At CIRA we like to keep on top of news related to Canadian entrepreneurs and innovative small businesses. A couple of weeks ago the launch of the Canadian Entrepreneurship Initiative caught our eye. The team behind the project released a report entitled Entrepreneurship: Canada’s Golden Opportunity which revealed that Canadian entrepreneurship is facing a few challenges that keep it stuck in the past. The new initiative aims to address this by launching several programs that will support entrepreneurial spirit and action in Canada.
Supporting entrepreneurs in Canada is an important initiative as our nation celebrates its 150th anniversary and as we look ahead to what we can accomplish together in the next 150 years.
As a Canadian organization that operates the .CA domain registry, we are fortunate to frequently come across strong Canadian businesses and brands that are thriving. Several recent .CA success stories that we’ve featured exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit. Blush and Bloom, a studio Becky De Oliveira opened in Toronto after working in flower shops on Canada’s east coast.
The Canadian Entrepreneurship Initiative website states that after asking thousands of Canadians to name the most famous entrepreneurs from Canada and the world, the top Canadians cited were all men, mostly historical figures or inactive in the businesses that made their name. An important component of the initiative is celebrating diverse members of the community that are doing amazing things now and will certainly have a significant impact in our future. To help accomplish this goal, they are accepting nominations to feature 100 Canadians nationwide.
What Canadian entrepreneurs should know about the .CA domain
We understand that domain names aren’t top of mind for everyone. Our research indicates that 71% of Canadians say that they know “not much” or “nothing” about domain names. But whenever you watch a commercial on T.V. or see an ad on a bus passing by, you’ve probably noticed domain names are often shared so you can connect with the business online and learn more.
Something that Canadians should know is that when a domain name ends with a .CA, you can guarantee that the business is genuinely Canadian. This is because to register a .CA there is a presence requirement for businesses, individuals and organizations – a requirement that makes the .CA domain kind of like a passport – reserved only for Canadians.
There are several other reasons entrepreneurs can feel good about choosing a .CA– the fact that each .CA registered helps give back through the Community Investment Program, and that Canadian Internet users prefer to visit and shop on websites with a .CA. These are just a few points worth mentioning that entrepreneurs can keep in mind when bringing their business online.
Looking ahead
We’re excited to see what lies ahead for entrepreneurship in Canada. With support from the teams behind programs like Canadian Entrepreneurship Initiative and StartUp Canada (an organization with which we’ve partnered to help tell some of our .CA success stories), there’s no doubt that more great home-grown ideas and businesses will take flight.
Are you a Canadian entrepreneur looking to get your idea up and running online? Registering a domain name is a great place to get started in establishing your online presence. See if yours is available today.
A .CA domain declares your business is proudly Canadian
Erin brings to CIRA a background of marketing experience in higher education and the not-for-profit sector. In 2015, she participated in ISOC’s Youth@IGF Programme and traveled to Guadalajara, Mexico to attend the IGF. She has a Bachelor of International Business from Carleton University.
