Ontario Invests $6 Million to Help Nearly 1,000 Young Entrepreneurs Launch and Grow Businesses
Ontario Futurpreneur Investment will help nearly 1,000 young entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses across the province
TORONTO, ON — The Ontario government is investing an additional $6 million in Futurpreneur to help nearly 1,000 young entrepreneurs access financing, mentorship and business development tools needed to launch and grow businesses across the province.
The investment is part of Ontario’s broader economic strategy to support entrepreneurship, create jobs and strengthen long-term economic competitiveness. Provincial officials estimate the funding will help support more than 3,800 future jobs while providing young business owners with resources to bring new products and services to market.
“Investing in Ontario’s young talent and the next generation of business leaders is key to securing a more competitive and resilient economy today and for the years to come,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business.
“Through our continued partnership with Futurpreneur, our government is reducing the barrier to capital for young entrepreneurs. This investment will better equip young people to turn their ideas into reality, bring Ontario-made products to the market, create local jobs and protect Ontario’s economy.”
Expanding Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs
Futurpreneur is a national not-for-profit organization that helps aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 39 launch businesses through financing, mentorship and business support services.
Eligible entrepreneurs can access collateral-free loans of up to $25,000 through Futurpreneur, which can be matched by up to $50,000 from the Business Development Bank of Canada, providing access to as much as $75,000 in startup financing.
Participants also receive two years of mentorship, networking opportunities and business planning support.
Since 2021, Ontario has invested a total of $15 million in Futurpreneur. The organization is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and has helped launch and grow more than 1,700 businesses across Ontario, supporting over 7,300 jobs.
In 2025-26 alone, Futurpreneur supported approximately 425 Ontario businesses through loans and mentorship programs, including 64 businesses located in northern, rural and remote communities.
“This investment will ensure that hundreds of young entrepreneurs can access the financing, mentorship and resources they need to launch or buy successful businesses that will create jobs and strengthen local communities across the province,” said Karen Greve Young, CEO of Futurpreneur.
Proud to announce our gov’t is investing an additional $6M in @Futurpreneur.
Nearly 1000 young entrepreneurs will gain access to financing, business planning tools, and mentorship, supporting 3,800+ new jobs and building a more competitive economy. pic.twitter.com/Ibf11PJZcD
— Nina Tangri (@ninatangri) June 22, 2026
Supporting Ontario’s Small Business Economy
Ontario’s small business sector remains a major driver of economic activity across the province.
According to the government, nearly 500,000 small businesses operate in Ontario, representing 98 per cent of all employer businesses and employing approximately 2.5 million people.
The Futurpreneur investment is one component of a broader provincial strategy aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and business growth.
The province recently highlighted its small business tax reduction measures, which provide more than $1.1 billion in annual relief and save approximately 375,000 businesses up to $5,000 each year.
Ontario is also investing $9.4 million over three years into programs delivered through Small Business Enterprise Centres, including Summer Company and Starter Company Plus.
In addition, the government announced a further $5 million investment into the Digital Competence Centre, building on $20 million previously invested to help businesses adopt digital tools and remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Building Ontario’s Next Generation of Business Leaders
Provincial officials say supporting entrepreneurship is critical to building a stronger and more resilient economy, particularly as Ontario seeks to attract investment, create jobs and encourage innovation.
Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said helping young entrepreneurs succeed today will contribute to long-term economic prosperity.
“Our government is investing $6 million in Ontario’s next generation of entrepreneurs through Futurpreneur to break down barriers and make it easier for young people to access the capital, mentorship and tools they need to scale their businesses and succeed,” Bethlenfalvy said.
By expanding access to financing and mentorship, Ontario hopes to create more opportunities for young innovators to launch businesses, grow local economies and create jobs in communities across the province.
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