Canada is full of dreamers who don’t just dream—they build. Whether it’s tech, fashion, or finance, Canadian entrepreneurs are making big moves. They start small, hustle hard, and suddenly—boom! Their ideas shape industries. Ever heard of BlackBerry? Canada. SmartSweets? Also Canada. The country is packed with game-changers who prove you don’t need Silicon Valley to make waves in business.
And hey, if you run a website, you probably know how hard it is to track what works. That’s where Plerdy jumps in—helping businesses analyze traffic, optimize pages, and, well, not guess their way to success.
Now, let’s talk about 12 Canadian entrepreneurs who didn’t wait for permission to win.
Why Canadian Entrepreneurs Stand Out
Canada is a business playground where ideas become billion-dollar businesses, not only a destination for snow and fries. From digital companies in Toronto to retail behemoths in Vancouver, Canadian entrepreneurs know how to take chances, upend sectors, and create real wealth.
Why are Canadian businesspeople particularly noteworthy? basic. This climate of business is designed for success. Pushing billions into financing, the government provides grants, tax credits, and incentives. Always heard of SR&ED? This initiative assists companies in saving money for innovation and research. Less taxes and greater progress. Common sense, then?
And market players? They are all scattered. Looking for the next Shopify or Wealthsimple, Canadian venture capitalists never stop. Startups in artificial intelligence, finance, and e-commerce will be driven by almost $14 billion spent in Canadian companies in 2023 alone.
Where do entrepreneurs in Canada thrive?
- Tech business – Remember BlackBerry? That was Mike Lazaridis. Now, Canada is a hub for AI, blockchain, and SaaS companies.
- Finance business – Toronto is North America’s second-largest financial center, home to disruptors like Borrowell and Koho.
- Retail business – Brands like Canada Goose and SmartSweets prove that Canadian businesses can dominate global markets.
The real reason Canadian entrepreneurs succeed? World-class education, a culture of risk-taking, and an obsession with innovation. No one ever built a business empire by playing it safe.
Trailblazers in Technology and Innovation
Mike Lazaridis – The Man Who Revolutionized Mobile Communication
Before iPhones ruled the world, there was BlackBerry. And before BlackBerry, there was Mike Lazaridis, a Canadian entrepreneur who made mobile communication smarter before it was cool.
Back in 1984, when most students were busy cramming for exams, Lazaridis co-founded Research in Motion (RIM). This wasn’t just another tech startup. It was the company that modified public communication style. Rising to dominate 50% of the U.S. smartphone market at its height, BlackBerry became the preferred tool for professionals. Barack Obama too swore by it.
Lazaridis did not stop, nevertheless, at business. Funding the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and contributing $100 million to quantum research, he lavished millions on science and education. Maintaining Canada ahead in tech innovation is the aim here.
Though it may not be king today, BlackBerry has unquestionably influence. Many of the IoT and cybersecurity technologies currently in use now originated with Lazaridis’s vision. His impact on the Canadian tech scene is significant; simply ask anyone living in Waterloo, the nation’s tech center flourishing thanks to his efforts.
Michele Romanow – The Disruptor of Startup Funding
Imagine trying to start a business, but the banks don’t want to fund you, and venture capitalists want half your company. Sounds frustrating, right? Michele Romanow felt the same way.
That’s why she co-founded Clearco, a fintech company that’s completely changed startup funding. Instead of taking equity, Clearco offers revenue-based financing, meaning startups get cash in exchange for a percentage of future revenue. No giving up ownership, no long-term debt.
And this Canadian entrepreneur isn’t just about fintech—she’s a serial business builder. Before Clearco, she launched Buytopia and SnapSaves (which Groupon later bought).
Oh, and did we mention she’s a Dragon? On Dragons’ Den, she invests in startups, proving that business success isn’t about waiting—it’s about creating opportunities.
Her advice? “Just start.” Perfect doesn’t exist. The best businesses come from action, not hesitation.
