The Big Picture:

Venture for Canada is pleased to welcome Annie Marsolais to its Board of Directors. A seasoned executive and certified corporate director (ICD.D), Annie spent ten years at the Business Development Bank of Canada, most recently as Chief Marketing Officer, and has championed mental health in the entrepreneurial community. Based in Montreal, she brings a bilingual, Quebec perspective as VFC continues to grow its programs and support Canadians in entrepreneurial careers.

TORONTO, ON. November 13, 2026 — Venture for Canada (VFC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Annie Marsolais, former Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), to its Board of Directors. Her expertise and years of forward-thinking leadership will be key to advancing VFC’s mission in fueling economic growth and strengthening Canada’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

“Annie brings a powerful combination of strategic experience and genuine care for the people behind every business,” said Steven Wang, CEO of Venture for Canada. “From leading marketing and client experience at BDC to championing mental health in the entrepreneurial community, she has shown that putting people first drives meaningful results. We’re excited to have her insight as we continue to grow our programs and support the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.”

Annie Marsolais

A seasoned corporate executive, Annie Marsolais spent ten years at the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs, most recently as Chief Marketing Officer. During her tenure, she repositioned the brand, spearheaded the digital evolution of the marketing function, redefined the client experience strategy and led communications and advertising across the country. She also championed efforts to destigmatize mental health in the entrepreneurial community.

“I’ve spent much of my career in and around Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, including my years at BDC,” said Annie Marsolais. “SMEs are the fabric of our economy, and they need talented people who can contribute quickly. Venture for Canada places motivated young people and professionals in growing businesses. They learn fast, the companies get help, and the whole economy benefits. I wanted to be part of that.”

She previously held senior management roles at TELUS and Yellow Pages Group, having honed her expertise at top-tier PR firms. Her leadership philosophy puts people first: building the right culture and bringing humanity to work to deliver extraordinary results.

Today, she brings this approach to the SMEs and non-profits she supports as an interim and fractional senior executive. A certified corporate director (ICD.D), she serves on the Board of Directors of the Cancer Research Society. Based in Montreal, she adds a bilingual, Quebec perspective to every role she takes on.

“Quebec has a strong and unique entrepreneurial scene,” Marsolais added. “I’d love to help Venture for Canada grow its presence here and build the right connections. And some of the people VFC supports will go on to build or acquire their own companies one day, which I find very exciting.”

Venture for Canada’s Board of Directors

The current roster of Venture for Canada’s Board of Directors is now:

• Narinder Dhami, Managing Partner at Marigold Capital
• Parm Gill, Chair, Managing Partner at Gill Group
• Joshua Goodfield, Executive Director at VC Platform
• Lauren Ledwell, Principal at Sandpiper Ventures
• Annie Marsolais, Communications and Marketing Executive
• Laura McGee, Founder & CEO of Diversio
• Leah Nguyen, former Chief Investment Officer at InBC Investment Corp.
• Vanessa Paesani, Principal & Executive Coach at the Folding Chair Group
• Thomas Park, Chief Investment Officer at InBC Investment Corp.
• Bruce Sellery, CEO of Credit Canada

About Venture for Canada

Venture for Canada is a national charity on a mission to accelerate the careers of Canadian youth through immersive opportunities at innovative startups and small businesses. Through our programs, young Canadians gain the skills, experience, and networks they need to lead more entrepreneurial and impactful careers.

To learn more, read our 2024 Impact Report.

Connect with Venture for Canada:

Website: ventureforcanada.ca
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/venture-for-canada/
Instagram: @venture4canada
Twitter: @Venture4Canada

Media Contact:

Daniela Lockie – Senior Manager, Marketing & Sales
Email: daniela.lockie@ventureforcanada.ca