About
Social Venture circuit
We connect Canadian changemakers with the tools, community and support they need to start and build organizations that balance purpose and profit sustainably. We want to help you achieve your vision for positive social, environmental and cultural impact.

The idea to build this community started in April 2020 in Mississauga, Ontario. On November 19, 2020, we started the tradition of hosting our annual social enterprise conference, Step Up, to education and connect attendees from all over Canada and even around the world! With support from the Government of Canada’s Investment Readiness Program, we launched our membership community program in 2021. Learn more. We continue to build community relationships, commit to research and development, and build capacity to serve you better. Starting during COVID-19 pandemic, our resources and programs have been and continue to be 100% online and accessible across Canada.

We are Startup Social Enterprise.
As a part of our mandate to share resources that can help to amplify social enterprise practices and growth of social impact across Canada, we support the national Startup Canada community with resources, programming and advocacy efforts designed specifically for leaders who are committed to creating positive social change.
Learn more about Startup Canada here

Zahra Qureshi
CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT, CMA
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOCIAL VENTURE CIRCUIT
Starting her career as an accountant, Zahra completed her accounting designation and spent several years practicing in the field of financial and management reporting including strategic support for business decisions. With a family history of and passion for entrepreneurship, she pivoted her career to support small businesses and social enterprise through her own firm, Optinum Professional Corp. and as a coach with several local incubation/accelerator programs. Zahra graduated from the first cohort of Community Development for Good in Canada, a certification designed for professionals supporting the social enterprise sector. In 2020, she launched Social Venture Circuit to create a community of success stories and support in her local area for a social enterprise economy.
Our Board of Directors
MEHR QURESHI CPA, CMA
Chair and Secretary
Finance professional with 15+ years of experience in operations and financial management.
MANPRIT NIJJAR
Treasurer
Entrepreneur and non-profit founder with a specialization in accounting systems and processes
NIHAL MAHMOOD
General Director
Startups, non-profits and innovation in finance and banking