Cornwall, ON — The Ontario government is investing an additional $6 million in Futurpreneur Canada to help more young people develop and launch businesses. The funding will support 1000 young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 to 39 with access to financing, mentorship and support to start and grow successful businesses.

“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.”

Futurpreneur Canada is a national not-for-profit organization that connects aspiring business owners with collateral-free loans of up to $75,000, two years of mentorship and in-person programming. Its flagship loan initiative, the Core Startup Program, helps youth aged 18 to 39 and has helped start and grow more than 1,700 businesses, creating over 7,300 jobs across Ontario. As Futurpreneur marks its 30th anniversary this year, this investment brings the province’s total support for the organization to $15 million since 2021.

“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. “We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for increasing its commitment to Futurpreneur and our province’s next generation of business leaders.”

More Info

Local entrepreneurs looking to learn more about Futurpreneur and other small business support programs are invited to contact the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre.

This investment builds on the province’s broader support for small businesses and entrepreneurs across Ontario, including cutting the small business tax rate to deliver more than $1.1 billion in relief and save approximately 375,000 small businesses up to $5,000 each year. The province is also investing $9.4 million over three years to support programs. Summer Company, and Starter Company Plus delivered through Ontario’s Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs).

The province is also investing an additional $5 million to expand the Digital Competence Centre (DCC), building on the $20 million invested in the program to date. The DCC helps small and medium-sized businesses adopt technology, access digital tools, and stay competitive in today’s economy.

Quick Facts

  • Ontario’s small businesses are the backbone of the economy, with nearly 500,000 businesses representing 98 per cent of all employer businesses in the province and employing roughly 2.5 million people.
  • In 2025–26, Futurpreneur supported 425 businesses in Ontario, including 64 in Northern, rural, and remote communities.
  • Entrepreneurs can be eligible for collateral-free loan financing up to $25,000, which can be matched with up to $50,000 loan financing from the Business Development Bank of Canada for a total of up to $75,000.
  • Ontario’s Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) provide advisory services, training, and programs to help entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses. The province’s network of SBECs will advise and refer young entrepreneurs to the Futurpreneur program.

About the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre

The Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre is dedicated to supporting and promoting entrepreneurship in Cornwall, the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry and Akwesasne. Funded by the Province of Ontario as part of the 54 Small Business Enterprise Centres across the province, the Centre provides resources, mentorship, and guidance to new and existing entrepreneurs, helping them grow into successful businesses.

The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre is located at 100 Water Street East (Cornwall Civic Complex) :