Futurpreneur offers free resources and tools to help entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. If you are in the idea or R&D phase of forming your company, our free tools and resources can help guide you through the process of developing your business plan, creating your cash flow, and more. We’re here to help move your business forward!

In order to apply to Futurpreneur’s Startup Program and secure financing, your company must be in the pre-startup or startup stage (i.e., beyond the Idea or R&D phase).

• By pre-startup, Futurpreneur means the company is in the process of launching and will make its first sales ideally within the next few months.

• By startup, we mean existing companies that have had less than a year of significant sales, i.e., sufficient revenues for the applicant(s) to pay themselves.

Working with a mentor is one of the requirements of our financing program, and you must receive our financing in order to be matched with a mentor. We do not offer these options separately.

U30 is designed to empower Canada’s next generation of entrepreneurs, helping aspiring entrepreneurs ages 18-29 to turn ambition into successful businesses. 

Young people across Canada face unique barriers when starting their careers and businesses. They are more likely to experience unemployment, have limited work experience and professional networks, face challenges transitioning from education to the workforce and, with little to no collateral to borrow against and the lowest average credit scores in the country, Gen Z Canadians have greater difficulty accessing financing from traditional lenders.  

Statistics Canada reports that youth unemployment remains significantly higher than for older age groups, while other research highlights that age discrimination, limited access to networks and fewer opportunities to gain experience can make it harder for young people to succeed. These barriers can be even greater for youth from underrepresented communities, including Indigenous and racialized newcomer youth.

(Sources: Statistics Canada, Statistics Canada, Borrowell, Future Skills Centre).

Despite these barriers, many young Canadians see entrepreneurship as a path to meaningful work and economic opportunity. According to RBC, 66% of Gen Z Canadians have considered owning a business, more than any other generation. RBC also found that 81% of all Canadians surveyed agreed that financial uncertainty is motivating more people to explore entrepreneurship as a way to address financial pressures. (Source: RBC)

In collaboration with RBC, U30 helps address these barriers through accessible, collateral-free financing of up to $75,000 with up to two years of mentorship, alongside tailored resources that help young founders build financial literacy, strengthen business skills, expand their networks, and grow their ventures with confidence. 

Developed in collaboration with RBC, U30 builds on Futurpreneur’s national Startup Program with tailored support designed specifically for entrepreneurs ages 18 to 29. 

In addition to collateral-free financing of up to $75,000 and up to two years of mentorship, U30 offers tailored workshops, resources, and hands-on support that help young founders navigate common early-stage barriers, including access to capital, business knowledge and professional networks. 

The program is designed to give young entrepreneurs the tools, connections and confidence they need to start and grow successful businesses.

Yes, our core Startup Program supports entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 39.  

If you are 18 to 29, the loan financing, tailored resources and workshops are offered in collaboration with RBC through our U30 offering.  

If you are about to turn 40, you may be eligible for our Startup Program provided your full application is completed before your 40^th birthday. Entrepreneurs age 40 years and older are not eligible for Futurpreneur’s loan with mentorship programs.  

• Up to $25,000 with a term over five years.
• Interest is charged at RBC’s prime rate + 3%. (Note that if RBC’s prime rate exceeds 6%, the interest rate charged is capped at 9%. If RBC’s prime rate exceeds 9%, the interest rate charged will be charged at RBC prime rate.)
• Interest-only payments for the first year.
• Principal repayments are made in equal monthly installments together with interest, over the remaining four years.
• No penalty for early repayment.
• A one-time loan management fee of 1% of the total loan amount is charged at time of disbursement
• The above points reflect current Futurpreneur loan terms; the exact terms of each entrepreneur’s loan are clearly defined in their loan agreement.

• Up to $50,000 with a term over five years.
• Interest is charged at BDC’s current floating base rate + 1.65%.
• Interest-only repayment in the first year, commencing from the BDC loan authorization date. You may prepay all or any part of the outstanding principal, however, BDC must receive the interest owing to the time of repayment, together with an indemnity equal to three months’ interest on the principal prepaid.
• Once a year (non-cumulative), on the anniversary date of the loan authorization date, you may repay 15% of the principal outstanding without indemnity. BDC charges a $50 processing fee, which is deducted from the initial loan disbursement.
• Please contact your local BDC office for the BDC Floating Base Rate.