Top 15 Canadian Entrepreneurs You Must Know

Canada is home to a number of successful entrepreneurs and these famous entrepreneurs in Canada have made significant contributions to boosting the country’s economic growth.

According to a study, 99.8% of Canadian businesses are small-to-medium-sized companies that have up to 500 hundred employees and only 0.03% are considered large enterprises which means these small-medium companies are integral to the Canadian economy.

 

So in this article, we are going to let you know who the top Canadian entrepreneurs are!

 

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Which Business Is Famous in Canada?

Canada is home to a variety of thriving industries that fuel its economy and attract entrepreneurs from around the globe.

 

If you’re exploring opportunities in entrepreneurship in Canada, here are five famous industries that stand out.

 

 

These industries offer exciting prospects for those looking to build the next top business in Canada.

 

1. Technology Sector

The technology industry is one of the fastest-growing and most famous sectors in Canada.

 

 

Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are emerging as global tech hubs for startups and innovation.

 

 

Entrepreneurs in Canada are drawn to sectors like artificial intelligence, software development, and cybersecurity.

 

 

The Canadian tech sector contributes over $117 billion to the country’s GDP annually.

 

 

With a supportive ecosystem of investors and government incentives, this industry continues to attract top talent and businesses.

2. Agriculture and Food Processing

Canada’s agriculture industry is internationally recognized, making it a top business in Canada.

 

 

Known for its high-quality grains, livestock, and dairy products, the sector also boasts advancements in food processing and sustainable farming.

 

 

Entrepreneurs in Canada are tapping into growing demands for organic and locally sourced products.

 

 

The agriculture and agri-food industry employs over 2.1 million people and generates more than $110 billion annually.

 

 

This field offers significant opportunities for innovation and exports, making it a vital part of entrepreneurship in Canada.

3. Tourism and Hospitality

With its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural heritage, Canada is a hotspot for tourism.

 

 

Pre-pandemic statistics show that the tourism industry contributed $102 billion to the economy, highlighting its importance.

 

 

 

Entrepreneurs in this field find opportunities in adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and luxury travel services.

 

 

Cities like Banff, Toronto, and Quebec City are popular destinations that draw millions of visitors each year.

 

 

If you’re a Canada entrepreneur in the tourism space, providing unique and memorable experiences can set your business apart.

4. Healthcare and Biotechnology

Canada has a robust healthcare industry that is complemented by advancements in biotechnology.

 

 

With aging populations and a focus on innovation, this sector provides endless opportunities for entrepreneurship in Canada.

 

 

The biotechnology industry alone contributes $91 billion each year to the Canadian economy.

 

 

Entrepreneurs in Canada are making strides in areas like medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and genetic research.

 

 

It is one of the most rewarding fields for those looking to create a top business in Canada while making a positive social impact.

5. Renewable Energy Sector

Canada is a leader in renewable energy, particularly in hydroelectric, wind, and solar power.

 

 

Entrepreneurs in Canada are actively working in this field to meet the rising global demand for sustainable energy solutions.

 

 

The renewable energy industry in Canada includes over 58% hydroelectric power, making it a world leader in clean energy.

 

 

This sector not only supports Canada’s environmental goals but also provides lucrative opportunities for a Canada entrepreneur.

 

 

With increasing incentives for green business practices, it’s a great industry for long-term growth.

Top Canadian Entrepreneurs

These are the top 15 entrepreneurs of Canada to watch and learn about for your entrepreneur journey.

 

1. Michele Romanow

The only Canadian on Forbes’ “Millennials on a Mission”, Michele Romanow has earned countless accomplishments.

 

She earned her first $100,000 profit when she graduated with her engineering degree and successfully ran three companies when she was 25.

 

By the age of 33, she started five profitable companies.

 

She also works with famous brands, such as Netflix, Starbucks, and P&G, to create innovative technology and digital solutions.

