Entrepreneurs across Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon will have a national stage in their own backyard next week, as the 2026 Startup Canada Tour wraps up its cross-country run at the Living Arts Centre on Oct. 29.

Mississauga is one of only three Canadian stops on this year's Tour, according to a City of Mississauga news release. The one-day event will bring together startup founders, small business owners, investors, students and support organizations from across the country.

Doors open at 8:30 a.m., with mainstage and breakout sessions running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the day concluding at 5:15 p.m. The venue is the Living Arts Centre at 4141 Living Arts Dr.

Pitch prizes total $30,000

A highlight for local founders is the Startup Global National Pitch Competition. Entrants will compete for $8,500 and a place in the Grand Finale — which will also be held in Mississauga — where finalists can win a national prize of $30,000. Attendees will vote on a People's Choice Award worth $1,000.

The program includes talks from business leaders, entrepreneurs and industry experts, along with a fireside chat featuring Donna Heslin and Gharsa Amin.

"We're proud to support premier events like the Startup Canada Tour that help to connect entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks and support they need at every stage of their business journey," Christina Kakaflikas, the City's director of economic development, said in the news release. "The event can help open doors that support future business growth."

Victoria Clarke, CEO of Visit Mississauga, which is supporting the stop as a local event partner alongside IDEA Mississauga, said the event reinforces the city's reputation as a place where people "come together to build connections, share ideas and succeed."

Tickets and registration

Tickets start at $49 plus fees and taxes. Attendees can use the promotional code MISSISSAUGA30 at checkout for 30 per cent off all passes.

The Tour is presented by Pizza Hut, Scotiabank and UPS. IDEA Mississauga, powered by the City's Economic Development Division, connects startups and scale-ups with mentorship, services and partner networks.

The event builds on last year's Mississauga stop, which the City described as a success in showcasing Mississauga's role as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.