Lisa Canning

Lisa Canning is a Canadian entrepreneur, television personality, and author recognized for her expertise in business development and her role as an investor on the CBC Television series Dragon's Den. She is the founder of The Entrepreneur Institute, an organization dedicated to providing education and resources for aspiring business owners. Canning's career spans media, public speaking, and building enterprises focused on empowering entrepreneurs.

Early life and education

Lisa Canning was raised in Ontario, where she developed an early interest in business and performance. She pursued higher education at the University of Western Ontario, graduating with a degree that blended elements of business and communications. During her formative years, she was influenced by various entrepreneurial figures and the burgeoning business culture in cities like Toronto. Her academic background provided a foundation for her future ventures in media and corporate training.

Career

Canning's professional journey began in the media industry, where she worked as a television host and producer for various networks. She gained national recognition through her role as a venture capitalist on the popular CBC program Dragon's Den, joining other notable investors like Arlene Dickinson and Jim Treliving. This platform allowed her to evaluate pitches from startups across Canada and invest in companies such as Brickworks and Mabel's Labels. Parallel to her television work, she launched several of her own business initiatives, leveraging her visibility to promote entrepreneurial education.

Entrepreneurship and The Entrepreneur Institute

A central pillar of Canning's work is The Entrepreneur Institute, which she founded to systematize entrepreneurial learning. The institute offers programs, workshops, and coaching designed to help individuals launch and scale their ventures, operating in partnership with organizations like Futurpreneur Canada. She also created the Entrepreneurial Woman of the Year Awards to celebrate female business leaders across the country. Her philosophy emphasizes practical skills in areas like venture capital fundraising, marketing, and business model innovation, drawing from her experiences on Dragon's Den and her own company growth.

Media and public speaking

Beyond Dragon's Den, Canning has been a frequent contributor to business programming on networks such as CTV and Global Television Network. She is a sought-after keynote speaker at events like the Women's Executive Network summit and has delivered talks at institutions including the Rotman School of Management. Canning authored the book The Power of Why, which explores entrepreneurial mindset and strategy. Her media presence extends to columns in publications like The Globe and Mail and regular commentary on the Canadian economy and startup ecosystem.

Personal life

Lisa Canning maintains a private personal life while being actively involved in philanthropic efforts related to entrepreneurship and education. She supports initiatives that encourage youth business education, often collaborating with groups like Junior Achievement Canada. Residing in Toronto, she balances her professional commitments with interests in fitness and the arts. Canning is also an advocate for mental wellness within the high-pressure startup community, speaking openly about balance and resilience.

Category:Canadian entrepreneurs Category:Canadian television personalities Category:People from Ontario