Ready to Apply?

Are you balancing trying to start a business and finish school? Futurpreneur Canada supports aspiring young entrepreneurs to launch and grow successful businesses.

Eligibility

Let us explain who qualifies as a student:

  • Must in be your graduating year of a post-secondary program.
  • Must be enrolled full-time on campus or online.
  • If two part-time graduating students are applying as a partnership or incorporation they are also eligible.

NOTE: Documentation will be required from your school to verify enrollment and year of graduation, such as a transcript or official letter from the Registrar.

  • Demonstrate some training/experience related to your business idea.
  • Create full-time sustainable employment for the applicant(s).
  • Agree to work with a mentor for up to two years (4 to 5 hours a month).
  • Produce a complete and viable business plan by the end of the application process.
  • Business fully operating for fewer than 12 months.
  • Agree to complete Futurpreneur Canada status updates every month.
  • Agree to provide authorization for Futurpreneur Canada to carry out a credit check.
  • Assure that the business is NOT in the research and development stage.
  • Assure that financing proceeds may not be used for refinancing existing debt.
  • BDC financing through a Futurpreneur Canada application is not available to all persons, corporations, firms and companies who are already a BDC borrower.
  • A business plan must fall within specified industry guidelines in order to be approved for financing. Examples of businesses which do not meet Futurpreneur industry guidelines include: businesses that are sexually exploitive or that feature sexually explicit entertainment, products or services; businesses that are engaged in or associated with illegal activities; businesses trading in countries that are proscribed by the Canadian federal government; and any other commercial activities inappropriate for government funding. For more details on Futurpreneur industry eligibility, click here. All BDC loans are subject to the eligibility criteria of the BDC.
  • Demonstrate that you have been discharged from bankruptcy for at least five years or one year after receipt of a Certificate of Full Performance in the case of a Consumer Proposal.
  • For establishments serving alcohol, a maximum of 49% of revenues can be generated from the sale of alcohol when same is consumed on-site. Exempt from this are producers such as craft breweries, wine and spirit producers, brew-it-yourself type locations.
  • Any age eligible entrepreneur (18-39 years old) who owns 5% or less of the business does not need to be party to Futurpreneur Canada and BDC application.
  • The amount invested, or to be invested in the Business, by the persons other than BDC and the character of the investment are such that a reasonable lender may expect that those persons will have a continuing commitment to the business An amount of 10% of the total project plan financing will in general be considered as sufficient for the entrepreneur investment.

Financing

Futurpreneur Canada makes it easier for aspiring young business owners to secure financing. And we’ve partnered with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) so that we can extend our support further.

For 18 - 39 year olds

We offer collateral free loans at better interest rates than most banks. But we can’t do it alone. We’re able to finance up to $20,000 per business. If you need more money, BDC may provide up to another $40,000.

  • Up to $20,000 with a term over five years.
  • Interest is charged at CIBC’s prime rate + 3%. (Note that if CIBC’s prime rate exceeds 6%, the interest rate charged is capped at 9%. If CIBC’s prime rate exceeds 9%, the interest rate charged will be charged at CIBC prime rate.)
  • Interest-only payments for the first year.
  • Principal repayments are made in equal monthly instalments together with interest, over the remaining four years.
  • No penalty for early repayment.
  • A one-time loan management fee of 1% of the total loan amount is charged at time of disbursement
  • The above points reflect current Futurpreneur loan terms; the exact terms of each entrepreneur’s loan are clearly defined in their loan agreement.

Mentoring

Futurpreneur Canada’s Student offering includes participation in our industry-leading mentoring program. We’ll match you with a business professional to suit your needs and help increase your opportunity for success.

2 years of expert business mentoring can help you:

  • Gain insight and perspective by having someone to bounce your ideas off of.
  • Identify opportunities and risks by learning from someone experienced.
  • Focus on and strategically work towards your business vision.
  • Grow your own business network and enhance your business acumen.
  • Shorten your learning curve.
  • Build confidence knowing you have someone in your corner.

The Benefits of Becoming a FuturpreneurTM

Futurpreneur Canada offers education and development opportunities, online resources and in-house experts to help you launch and grow your business. We also host networking events to help you gain connections in your industry and the start-up community.

  • Build Your Network

    Build Your Network

    Attend workshops, meet other young entrepreneurs and gain peer advice. A start-up community is growing near you - join today!

  • In House Experts

    In House
    Experts

    Our knowledgeable Entrepreneurs-in-Residence help you turn your ideas into a viable business.

  • How-To’s & Templates

    How-To’s & Templates

    Use our Business Plan Writer to create your business plan or browse our library of examples and templates.

  • Local Support with Partners

    Local Support with Partners

    Community partners can provide valuable small business resources and networking opportunities in your area.

Applying and What to Expect

You’ve read everything above, you’re interested and you may be eligible. It’s only fair to set your expectations to make sure we are the best fit for you and your business needs.

  • 1
    You’re going to register for our Start-up Program.
  • 2
    You’re going to tell us about you and your business.
  • 3
    You’re going to share your DRAFT business plan and cash flow with us. Don’t have one? Don’t worry, we’ll help.
  • 4
    We’re going to look at your credit and business plan to ensure they meet our eligibility requirements.
  • 5
    We’re going to ask you for supporting documents such as your final business plan and cash flow statement, business registration and ID.
  • 6
    You’re going to share your COMPLETE business plan and cash flow with us.
  • 7
    We’ll review your application and decide if we can provide financing and a mentor.
  • 8
    You’ll meet your mentor and complete orientation.
  • 9
    You’ll receive your money!
  • 10
    You’ll continue meeting with your mentor and attending networking events.
  • Apply Now