Futurpreneur Canada: Up to $60,000 for Young Entrepreneurs
Canada's leading startup financing program for entrepreneurs aged 18–39. Below-market loan up to $60K plus a dedicated 2-year business mentor.
What is Futurpreneur Canada?
Futurpreneur Canada is a national non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring, and support resources to aspiring business owners aged 18–39. Since 1996, Futurpreneur has helped more than 16,000 young Canadian entrepreneurs launch successful businesses by providing startup loans and matching them with experienced business mentors.
The program provides up to $20,000 from Futurpreneur plus an optional additional $40,000 from BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) for a combined total of up to $60,000. The loans are at below-market interest rates and are repaid over 5 years.
How Much Can You Get?
| Component | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Futurpreneur loan | $20,000 | Futurpreneur Canada |
| BDC co-loan (optional) | $40,000 | Business Development Bank |
| Total maximum | $60,000 | Combined |
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: 18–39 years old at time of application
- Commitment: Business must be your primary occupation (full-time)
- Incorporation: Business must be incorporated in Canada (or in process)
- Business stage: Startup or early-stage (typically first 1-2 years)
- Business plan: Complete business plan required including financial projections
- Mentorship: Must accept and actively participate in mentor matching
What Can the Loan Fund?
- Equipment and tools required for the business
- Leasehold improvements and initial fit-out
- Inventory and initial stock
- Working capital for the first year
- Website, branding, and marketing materials
- Professional services (legal, accounting) for startup
The Mentor Program
What sets Futurpreneur apart from other programs is the mandatory 2-year mentorship. Every Futurpreneur recipient is matched with an experienced business mentor who provides 2-4 hours of coaching per month. Mentors are successful business owners and executives who volunteer their time.
The mentor relationship is co-managed by Futurpreneur staff and is tracked through regular check-ins. Most Futurpreneur graduates say the mentorship was as valuable as the capital.
How to Apply
- Visit futurpreneur.ca and attend a free information session (highly recommended)
- Complete a full business plan with executive summary, market analysis, operations, and 3-year financials
- Apply online through the Futurpreneur portal
- Complete the mentor matching process
- Receive loan decision and mentor assignment
- Launch your business with funding and mentorship support
Need Signage for Your New Business?
Futurpreneur recipients can use their loan for signage, branding, and exterior marketing materials. Niagara Stands Out delivers across Ontario — made in Canada with a 7-year guarantee.
Shop NSO ProductsCommon Questions
Is Futurpreneur a grant or a loan?
It is a loan — you repay it over 5 years. However, it is at below-market rates and specifically designed for young entrepreneurs without a track record. Think of it as patient, mentored capital rather than a bank loan.
Can I get Futurpreneur and Starter Company Plus?
Yes — these are commonly combined. Futurpreneur provides up to $60K in loans; Starter Company Plus (Ontario) provides up to $10K in non-repayable grants. Many young Ontario entrepreneurs use both.
Is there a Futurpreneur program for women?
Yes — Futurpreneur has a Women's Program with additional support and funding for women entrepreneurs aged 18–39. This can be combined with WES (Women Entrepreneurship Strategy) programming.
Does Futurpreneur serve Black and Indigenous young entrepreneurs?
Yes — Futurpreneur has specific pathways for Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs, recognizing the compounded barriers these groups face in accessing startup capital. These streams may be eligible for additional funding support.