“Know your market. A business plan isn’t just for the banks! A lot of time should be taken researching your business. Support is offered by many levels of government and private organizations to help you. Also, consider co-working. If you’re on your own and can join a community like HUB and CSI, the benefits are considerable. Get involved and meet fellow entrepreneurs and organizations big and small to share business ideas and find opportunities to help each other grow.”

“Our mentor, Gord Haddock, helps remind us that the most important thing about being an entrepreneur is the ability to have fun every day.”

“Be ready, it is a lot of work. You must have a complementary team and a lot of respect must exist between partners to overcome challenges and occasional disputes. You will all be tested, so make sure you find the right partners! It takes a lot longer than you think to accomplish your objectives and meet your goals.”

“Being an entrepreneur means you have the power to do something no one has ever done before. You have the ability to improve the way things work and ultimately dream of a better tomorrow. Your actions can inspire others to make a difference. It’s an incredible feeling.”

“ For the first few years your business will be a direct reflection of you, your energy, your persona, and your work ethic. Invest in your mind and your soul through regular reading and exercise. This will form your future more readily than a cool idea.”

“As a new business, I don't think you can ever have enough experienced people there to help you. Having Linda Daley as a mentor was great because she provided a fresh perspective and vital business experience.”

“Success is not easy. Success takes time. Come prepared for the long haul. You can not do it alone, so make sure to have a good network of people around you and your business.”

“The Futurpreneur Canada mentoring program is crucial to help business start-ups. We have to keep on helping and stimulating young entrepreneurs to encourage economic growth in Canada. It is a win-win situation for everyone, and creates jobs in the region. Youth entrepreneurs are the future of our communities. ”

“At the time of accepting the role, I did not realize how much I would be gaining in the process. I have also been learning all along. This is a new business model for me, therefore,I am often stretching myself to learn new skills or information because I am being asked things that I do not yet know myself. So far, there has been nothing left unanswered, so we are both learning in this process. ”