About
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 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.
Our Story
President: Tehmina Asad 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.
Executive Director: Hammad Siddiqui 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. He is one of the most followed LinkedIn mentors in Canada with over 63,000 global following.
Mission
Empowering equity-deserving communities by connecting them to Canada’s vibrant startup and SME ecosystem, creating economic impact, and fostering growth through global initiatives.
Vision
Our vision is to bridge the gap between Canada and international markets, enabling equity-deserving Canadian startups to scale and succeed globally. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity, we aim to drive the reach and impact of Canadian excellence far beyond our borders.
