Ontario Invests $2 Million to Support Young Entrepreneurs Through Futurpreneur Canada

WINDSOR — The Ontario government is investing $2 million in Futurpreneur Canada to help 320 young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 39 launch and grow businesses, strengthening Ontario’s economy in the face of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty.

The funding, announced in Windsor, will provide aspiring business owners with access to collateral-free loans of up to $75,000, two years of mentorship, and in-person programming through Futurpreneur’s flagship Core Startup Program.

Supporting Ontario’s Next Generation of Business Leaders

“Young entrepreneurs are the backbone of Ontario’s future,” said Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business. “By investing in initiatives like Futurpreneur Canada, we are giving the next generation of business leaders the tools they need to succeed. These businesses will protect our economy, create good-paying jobs and build thriving communities across the province.”

Since 2021, Ontario has invested $9 million in Futurpreneur Canada, supporting nearly 1,200 businesses and creating more than 5,000 jobs. This includes businesses in Northern, rural, and remote communities where entrepreneurial opportunities are often harder to access.

Karen Greve Young, CEO of Futurpreneur, welcomed the renewed partnership, noting that the investment will help more young Ontarians “start or buy successful businesses that breathe life into all Ontario communities—whether urban, rural, remote, or Northern.”

It was great to stand by Minister Tangri today as we announced our governments $2M investment in @Futurpreneur Canada to support the next generation of business leaders.

This funding will help 320 young entrepreneurs launch new businesses across the province pic.twitter.com/9lQgdWS70F

— Andrew Dowie (@AndrewDowieMPP) August 26, 2025

A Stronger Economy Through Small Business

Ontario is home to nearly 500,000 small businesses, which make up 98 per cent of all businesses in the province and employ almost two million people.

Today’s announcement builds on Ontario’s broader supports for small businesses, including:

• Starter Company Plus and Summer Company entrepreneurship programs

• The Digitalization Competence Centre

• The Retail Modernization Project Grant

• Advisory services through Ontario’s Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) and Regional Innovation Centres

In 2024–25 alone, Ontario’s 47 SBECs helped start over 8,000 businesses, expand 2,700, and create 15,800 jobs.

Local Impact in Windsor–Essex

Local leaders stressed the importance of the investment for Windsor–Essex.

• Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor–Tecumseh, said the funding will “help launch and grow businesses that create jobs and protect our economy.”

• Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex, added: “We want entrepreneurs to succeed, stay in Essex County, and create jobs in Essex County.”

• Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor, called the investment “an investment in Windsor’s future,” emphasizing its role in unlocking potential, creating jobs, and fostering long-term prosperity for the region.

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