Beyond the Urban Incubator: The Virtual Blueprint to Launching 1,200+ Businesses Across Rural Places

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Maheen Bari. Great business ideas can come from anywhere, but opportunity is not always equally accessible. Today, we explore how rural entrepreneurs are turning local ideas into real ventures through innovation, mentorship, and community support. Joining us is Andrew Button, Founder and CEO of Mashup Lab. With over 15 years of rural economic development experience, Andrew has built a virtual incubator supporting thousands of entrepreneurs across hundreds of rural communities. Key Highlights Rural Entrepreneurship: Unlocking overlooked opportunities in small communities. Idea Validation: Why testing business models early creates stronger foundations. Virtual Incubation: Scaling entrepreneurial support across rural regions. Community Innovation: How micro-funding initiatives inspire local action. Founder Activation: The first step to turning rural ideas into businesses. Special Thanks to Our Partners: UPS: https://solutions.ups.com/ca-beunstoppable.html?WT.mc_id=BUSMEWA ADP Canada: https://www.adp.ca/en.aspx For more expert insights, visit https://canadiansme.ca/ and subscribe to the CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Stay innovative, stay informed, and thrive in the digital age! To learn more about how we are supporting the ecosystem, please visit the CanadianSME Small Business Foundation at https://smbfoundation.ca/. Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as direct financial or business advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.