At Futurpreneur, we believe that entrepreneurs can turn great ideas into thriving businesses, businesses that transform communities and strengthen Canada’s economy. That belief drives everything we do: helping diverse entrepreneurs, ages 18-39, bring their ideas to life, not just for their own success but for the prosperity of us all.
Since 1996, Futurpreneur has empowered more than 20,000 young entrepreneurs to launch over 15,600 businesses in every province and territory. Our proven model is comprehensive: accessible loan financing up to $75,000 paired with two years of mentorship from experienced business leaders. Collectively, Futurpreneur-supported businesses contribute an estimated $9.4 billion annually to Canada’s GDP and achieve a five-year survival rate 27% higher than the national average.
This impact is both personal and national. Fourteen percent of our entrepreneurs tell us they couldn’t have started their business without Futurpreneur’s support, and two-thirds say their growth would have been slower or smaller without Futurpreneur. Behind every statistic is a young founder who had the courage to dream and a mentor who helped them turn their dream into a sustainable business.
Inclusive prosperity is at the heart of our mission. We are proud to support entrepreneurs from equity-deserving communities, with tailored programming for Indigenous, Black, and women founders, and to deliver all services in both official languages so every aspiring entrepreneur in Canada has equitable access to opportunity. Our partnerships with organizations like BDC, RBC, six provincial governments and the Government of Canada amplify this reach, enabling thousands of entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses across Canada.
This work has never been more urgent. Entrepreneurship in Canada is in decline, and with 100,000 fewer entrepreneurs today than 20 years ago and 76% of current business owners planning to retire within the next decade. The next generation must be prepared to step forward. Futurpreneur is uniquely positioned to meet this moment, ensuring promising founders have the mentorship, financial resources and tools they need to succeed.
Our legacy is not only in the businesses we help build, but also in the inclusive economic prosperity we foster – one business, one community, and one Futurpreneur, at a time.
Karen Greve Young
Chief Executive Officer, Futurpreneur
Karen Greve Young is CEO of Futurpreneur, a national non-profit whose proven loan financing with mentorship model has supported the success of 20,000+ young entrepreneurs since 1996. Building on her global finance and strategy experience, Karen is an accomplished leader dedicated to fostering inclusive economic and social prosperity through new approaches and partnerships.
