading delegations to international competitions to showcasing the ingenuity of Canadian innovation, CSA ensures our entrepreneurs have the resources, visibility, and networks needed to succeed. By connecting startups with global opportunities, we highlight the immense value of Canada’s innovation ecosystem to the world.

Welcome to Canada Startup Association

Intro

Fueling Immigrant-Led Startup Ecosystem in Canada
We are a non-profit membership advocacy organization by immigrants for immigrant entrepreneurs.

The Canada Startup Association was established in 2023 by immigrant entrepreneurs, just like you. We have personally experienced the obstacles of launching and growing a startup in Canada, and we are dedicated to helping you thrive.

The Founders

Tehmina A Chaudhry

Tehmina A Chaudhry, President of CSA is a seasoned social entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. She is amongst the early Startup Visa applicants who got permanent residence in Canada under that stream. Tehmina has built her social enterprise in GTA and also enriched the startup ecosystem by sharing her knowledge and experience with the community. She is a pro-networker and is well-connected with specialists, venture capitalists, incubators, and accelerators in Canada…read more

Hammad Siddiqui

Hammad Siddiqui, Executive Director brings over 36 years of experience in working with startups, entrepreneurs, and business associations in many countries from Turkey to Papua New Guinea. He is a qualified non-profit executive from the US Chamber of Commerce, Institute for Organization Management, Washington DC, USA. Hammad has been mentoring startups and founders for many years….read more

Founding Members

Supporting Partners

Member Startups

Become a Member

Freemium Family

Free

Explore our free resources to learn about the Canadian Startup ecosystem.

Our freemium membership will provide you access to:

Launchpad

CAD 1000

Annual Membership

Begin your journey in the Canadian startup ecosystem with our Launchpad membership.

You will gain access to:

Velocity

CAD 1500

Annual Membership

A perfect opportunity for growth poised startups with established businesses and revenue streams who want to rapidly scale in the Canadian market.

Your membership will offer:

Nexus

CAD 5000

Annual Membership
(by invitation only)

Nexus is an exclusive membership tier for High Network Founders.

Nexus members will receive exclusive networking opportunities with major startup ecosystem players, government organizations and other relevant stakeholders. They will also be provided personal branding opportunities and speaker slots at CSA conferences once a Year.

Testimonials

Blogs

Land Acknowledgment

We respectfully acknowledge that Mississauga, where we gather and work, is situated upon the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississauga of the Credit First Nation and the Mississauga and Chippewa Nations, as recognized by the Williams Treaty. Additionally, we recognize that this land is part of the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and the Huron Wendat. We honor and express our deepest gratitude to the original caretakers of this land, acknowledging their significant historical and ongoing contributions. May we all move forward with respect and mindfulness towards reconciliation and appreciation of the land we inhabit together.
The Canada Startup Association™ (CSA) is steadfastly committed to respecting and uplifting Indigenous peoples and First Nation Enterprises in Canada. We aim to foster inclusivity and mutual growth by embedding Indigenous perspectives and wisdom into our entrepreneurial ecosystem, striving to co-create a future where every voice, especially those of the First Nations, is heard and valued.

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