Canadian Entrepreneurs Leading the Sustainability Movement
Jennifer Wagner – A Canadian Entrepreneur Redefining Green Construction
Some Canadian entrepreneurs are not just building businesses—they’re building a greener future. Jennifer Wagner, a leader in sustainable business, played a crucial role in CarbonCure Technologies, a company making construction more environmentally friendly.
Why does it matter? Concrete production alone contributes to 8% of global CO₂ emissions. Wagner helped develop a CO₂ capture technology that locks carbon inside concrete, reducing emissions while making materials even stronger. Thanks to her work, over 700 plants in 30 countries have adopted this innovation. That’s millions of tons of CO₂ removed from the atmosphere—all thanks to a Canadian entrepreneur with a vision.
But Wagner’s entrepreneurial impact doesn’t stop at one business. After leaving CarbonCure, she mentors climate-tech startups, helping other Canadian entrepreneurs turn their green ideas into profitable businesses.
So next time you walk on a sidewalk, there’s a chance you’re stepping on business innovation that’s fighting climate change—created by a Canadian entrepreneur.
Jodie Morgan – A Business Visionary Turning Waste into Profit
Jodie Morgan doesn’t just run a business—she’s proving that sustainability and profitability go hand in hand. As CEO of GreenMantra Technologies, she’s transforming plastic waste into valuable materials. While others see trash, she sees business opportunities.
Why is this a game-changer?
- The world produces over 300 million tons of plastic waste every year. Instead of letting it pile up in landfills, GreenMantra recycles it into high-value materials used in industries worldwide.
- Traditional recycling downgrades plastic. GreenMantra’s process upcycles it, creating products even more useful than the original material.
- Global corporations invest heavily in sustainable business. That’s why GreenMantra has partnerships with Dow, BASF, and NOVA Chemicals—big names that recognize the value of this Canadian business.
Morgan’s approach proves that green business is good business. By turning waste into high-demand products, she’s making sustainability not just a necessity but a profitable industry. Canadian entrepreneurs like her show that solving global problems can also build powerful businesses.
Business and Finance Moguls
Kevin O’Leary – The Canadian Entrepreneur Who Built a Billion-Dollar Empire
Not every Canadian entrepreneur starts with a big investment. Kevin O’Leary? He started his business in a basement, then turned it into a $4.2 billion success story.
Back in the ‘80s, O’Leary co-founded SoftKey, a company selling educational software. No investors, no trust funds—just pure entrepreneurial hustle. After years of expansion, his business acquired The Learning Company and later sold it to Mattel for billions. That deal made O’Leary one of the most recognized entrepreneurs in Canada.
Now, he’s not just an investor—he’s a business icon. You’ve seen him on Shark Tank, where he decides the fate of aspiring entrepreneurs with his no-nonsense investment style. His philosophy? If a business can’t make money, it’s not worth it. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s why entrepreneurs either love or fear him.
Beyond TV, O’Leary runs O’Leary Ventures, an investment firm that supports entrepreneurs in Canada and beyond. He also manages O’Shares ETFs, focusing on long-term, sustainable investments. And when he’s not making deals, he’s preaching financial literacy, constantly reminding young entrepreneurs that cash flow is king.
O’Leary’s story proves one thing: a Canadian entrepreneur with the right mindset can build a business empire from nothing.
Eva Wong – The Entrepreneur Making Financial Literacy Accessible
While O’Leary invests in businesses, Eva Wong is helping entrepreneurs and everyday Canadians take control of their financial future. She’s the co-founder of Borrowell, a business that revolutionized financial education by offering free credit monitoring—something banks weren’t exactly eager to provide.
Before Borrowell, checking a credit score in Canada was a nightmare. Banks charged fees, and most people had no clue how to improve their finances. Wong saw the problem and built a business that helped over 3 million Canadians understand their financial health.
But Borrowell isn’t just another fintech business. It’s a mission-driven company that offers:
- Free credit reports so consumers know where they stand.
- Personalized financial coaching to help users build better money habits.
