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Canadian startups are at a crossroads: should they focus on owning their domestic market, or set sights on the U.S. to unlock greater growth? The decision isn’t easy, as both paths present unique hurdles. Staying local can mean solidifying a reputation but may limit growth potential and invite competition from well-funded American rivals. Expanding into the U.S., on the other hand, promises massive opportunities but can overextend resources and introduce unfamiliar competitive dynamics.

This presentation will guide startups through strategies to balance these competing priorities, empowering founders and teams to make informed decisions about their growth trajectories. Learn from seasoned experts who have faced this dilemma and come out on top.

Key Takeaways:

• Market Evaluation – Practical steps to assess when a startup is ready to scale beyond Canada
• Risk Management – Identifying the key financial and operational risks involved in U.S. expansion and strategies to mitigate them
• Competitive Positioning –  Insights into differentiating your product or service against well-funded American companies, even if you choose to stay in Canada
• Resource Allocation – How to balance resources effectively between domestic success and international growth ambitions
• Case Studies –  Real-world examples of Canadian startups that have successfully navigated this “Catch-22” and the lessons learned along the way

Presented By:  

Juliano Goulart  

2x founder, 1 exit. Juliano is the Virtual Trade Accelerator manager, supporting Canadian companies in going global. 

Join us to gain actionable strategies that will help your startup grow with purpose—at home and beyond.