How Calgary Became One of North America’s Fastest Growing Innovation Economies

Welcome to the CanadianSME Small Business Podcast, hosted by Kripa Anand. Today, we explore how Calgary is emerging as a powerful tech hub driven by culture, community, and a willingness to embrace both growth and failure. Joining us is Jen Lussier, CEO of Platform Calgary. With decades of experience across industries, Jen shares what it truly takes to build and sustain a high impact innovation ecosystem. Key Highlights Calgary’s Tech Advantage: Jen explains the cultural and economic factors driving the city’s rapid tech growth. Facing Hard Truths: Jen highlights the real challenges founders must confront to scale successfully. Innovation Centre Impact: Jen shares how a centralized hub accelerates collaboration and commercialization. Sustainable Growth Vision: Jen discusses the next priorities to ensure long term ecosystem success. Global Positioning: Jen outlines how Calgary startups are being prepared for international competition. 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 www.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 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.