Embracing opportunity: Five newcomer entrepreneur success strategies from the co-founders of Whipdd

Starting a business is always a bold move, but doing so as a newcomer to a new country? That’s a whole new level of daring! Meet Akshay Kalekar and Shruti Priya Agarwal, the dynamic duo behind Whipdd, a fast-growing flavoured butter brand that’s making waves across Canada. Originally from India, they brought with them a wealth of experience in business and culinary arts. With the incredible support from Futurpreneur, they transformed their journey as newcomers into a thriving business success story.

Here are five key success strategies from their journey that can benefit newcomer entrepreneurs like you:

1. Secure the right support: Financing and mentorship are game-changers

For Akshay and Shruti, securing Futurpreneur’s loan with mentorship was a turning point. With access to up to $75,000 in startup financing and guidance from an experienced mentor, they gained the tools needed to navigate Canada’s entrepreneurial landscape. Having the right financial backing and a trusted mentor at your side can make all the difference when you’re launching a business in a new country. It’s more than just funding—it’s about having expert advice to help you overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

2. Be prepared for challenges: Understand the rules and regulations

Starting fresh in a new country during a global pandemic was no easy feat. One of the biggest hurdles Akshay and Shruti faced was navigating Canada’s regulatory landscape. For example, understanding Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requirements around food safety, labeling and packaging was overwhelming at first. But through research and persistence, they were able to meet these standards and grow their business. Their advice: take the time to thoroughly understand the regulations in your industry—being well-prepared can save you time and setbacks.

3. Find the right mentor: Align with someone who understands your industry

A key lesson for Akshay and Shruti was finding a mentor with expertise in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) space. Futurpreneur helped them connect with a mentor who understood the ins and outs of their industry, which accelerated their business growth and helped them avoid common mistakes. Their advice: make sure your mentor is aligned with your brand and industry. A mentor with relevant experience can offer invaluable guidance that is tailored to your business needs.

4. Stay flexible: Adapt to challenges and pivot when necessary

Running a business means being ready to adapt to unexpected challenges. For Akshay and Shruti, one of the biggest hurdles was meeting Canada’s food safety regulations, which required them to revamp their packaging. Instead of giving up, they embraced the changes and moved forward. Flexibility and adaptability are key traits for entrepreneurs, especially when facing regulatory or operational challenges. Remember, being willing to pivot when necessary can set your business up for long-term success.

5. Build personal networks: Leverage connections and be persistent

Before securing national brokers, Akshay and Shruti relied on personal connections to get their products into stores. They went directly to store managers and owners with samples of their flavored butters, building valuable relationships along the way. Networking and persistence were critical in their early stages. Their advice: don’t be afraid to knock on doors and introduce yourself. Building personal relationships and being persistent can open doors, even when traditional channels seem out of reach.

What’s next for Whipdd?

Akshay and Shruti have big dreams for Whipdd. They aim to become a household name in Canada’s butter industry, with plans to expand into major retailers across the country and enter the U.S. market by 2025. With their drive, strategic planning and continued support from Futurpreneur, their future looks bright.

Final thoughts for aspiring entrepreneurs

Akshay and Shruti’s journey highlights the power of mentorship, persistence and adaptability. Their story shows that newcomers can overcome obstacles, leverage their cultural strengths and use available resources to succeed in Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. They encourage other young entrepreneurs to focus on time management and networking—two key factors that can help turn your business idea into a thriving reality.

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re a newcomer to Canada and dreaming of starting your own business, Futurpreneur’s My Canadian Startup initiative, presented by TD Bank through their corporate citizenship platform, TD Ready Commitment, offers free workshops, networking events and digital resources to help you launch and grow your business. Learn more about how you can get the support you need to succeed on your entrepreneurial journey with My Canadian Startup.

Supporting Indigenous business: Six ways you can make a difference on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

In September, communities across Canada mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (falls annually on Sept. 30), a time a to reflect on and learn from Canada’s history and take action to advance reconciliation. Futurpreneur proudly supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call-to-Action #92, focusing on Indigenous economic empowerment.  

Supporting Indigenous-led businesses is one impactful way to contribute. Every purchase helps build equitable relationships with Indigenous communities. Every purchase from these businesses not only helps to uplift and empower Indigenous entrepreneurs but also fosters greater economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities.