- Better loan recommendations tailored to each person’s credit profile.
Wong’s approach proves that a successful business can also make a social impact. She built a Canadian business that’s not just about profits—it’s about helping entrepreneurs and consumers gain control of their financial lives. In a world where banks profit from confusion, her business empowers people with knowledge.
Women Entrepreneurs Redefining Industries
Tara Bosch – Reinventing Candy with SmartSweets
Most people eat candy. Few people build a multimillion-dollar business out of it. But Tara Bosch, a Canadian entrepreneur, saw a gap in the market: people wanted sweets without all the sugar. Instead of just complaining about it, she created SmartSweets, a company that made healthier candy without artificial junk.
She didn’t wait for permission. While still in university, Bosch started testing recipes in her kitchen, using natural sweeteners instead of sugar. The idea took off fast. Within three years, SmartSweets was making millions, landing in Whole Foods, Target, and Walmart. In 2020, she sold the company for $360 million—not bad for a young entrepreneur with a simple idea.
What made her business successful? Bosch understood what modern consumers wanted: health-conscious snacks without compromise. She marketed aggressively, using social media and influencer partnerships to create a loyal fanbase. She also scaled fast, proving that Canadian entrepreneurs can compete on a global level.
Her biggest entrepreneurial lesson? Start before you’re ready. Bosch wasn’t a food scientist or a business veteran, but she built a brand worth hundreds of millions. That’s what a determined entrepreneur can do.
Stephanie Ciccarelli – Building a Voice Acting Empire
When Stephanie Ciccarelli started Voices.com, the voiceover industry looked nothing like it does today. Getting work as a voice actor meant agencies, in-person auditions, and tons of paperwork. Ciccarelli, a Canadian entrepreneur, decided to change that by creating an online marketplace where voice actors and clients could connect directly.
She co-founded Voices.com in 2005, and it quickly became the largest platform for voice professionals worldwide. Today, over 2 million users rely on it, including major brands like Microsoft, Hulu, and BMW. What started as a small Canadian business is now a global industry leader.
But building an entrepreneurial success story wasn’t easy. The voiceover world was skeptical at first—people doubted that a digital marketplace could replace traditional agencies. Ciccarelli had to prove that an online platform could be faster, cheaper, and more efficient. She didn’t just build a business—she changed an entire industry.
Her journey shows how entrepreneurs don’t just create businesses—they reshape markets. And if a Canadian entrepreneur can revolutionize voice acting, what’s stopping you from disrupting your own industry?
Retail and Manufacturing Giants
Dani Reiss – Keeping Canada Goose True to Its Roots
Building a Canadian business empire isn’t easy, but Dani Reiss made it happen. When he took over Canada Goose, it was just a family-owned outerwear brand. Now? It’s a luxury icon, worn by celebrities, athletes, and Arctic explorers alike.
Reiss didn’t just grow the company—he made a bold decision that set him apart from other entrepreneurs. While most brands moved production overseas to cut costs, he kept Canada Goose manufacturing in Canada. That choice wasn’t just about quality—it became part of the brand’s identity. When people see that signature red and white patch, they know it’s authentic Canadian craftsmanship.
Keeping things local wasn’t always easy. Higher labor costs, supply chain challenges—many business owners would’ve folded. But Reiss proved that a Canadian entrepreneur can build a global brand without outsourcing. Today, Canada Goose is worth billions, and it still proudly says “Made in Canada” on every jacket.
Leonard Lee – Crafting a Legacy with Lee Valley
Not every entrepreneur dreams of tech startups or billion-dollar exits. Leonard Lee wanted something different: a business that truly values craftsmanship. In 1978, he founded Lee Valley Tools, a company that became a go-to brand for woodworking and gardening tools.
His business philosophy? Treat employees right. Lee set a strict rule—no executive could earn more than 10 times the salary of the lowest-paid worker. He also introduced profit-sharing, ensuring that everyone who helped grow the business shared in its success.