 

2. Kevin O’Leary

Kevin O’Leary, known as Mr. Wonderful has made a name for himself in business.

 

In addition, he is a successful Canadian entrepreneur and businessman who launched SoftKey software products from his house’s basement with absolutely no money.

 

Then, sold SoftKey for $4.2 billion which is known today as “Learning Company”.

 

He has engaged in successful investments and business ventures and currently holds an estimated net worth of $400 million per Celebrity Net Worth.

3. Martha Hall Findlay

One of the top Canadian entrepreneurs on this list is Martha Hall Findlay.

 

Martha Hall Findlay is the CEO of Canada West Foundation.

 

Moreover, she is described as a corporate lawyer and successful entrepreneur with over 25 years of domestic and international experience.

4. Jennifer Wagner

Considered one of the top Canadian Entrepreneurs who aim to make the earth healthier and a better place to live.

 

Jennifer Wagner is the president of Carbon Cure which is a cleantech company.

 

Under her supervision, the company has designed and developed a technology where it reduces the overall carbon footprint of construction projects.

5. Tonia Jahshan

Tonia Jahshan started by creating and selling her own loose-leaf tea products.

 

Today, her humble beginning has become one of the fastest-growing Canadian companies specializing in home tea parties.

 

Today, Steeped Tea earns over $20 million in annual sales.

 

Aside from running her successful company, Tonia Jahshan also holds entrepreneurial talks to inspire others to follow their passion.

 

6. Joseph-Armand Bombardier

Another top Canadian entrepreneur is Joseph-Armand Bombardier.

 

With his creative mind, he launched the largest railway equipment and civil airplane production company in the world, Bombardier Limited.

 

This successful entrepreneur once dreamed of inventing vehicles that can operate in the snow and at high speeds.

 

Due to his hard work, he then achieved his goal of developing and selling B7 snowmobiles.

7. Susan Niczowski

It seems that everyone knows about the Summer Fresh salads and dips, but what you might not know is the woman behind these products.

 

Susan Niczowski is the one who has led the company for three decades.

 

Because of her, the company has successfully changed the perception of food and directed people to consume healthy and organic food.

8. Leonard Lee

Leonard Lee is a Canadian entrepreneur and founder of an Ottawa-based retail store that specializes in high-quality gardening and woodworking equipment.

 

On top of this, he is also the founder of Canica Design which is a medical design company.

 

Because of his numerous achievements, Lee became a member of “The Order of Canada” in 2002. 

9. Mike Lazaridis

Mike Lazaridis is a university dropout.

 

However, he was driven by his commitment and dedication to doing business.

 

Through this, he co-founded Research in Motion Limited, which is known today as Blackberry.

 

Moreover, Mike runs various organizations such as the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Center for International Governance Innovation.

 

On top of that, he is known to be the most successful Canadian Technologist.

10. Dani Reiss

Dani Reiss owns Canada Goose, which is a famous clothing company in Canada.

 

The company made billions of dollars because of its effort to maintain production in Canada without sending overseas manufacturing orders.

 

Thanks to his business approach, Canada Goose now employs over 3,400 workers.

 

Therefore, his company is vital to the country’s socioeconomic development.

11. Jenny Bird

Because of her passion for designing, Jenny Bird has launched her own self-named jewelry company.

 

Her company has grown over the years and is now recognized worldwide. So hire an interior design virtual assistant to help you also. 

 

In fact, her company was included in Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies, and she took home the 2018 Accessories Designer of the Year award for Project, among other awards.

12. Tara Bosch

Tara started selling her own candy creations during her junior year.

 

Her product makes sense to anyone who loves sweets but also wants to remain health-conscious.

 

This means less sugar without compromising the taste.

 

After gaining popularity with her self-made treats, she eventually dropped out of school, pursued her career as an entrepreneur, and ran her own company, SmartSweets.

 

By the year 2019, her company generated over $50,000,000 in revenue.