By choosing to shop Indigenous, you’re participating in a meaningful act of reconciliation, helping to bridge gaps and build stronger, more equitable relationships. Discover how your purchasing power can be a force for positive change and join the movement towards reconciliation by supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Not sure where to start? Futurpreneur has put together a list of six awesome products and services from entrepreneurs supported by the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP), to allow you to help these Indigenous businesses thrive.

1. Support an Indigenous retail leader with your purchase of an Orange Shirt

Show your commitment to healing and justice by purchasing an Orange Shirt from aaniin. Founded by Chelsee Pettit, a visionary Indigenous leader and trailblazer in women-owned retail, aaniin is making a significant impact through its commitment to Truth & Reconciliation. By purchasing an Orange Shirt from aaniin, you’re helping acknowledge the systemic barriers and inter-generational traumas experienced by Indigenous Peoples and communities. Each shirt is more than just apparel—it’s a symbol of solidarity with healing and justice for Indigenous communities. Embrace this opportunity to support aaniin and Chelsee’s inspiring journey toward reconciliation and change.

What can I do? Add aaniin’s Orange T-Shirt to your cart today!

2. Stand in solidarity and support reconciliation with Red Rebel Armour’s Indigenous Ally T-Shirt

Another option for Indigenous allies who want to show their commitment to reconciliation and support Indigenous communities is by purchasing the ‘Indigenous Ally’ t-shirt from Red Rebel Armour. This powerful and stylish garment is more than just a statement piece—it’s a symbol of your dedication to standing alongside Indigenous Peoples in their journey towards justice and equality. By wearing this shirt, you’re amplifying the call for change and demonstrating your role in fostering a more inclusive and respectful society. Join the movement, make your support visible, and be a true ally.

What can I do? Buy your Indigenous Ally t-shirt from Red Rebel Armour today!

3. Nourish your skin and support Indigenous entrepreneurship at Aki Boutique

Discover the essence of natural beauty with Aki Boutique’s Blueberry and Sage skin toner, proudly founded by Indigenous entrepreneur, Charity Lax. This revitalizing toner not only enhances your skincare routine but also embodies the spirit of Indigenous entrepreneurship. By choosing this product, you’re supporting Charity’s dedication to promoting holistic wellness and empowering Indigenous communities. Embrace the rejuvenating power of blueberry and sage while contributing to a meaningful cause.

What can I do? Elevate your skincare and make a positive impact—pick-up the Blueberry and Sage toner at Aki Boutique!

4. Buy a jacket to give a jacket: Double the warmth

Keep cozy this winter while helping others stay warm. Warm Social Founder Jordan Britton builds his social mission directly into Warm’s business model. By purchasing a winter coat from Warm Social, you’re not only endorsing a meaningful cause but also supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs dedicated to making a difference. For every Warm winter jacket purchased, one jacket is donated to a person in need.

What can I do? Warm up this winter and make an impact with your men’s or women’s Long Down Puffer Coat from Warm Social.

5. Get spicy and make your meals more flavourful

Spice up your dishes the Hibiscus-Tamarind hot sauce from Tofino Hot Sauce. British Columbia-based Indigenous entrepreneur, Lise Richard, launched Tofino Hot Sauce with the mission to help others make delicious meals. British Columbians know where to find the flavour at more than 30 grocery and retail locations. Adding Tofino Hot Sauce to your dishes can not only be a way to add delicious flavours to your meals but it can also be a meaningful contribution to Indigenous economic reconciliation.

What can I do? Spice things up with Tofino Hot Sauce’s Hibiscus and Tamarind this fall!

6. Elevate your corporate culture with Deanne Hupfield’s cultural competence training

If you are corporate or community leader, or a business owner, you can help elevate your organizational culture by engaging, Deanne Hupfield, to build Indigenous awareness and cultural competencies. With her extensive expertise and deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, Deanne offers transformative sessions that empower employees with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and appreciate the diversity of Indigenous perspectives. Investing in this training not only demonstrates your commitment to equity and inclusion but also enhances team dynamics and strengthens organizational values.

What can I do? Make a meaningful impact—partner with Deanne Hupfield to lead your company towards a more culturally competent and respectful future.

Learn more about Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) by clicking here.

Empowered to succeed: Jessica Wylychenko’s Growth Accelerator experience 

Futurpreneur Jessica Wylychenko was interested in accelerating the growth of her small business. The Futurpreneur Growth Accelerator, presented by Spin Master and Lexus Canada, has helped her to do just that. 

