READY TO START YOUR BUSINESS?
NADF and Futurpreneur Canada have partnered to launch a new program - the Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program (AYEP) - to foster the establishment and growth of youth-owned businesses in Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Treaty 3, or Robinson-Superior 1850.
To sign up, fill out the form on this page. Ongoing intake. Available funding is limited. Register early!
REGISTER TODAY!
The Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program supports entrepreneurs aged 18-39, in launching or buying their own businesses. With up to $20,000* in financing, an expert mentor for up to two years, and access to resources, Futurpreneur and NADF are here to help young entrepreneurs bring their business idea to life.
Take the first step in turning your dream into reality. Contact us today.
WE OFFER:
Financing
- Apply for up to $20,000 to launch or buy a new business or to grow one that’s been fully operating for less than 12 months.
Mentoring
- Get matched with an experienced mentor to help you build confidence and tackle your toughest challenges for up to two years.
Resources
- Learn key skills like business planning, marketing and cash flow management through our online and in-person business resources.
- New small business; or New business established less than 12 months
- Must be a wholly-owned or majority-owned Aboriginal business
- Business must be based and operating in NADF's service area (Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Treaty 3, or Robinson-Superior 1850), including First Nations, urban and rural communitie
- 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.
- 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 and NADF industry eligibility, click here. All NADF loans are subject to the eligibility criteria of the NADF.
- 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 NADF application.
For information on businesses not eligible for Futurpreneur Canada financing please click here.
Approval for financing is also dependent on an applicant successfully meeting credit score minimums determined by Futurpreneur.
Futurpreneur Canada is a non-profit organization supporting Canadians aged 18-39 to become business owners with loan financing, mentoring and business resources. Our experts are here to answer your questions and put you on the path to success.