Built in Vancouver: Young, ambitious and changing the game 

Vancouver stands out as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurship in Canada.  

According to the City of Vancouver, approximately 80,000 businesses call Vancouver home, with a remarkable 98% classified as small businesses (employing fewer than 50 people). A significant 54% are self-employed individuals, while the remaining 46% have one or more employees. While small businesses are the predominant type, the majority of employees in Vancouver work for larger companies. However, StartUp Blink ranks Vancouver second in Canada for startup growth, just behind Toronto. 

Each May, Vancouver Startup Week celebrates this dynamic ecosystem. Let’s shine a light on three inspiring Vancouver-based businesses supported by Futurpreneur, each demonstrating the innovation and drive that define the city’s entrepreneurial spirit. 

Honest Camper  

Futurpreneur: William Jarvis  

Product: Fully-equipped rental vans 

Website: https://www.honestcamper.com/ 

Honest Camper offers premium, fully equipped camping van rentals for those eager to explore the stunning Pacific Coast and interior. Inspired by a memorable road trip, founder William Jarvis wanted to share the experience of connecting with nature. Operating from Coquitlam, BC, Honest Camper also has a presence in San Francisco, ensuring year-round business. They provide an opportunity to escape the everyday and embrace the freedom of the open road. 

Risa Vancouver  

Futurpreneurs: Rid and Sal Sayyal  

Product: Upcycled handbags 

Website: https://risavancouver.com/ 

Risa Vancouver is a family-owned business crafting beautiful bags from upcycled leather. Led by two sisters, Rid and Sal Sayyal, they are committed to sustainability and ethical production, partnering with women artisans in India. Their mission is to blend affordable luxury with environmental responsibility, creating stylish, high-quality bags that contribute to a cleaner planet, one bag at a time. 

Double Sunrise  

Futurpreneur: Stephanie Baker  

Product: Women’s clothing 

Website: https://www.doublesunrise.ca/ 

Double Sunrise is a women’s clothing brand born from a desire for empowering apparel. Founded by Stephanie Baker in 2020, their collections draw inspiration from tropical getaways and timeless designs, offering pieces that evoke a resort-wear feel. With a focus on mindful fabric choices and smaller production runs in Vancouver, Double Sunrise champions both style and sustainability. 

At Futurpreneur, we’re proud to support the energy and vision of young entrepreneurs who are not only building innovative businesses but also strengthening the fabric of communities across British Columbia and the entire country. 

Ready to build your own future? Futurpreneur offers startup loan financing with mentorship and resources to help young entrepreneurs across Canada start, buy or grow their businesses. Learn more about us. 

Are you a Futurpreneur-supported entrepreneur? Want to showcase your products or services in our Futurpreneur Marketplace? Submit a quick application here to be featured on our year-round platform.