Venture for Canada Founder Scott Stirrett to Step Down as CEO in Fall 2025

Jennie Wedd Updated: May 9, 2025

Toronto, ON — May 8, 2025 — After over a decade of leadership, Scott Stirrett, Founder and CEO of Venture for Canada (VFC), will depart the organization in Fall 2025.

Since founding Venture for Canada in 2013 at the age of 22, Scott has led the organization through remarkable growth: expanding from a single program to several nationally recognized initiatives, building a vibrant community of thousands of young Canadians and employers, and supporting more than 10,000 young people in developing entrepreneurial skills. Under his leadership and collaboration with a talented and dedicated team, VFC has raised over $80 million in funding, become a leading organization in advancing entrepreneurial mindsets, and helped shape a generation of changemakers across Canada.

“Leading Venture  for  Canada has been the privilege of my life,” said Scott Stirrett, Founder & CEO, Venture  for  Canada. “What began as a bold idea has grown into a nationwide movement powered by hope, hard work, and the belief that young people can build the future they want to see. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together and confident that the organization—and the extraordinary team behind it—will continue to break new ground long after I pass the baton.”

After 11 years leading the organization, Stirrett’s departure marks a natural leadership transition as Venture for Canada moves into its next chapter of growth, which includes the launch of new initiatives like the Entrepreneurship through Acquisition Academy. Stirrett will step down in Fall 2025 to pursue new entrepreneurial ventures, departing with a deep sense of pride and confidence in the team that will continue to advance VFC’s mission. He will remain in his role until the appointment of a new CEO and will work closely with the incoming leader to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

“After eleven remarkable years, Scott  Stirrett’s passion, heart, and vision have turned a single idea into a national movement,” said Parm Gill, Chair of the Board of Directors, Venture  for  Canada. “Because he dared to dream big—and work even harder, thousands of young Canadians now believe more deeply in their potential. Scott didn’t just build a charity; he built a community rooted in hope, opportunity, and transformation. His legacy will ripple forward for generations.”

Throughout his tenure, Stirrett’s leadership has been nationally recognized, including being named an Ashoka Fellow, Action Canada Fellow, and receiving the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada.

The Board has retained Boyden to lead a nationwide search for the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer. The ideal candidate will share VFC’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to equitable opportunity for young Canadians.

As the organization evolves, Venture for Canada remains deeply committed to expanding access to entrepreneurship, supporting young innovators, and building on Scott’s legacy to drive meaningful impact across Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

About Venture for Canada

Venture for Canada is a national charity that fosters entrepreneurial skills and mindsets in young Canadians. Our vision is a Canada where young people can equitably realize their entrepreneurial potential to build the most prosperous place in the world. We recruit, train, and support young people to work for innovative Canadian small businesses and startups. Through our programs, participants develop the network, knowledge, and entrepreneurial skills to have more impactful careers.

Connect with Venture for Canada:

Website: https://ventureforcanada.ca

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/venture-for-canada/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venture4canada/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Venture4Canada

Podcast: https://perspectives.ventureforcanada.ca/podcast

Connect with Boyden

Eric Lathrop, Managing Partner

Email: elathrop@boyden.com