This event is part of our series of STARTUP events, specifically focusing on the early stage of startup development. Designed to provide practical guidance for beginner-level entrepreneurs and CPAs from CCPA (non-industry insiders), the online lecture aims to address key challenges and essential knowledge needed in the early phase of building a startup, with the joint efforts of speakers and board members to ensure its success.

The event will cover two core perspectives critical to early-stage startups: taxation and legal considerations. The tax-related content will focus on relevant structures and their implications, while the legal portion will encompass legal implementation, including shareholder agreements and investor protection.

Featured Speakers

Partner, O’Connor MacLeod Hanna LLP

Tina Liu is a partner with O’Connor MacLeod Hanna LLP, a full service law firm servicing businesses in the Greater Toronto Area. Tina practices corporate and securities law with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, capital pool company qualifying transactions, private equity and venture capital investments, commercial real estate financings, structuring REITs and MICs including counseling on capital raising requirements. Tina also advises clients on a broad range of corporate commercial law issues, including structuring and organizing start-up operations.

Tina also has extensive experience in advising clients on issues relating to Investment Canada Act and national security reviews. Tina was the winner of WeWorkingWomen 2022 Grand Impact Awards – Top Women Executive Award.

Claire Tian, CPA, CA

Senior Tax Manager, Grant Thornton

Claire Tian, CPA, CA is a Senior Tax Manager based in Doane Grant Thornton’s Toronto office with over a decade of public accounting experience. She advises entrepreneurs, high‑net‑worth individuals, and growing businesses on tax planning and compliance, with a particular focus on real estate, closely held corporations, and cross‑border considerations. Claire is known for translating complex tax issues into practical, business‑driven advice that supports long‑term growth. She regularly presents on tax and estate planning topics and enjoys working with founders who value thoughtful strategy and execution.

Event Information

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026

Time: 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm ET (registration starts at 7:15 pm)

Session Format: Online Webinar (Zoom)

Language: English

CPD Credit: 1.50 hours

Cost: $nil ($5 admin fee waived)

Enrolment Limit: 100 People

Registration Deadline: April 15, 2026 at 5:00 pm ET

Once registered, you will receive an email confirmation with webinar details. 

Active participation is mandatory for receiving the CPD certificate, including answering all poll questions. 

Please use the same name when registering on ccpaa.ca and joining the Zoom meeting.