Funding will enable the next generation of entrepreneurs to start, buy and grow their businesses, fostering inclusive economic prosperity across Canada
Young entrepreneurs across the country now have a better chance to successfully start or buy a business, thanks to the Government of Canada’s renewed investment of $60 million over five years in Futurpreneur Canada, announced in the 2024 Federal Budget.
“This renewed partnership comes at a vital time for young people looking for meaningful ways to get ahead financially,” said Karen Greve Young, Chief Executive Officer, Futurpreneur. “Thanks to this expanded funding commitment, Futurpreneur will increase access to business ownership for young entrepreneurs, helping them build their own prosperity while creating a robust economic future for Canada.”
Over the next decade, 76% of small business owners in Canada are projected to retire. Meanwhile, Gen-Z and millennials alike are increasingly interested in pursuing business ownership. With this commitment from the Government of Canada, Futurpreneur will ensure its programs continue to reach the young founders who need them most, empowering the next generation of young business owners to see entrepreneurship as a viable option for their careers.
Futurpreneur takes an inclusive approach towards entrepreneurship, emphasizing representative leadership and teams to connect authentically with the communities it serves, understand their challenges, and offer tailored solutions to help equity-deserving founders successfully start, buy and/or grow their businesses. Out of the many hundreds of businesses founded by young entrepreneurs that Futurpreneur supports annually, over 40% are women-led and more than 20% are led by Black and/or Indigenous founders.
Through its signature Startup Program, Side Hustle Program, Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) and Black Entrepreneur Startup Program (BESP), Futurpreneur supports small business owners from diverse backgrounds, sectors and regions, providing them with the loans, mentorship and resources they need to start and succeed.
ABOUT FUTURPRENEUR
Futurpreneur is a national, non-profit organization that provides collateral-free loans with mentorship and resources to diverse young entrepreneurs, ages 18-39, looking to start or grow their business in Canada. With a mandate to help young entrepreneurs bring their business ideas to life, Futurpreneur provides bilingual (English and French) support and resources to help business owners start and succeed.
Founded in 1996, the organization was established to promote entrepreneurship among Canadian youth as a critical pillar for diversifying the economy, generating employment opportunities and fostering a sustainable future. Since then, Futurpreneur has helped more than 17,700 young entrepreneurs launch small and growing businesses across Canada, with steadfast support from the Government of Canada since 2001.
Learn more about the program at https://futurpreneur.ca/