 

13. Stephanie Ciccarelli

 

Stephanie Ciccarelli is a graduate with a Bachelor of Musical Arts from Western University.

 

She used her experience in the industry to develop an award-winning company of her own, Voices.com, an online marketplace to connect producers, marketers, and instructors with creative talent.

 

In addition, Stephanie made it to PROFIT Magazine’s W100 list a handful of times.

 

14. Hamid Arabzadeh

The CEO of Ranovus, Hamid Arabzadeh easily makes the list of some of the most impressive Canadian entrepreneurs.

 

Prior to Ranovus, Hamid held various senior management positions at famous firms including Identos Inc., Motive Health, and more.

 

Plus, he’s been able to drive innovations including a secured laser technology that boasts 40 times the capacity of regular fibre optic cables without the carbon footprint.

15. Jodie Morgan

Jodie Morgan has successfully helped build five companies by serving as CEO/president.

 

One of the companies she oversees is GreenMantra Technologies, an innovative firm that turns unused plastics into polymer additives, artificial waxes, and other chemicals.

 

 An accomplishment to target pollution and be profitable at the same time!

There are a number of notable Canadian entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to the world of business and innovation. Here are just a few of top 10 canadian entrepreneurs.

 

1. Roberta Bondar

 Dr. Roberta Bondar is Canada’s first female astronaut and a neurologist, author, and photographer.

 

She founded The Roberta Bondar Foundation, which focuses on the environment and biodiversity.

 

Her entrepreneurial spirit has led her to create innovative solutions for environmental sustainability, such as developing a compact imaging spectrometer.

 

2. Guy Laliberté

 As the founder of Cirque du Soleil, Guy Laliberté is an entrepreneur who has helped revolutionize the world of entertainment.

 

His creative vision and business acumen have made Cirque du Soleil a global phenomenon, with shows in more than 300 cities worldwide.

 

3. Alex Trebek

 Best known as the long-time host of the game show Jeopardy!, Alex Trebek is also a successful entrepreneur.

 

He and his wife have invested in various real estate ventures, including hotels and shopping centres.

 

In addition, Trebek has used his platform to support multiple charitable causes and organizations.

 

4. Michael Serbinis

 After successfully launching and selling two startups, Michael Serbinis founded League, a digital health platform connecting individuals with healthcare professionals.

 

He has also invested in other tech startups and actively advocates for entrepreneurship in Canada.

 

5. Arlene Dickinson

As the CEO of Venture Communications and a former panelist on the business reality TV show “Dragons’ Den,” Arlene Dickinson is a well-known figure in Canadian entrepreneurship.

 

She has also written two books and advocates for women in business.

 

6. Jim Pattison

 Over $7 billion is the net worth of this famous entrepreneur.

 

Jim Pattison is one of Canada’s wealthiest entrepreneurs.

 

He built his empire through investments in various industries, including media, automotive, and retail.

 

His company, The Jim Pattison Group, is one of Canada’s largest privately held companies.

 

7. Lorna Vanderhaeghe

An entrepreneur in Canada as a naturopathic doctor and best-selling author, Lorna Vanderhaeghe has made a name for herself in the health and wellness industry.

 

She founded her own company, Lorna Vanderhaeghe Health Solutions Inc., which produces natural health products for women.

 

She is also an advocate for women’s health and wellness education.

 

8. Frank Stronach

 Born in Austria, Frank Stronach immigrated to Canada and became a successful businessman and one of the Canada entrepreneurs. 

 

He founded Magna International, one of the world’s largest automotive parts suppliers, and ventured into various other industries, including real estate and horse racing.

 

Takeaways

Entrepreneurs in Canada can definitely improve your standard of living.

 

Aside from the marketing books, operation management books, audiobook, and entrepreneurial magazines that we have provided in our previous blogs, we hope that this top

Canadian entrepreneurs list can inspire and help you strive to reach your entrepreneurial dream.

Because you too, can be the next to join these famous entrepreneurs as the next big Candian success.