Geared towards ambitious Futurpreneurs, the Growth Accelerator program, presented by Spin Master and Lexus Canada, is your launchpad to successfully propel your startup toward rapid growth and success. Participants engage in interactive workshops over an eight-week period, culminating in a strategy pitch competition judged by Spin Master, Lexus, and entrepreneurial ecosystem partners in Toronto. The Growth Accelerator panel of judges includes representatives from Spin Master and Lexus, as well as other partners. The pitch competition awards $10,000 to the Futurpreneur who presents the most compelling vision for growth. 

Jessica’s entrepreneurial journey led to the successful Hudson Bagels, an establishment that has since become a beloved local business in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Reflecting on her journey, Jessica recalls how her passion for entrepreneurship was rekindled during her time with the Growth Accelerator program. 

The Growth Accelerator program provided Jessica with new perspectives and opportunities for her business. Surrounded by passionate entrepreneurs, the program’s environment fueled her ambition, pushing her to think bigger and explore new avenues for growth. Each workshop served as a stepping stone, providing actionable insights and prepping her for future challenges. 

One pivotal session on cash flow management transformed how Jessica viewed her business’s financials. The guidance helped her dive deep into understanding and managing her cash flow, laying a solid foundation for future growth. This newfound financial acumen allowed her to project and plan for her business’s expansion more effectively. 

In today’s business landscape, social impact and sustainability are non-negotiable. While her business was already involved in community initiatives, the Futurpreneur Growth Accelerator two-day summit event and pitch competition in Toronto helped her address sustainability challenges. Inspired by the discussions, she plans to implement small yet significant changes, such as reducing plastic use in packaging and collaborating with delivery companies to adopt sustainable practices. 

Networking played a crucial role in Jessica’s journey. The summit provided a platform to connect with a diverse group of entrepreneurs, industry experts, and even a Futurpreneur board member. These connections opened doors for growth and strategic development, reinforcing the importance of building a robust professional network. 

The pitch competition was a defining moment for Jessica. Her meticulous preparation, clear understanding of the requirements, and extensive practice paid off, despite the nerves of presenting to a large group. Jessica used her pitch as an opportunity to candidly share the ups and downs of her entrepreneurial experience with the Growth Accelerator cohort. The experience underscored the importance of confidence, transparency and preparation in business. 

And the pitch competition winners were… DOUBL. While this wasn’t the result Jessica was hoping for, the experience was still fulfilling. Co-founders Jessica Bosman and Bryn Davis Williams from British Columbia impressed the judges with their innovative business, DOUBL, which specializes in made-to-measure bras powered by AI technology. Learn more about their exciting venture on their website and check out Futurpreneur’s Instagram post celebrating DOUBL’s win. 

A unique activity at the summit involved writing a letter to her future self. Jessica used this exercise to set a vision for her business and remind herself of her potential. It was a moment of reflection and motivation, reinforcing her commitment to growth and self-improvement. 

Jessica’s journey through the Growth Accelerator program was marked by significant learning, growth, and invaluable connections. Her story is a testament to the power of seizing opportunities, continuous learning, and the impact of a supportive entrepreneurial community. Through her experiences, she has not only grown her business but also solidified her role as a passionate and resilient entrepreneur. 

Futurpreneur can help you take your small business to the next level. Benefit from our loan with mentorship and resources, as well as our programs, like the Growth Accelerator, that can empower you, like Jessica, toward your small business goals. 

Learn more about the Futurpreneur Growth Accelerator. 

Top 3 benefits of Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program 

The journey of entrepreneurship can be challenging, but with the right support and resources, it can also be incredibly rewarding. For young aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs, Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) provides invaluable support to help turn business dreams into reality. Here are the top three benefits of the IESP: 

1. An all-Indigenous team supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs 

One of the key strengths of the IESP is that it is led by an all-Indigenous team. Our team brings deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that Indigenous entrepreneurs encounter. They provide customized programming tailored to the diverse needs of Indigenous communities across Canada. This culturally aligned support ensures that young Indigenous entrepreneurs feel understood, supported, and empowered to succeed in their business endeavours. 

Dustin Murdock, founder of Adapt Physical Therapy in Winnipeg, shares his experience: “When I was first starting to open a business, I was looking at different options for support. The first thing that came up was Futurpreneur. So, I looked into it and realized there’s an Indigenous program I thought would be a good fit for me.” 

