NextStars and Humber Polytechnic convene founders, investors and policy leaders left out of the Canada Investment Summit
TORONTO, September 2026. Canada's push to attract global investment is sparking a bigger conversation: where new capital, talent and energy will come from, and how we can channel them into growth across the Canadian economy.
On September 17, NextStars and Humber Polytechnic will bring this vital conversation downtown. Growing Together: How Immigrant Entrepreneurs Can Help Power Canada's Global Investment Ambitions runs from 3:00 to 5:00 PM EDT at Humber's Downtown Campus, continuing the conversation opened at Mark Carney’s Canada Investment Summit on Sept. 15.
The premise is straightforward. To win in global markets, Canada needs to exploit every advantage it has. While the Investment Summit woos the world’s largest investors and funds, Canada also has a golden opportunity to attract individual business leaders and entrepreneurs from all over the world.
Canada has always been a preferred for immigrant entrepreneurs and investors. When they come to Canada, they bring not just new capital, but valuable operating experience and access to international networks. They enhance Canada’s potential at no cost to the public purse, and they’re ready to invest in (and grow) local businesses from sea to sea.
On Sept. 17, Humber and NextStars, a business accelerator and consultancy, will explore the vast potential of these connections – and how to make them work.
“Canada Strong means all hands on deck,” says Saeed Zeinali, Founder and CEO of NextStars. “Strategic immigration and strategic investment can expand Canada’s business capabilities and its impact. Properly selected, immigrant entrepreneurs bring capital, talent and momentum into the Canadian economy, and this is a lever we can control.”
The panel discussion will bring together three perspectives:
Toronto immigration lawyer Pantea Jafari will discuss how more strategic immigration pathways can create new economic value.
Moatassem Moatez, Founder and CEO of MyCourier and Chair of the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, will discuss the impact that offshore talent can bring to Canada. on what business communities see on the ground.
Saeed Zeinali, Founder and CEO of NextStars, will explore ways of connecting international entrepreneurs with Canadian opportunity.
The moderator, veteran Toronto business journalist Rick Spence, will keep the focus on how all Canadians can benefit from a new approach to business immigration..
Attendees will include business founders, private investors, immigration and policy leaders, and economic-development professionals from across Ontario. The session is the first in a series of NextStar events exploring new opportunities in the new, more global Canada.
Event Details
Growing Together: How Immigrant Entrepreneurs Can Help Power Canada's Global Investment Ambitions
Thursday, September 17, 2026
3:00 to 5:00 PM EDT
Humber Downtown Campus, 59 Hayden St, Unit 400, Toronto
Attendance is by invitation. For an invite, or for media and partnership inquiries, contact us at info@nextstars.io.
About NextStars
NextStars connects international entrepreneurs and investors with Canadian opportunity, bringing capital, expertise and momentum into businesses and communities across the country.
About Humber Polytechnic
Humber is one of Canada's leading institutions for applied learning, preparing career-ready citizens and partnering with industry and community on the challenges shaping Canada's economy. Humber’s downtown Toronto campus specializes in global business, innovation and partnerships.