And guess what? It worked. Lee Valley expanded across Canada, opening retail stores and building a massive e-commerce presence. Today, it’s a respected name in the Canadian retail industry, proving that an entrepreneur can build a profitable business without exploiting workers.
Lee’s impact goes beyond tools. He set new standards for how a Canadian business should treat its people, showing that profit and ethics don’t have to be enemies. His company continues to thrive under his son’s leadership, keeping the Lee Valley legacy alive.
Joseph-Armand Bombardier – Revolutionizing Transportation
Some entrepreneurs create business empires. Others change the way people move. Joseph-Armand Bombardier did both.
Back in the 1930s, winter transportation in Canada was a nightmare. Bombardier saw the problem and built a solution—the world’s first snowmobile. His invention didn’t just make winter travel easier; it paved the way for an entire industry.
But he wasn’t done. Bombardier turned his small Canadian business into a transportation powerhouse. Over the years, his company expanded beyond snowmobiles, eventually becoming Bombardier Limited, a global leader in rail and aerospace technology. Today, Bombardier is one of the most influential Canadian manufacturers, producing everything from high-speed trains to private jets.
His story is a masterclass in entrepreneurial vision. He saw a problem, built a solution, and then kept pushing forward. That’s what makes a true Canadian entrepreneur—someone who doesn’t just follow trends but creates industries.
Media and Entertainment Entrepreneurs
Shahrzad Rafati – Innovating Digital Media with BroadbandTV
Building a business in media is tough. Competing with giants? Even harder. But Shahrzad Rafati, a Canadian entrepreneur, pulled it off. She saw how traditional media companies struggled to adapt to digital platforms like YouTube. Instead of watching from the sidelines, she created BroadbandTV (BBTV) in 2005 to help media companies monetize online content—years before most people realized how big digital video would become.
BBTV started small, but Rafati’s entrepreneurial vision turned it into one of the largest digital content companies in the world. Today, BBTV works with thousands of content creators, managing billions of monthly views. That’s not just a business success—it’s a media revolution.
Her leadership isn’t just about business growth. She’s a strong advocate for diversity in tech and media, promoting more women and underrepresented voices in entrepreneurship. Under her leadership, BBTV became the second-largest video property globally, behind only Google. That’s a serious impact for a Canadian business that started with a bold idea.
What’s her secret? Innovate before the industry catches up. Instead of fighting YouTube’s rise, she found a way to partner with creators and businesses to make digital media profitable. That’s the mindset of a true entrepreneur—turning challenges into business opportunities before others even see them coming.
Lessons from Canada’s Top Entrepreneurs
What makes a Canadian entrepreneur stand out in the business world? It’s not just luck—it’s a mix of innovation, resilience, and adaptability. The most successful business leaders in Canada don’t just follow trends—they create them. Whether it’s launching a tech startup, revolutionizing finance, or leading sustainable businesses, these entrepreneurs share a mindset: solve problems, take risks, and never stop learning.
One major key? Networking. The best entrepreneurs don’t build businesses alone. They surround themselves with mentors, investors, and industry experts. Kevin O’Leary didn’t become a billionaire by guessing—he built connections that fueled his business empire.
Another lesson? Strategic planning. Running a business is more than having a great idea. It’s knowing the market, understanding customers, and adapting to change. Canada’s top entrepreneurs don’t just react to challenges—they turn them into opportunities. Want to build your own successful business? Think ahead, stay flexible, and never stop pushing forward.
Conclusion
Canadian entrepreneurs are shaking up everything—tech, finance, retail, sustainability—you name it. Their business mindset isn’t just about making money; it’s about innovating, solving real problems, and creating something bigger than themselves. From Kevin O’Leary’s investments to Tara Bosch’s healthier candy revolution, each Canadian business leader proves that bold ideas and persistence pay off.
Canada isn’t just a nice place with maple syrup; it’s a global powerhouse for business innovation. If you’re dreaming of launching something big, why not take inspiration from these entrepreneurs? Learn, adapt, and maybe, just maybe—you’ll be the next Canadian business success story.