Adam Chowaniec Memorial Fund created to help entrepreneurs get started
Together, Startup Canada and Export Development Canada have launched the Adam Chowaniec Memorial Fund for Global Entrepreneurship. The fund will invest in “high-impact initiatives that advance the prospect of Canada’s globally-oriented, entrepreneur-led companies.”
Dr. Adam Chowaniec was a former Chairman of the Board for Startup Canada and a board member for EDC. He was known in Canada’s tech community for his involvement in starting, growing, and selling more than a dozen companies. He was a champion of the grassroots entrepreneurship movement in Canada, and of high-growth export companies. Dr. Chowaniec died in February 2015 following a battle with cancer.
Applications for the Fund are open to Canadian entrepreneurs, groups and organizations that support export-focused startups and small businesses. Successful applicants will be granted up to $3,000.
Projects will be adjudicated by a panel including LaBarge Weinstein Partner Debbie Weinstein. The rest of the panel includes:
- Claudia Chowaniec, wife of the late Adam Chowaniec
- Paul Gaspar, Small Business Director at UPS Canada
- Sir Terry Matthews, Founder and Chairman of Wesley Clover International
- Jason Myers, CEO of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
- Victoria Lennox, CEO of Startup Canada
- Paul Day, Vice-President of Investments, Export Development Canada
Adjudicators will consider need, impact and the prospect of the initiative to enhance entrepreneur connectivity to global export training, mentorship or infrastructure; global customers, finance, industry anchors, talent; and, global markets.
Applications close February 3, 2016 and winners will be announced the week of February 22, 2016. Visit www.startupcan.ca/adam-chowaniec-memorial-fund-for-global-entrepreneurship to apply.
to apply.