2. Ohpikiwin Workshop Series: financial knowledge through an Indigenous lens 

The IESP proudly includes the Ohpikiwin: Journey to financial empowerment workshop series. This series is designed to empower young aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs with financial knowledge, tailored through an Indigenous perspective. Participants in these workshops gain a deeper understanding of the power of credit and learn how to leverage it to support and strengthen their communities. Presented through an Indigenous lens, this series ensures the content is both relatable and resonant for future Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

3. Comprehensive support: loans, mentorship, and resources 

The IESP offers more than just financial support. In addition to a startup loan, participants receive one-on-one mentorship and access to a wide range of resources to help them start, buy, or grow their businesses. This holistic approach ensures that Indigenous entrepreneurs are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of running a business. Since Futurpreneur’s launch in 1996, we have supported approximately 1,000 Indigenous-led businesses on the path to success. 

Danielle Drudge further emphasizes the value of this comprehensive support: “Futurpreneur offered me a startup loan and helped me do a lot of research that I wasn’t even aware of, that I needed.” 

Empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs for inclusive economic prosperity 

Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program reflects our commitment to empowering young aspiring Indigenous entrepreneurs. By providing culturally relevant support and resources, led by our all-Indigenous team, we are committed to playing an important role in advancing Reconciliation. Our team’s unique insights and experiences ensure that the support provided is resonant and meaningful, fostering inclusive economic prosperity in communities across Canada. 

To learn more about Futurpreneur’s Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program, click here. 

Six benefits of shopping local this holiday season — and seven tips to make it easier than ever

Shopping locally is gaining popularity with many Canadians. According to a recent opinion poll, a majority of consumers said they’d rather shop local than purchase from large online retailers — and there’s never been a better time to invest in your community while practising conscious consumerism. 

This holiday season, your local small business owners and entrepreneurs — including many Futurpreneurs — will appreciate your efforts. Let’s dive into the benefits of shopping locally this holiday season, along with some tips and ideas for supporting small businesses across Canada.

1. Keep your tax dollars in the community

For every $100 spent at a small business, on average $66 stays local, according to new data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. That’s an impressive figure, compared to the $11 that stays in the community from every $100 spent at a large multinational business.

2. Support local entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs drive prosperity in Canada. According to the Business Council of Canada, entrepreneurs found or lead 98% of all small and medium-sized businesses in the country — and they create nearly half of all new jobs, generate around a third of the Canadian GDP, and produce a quarter of our exports. 

3. Support local causes

Supporting a local business allows them to give back to the community in volunteer days, support and sponsorship programs, and donating to local causes. Our Futurpreneurs love giving back to their communities — and you can help them do it by giving them your business.

4. Lower your environmental impact

Purchasing locally made goods helps reduce the greenhouse gases associated with shipping products hundreds or thousands of kilometres, and it can help reduce urban sprawl and habitat loss. Smaller businesses also generally require less energy for their operations. 

5. Enjoy better customer service

Small business owners and employees typically offer high-quality service and an in-depth knowledge of the products they’re selling. They’re fully invested in the success of the business, and they’ll go out of their way to make your shopping experience enjoyable and meaningful. 

6. Find unique gifts

Shopping locally allows you to discover one-of-a-kind gifts that stand out from mass-produced items. With a more limited stock, each gift you select is unique, adding a personal touch to your holiday presents — and you can often meet the creator who made the gift, adding another layer of fun and value to your holiday shopping. 

Seven tips for finding the perfect local businesses, products and services

While polling shows a majority of Canadians say supporting local businesses is important to them, 87% report doing most of their shopping through multinational retailers — and 78% of small retailers say they’re losing customers to big businesses. 

Here are some ways to make shopping locally easier this holiday season.

1. Shop the Futurpreneur 2023 Holiday Shopping Guide

Want to shop local and support young entrepreneurs across Canada? The Futurpreneur 2023 Holiday Shopping Guide features a range of holiday offerings from small, local Canadian businesses. Find unique and affordable holiday gifts from our diverse, skilled Futurpreneurs. Explore products by specific communities, including Black, Indigenous, woman-owned, and 2SLGBTQIA+ businesses, or shop by province or category.

2. Set a budget and purchase with purpose

Set a clear budget for your holiday shopping this year, and stick to it. Remember — a less-expensive but more meaningful gift can help you stay within budget and also bring more joy to the recipient. 

Interac Corp., one of our presenting sponsors for this year’s Holiday Shopping Guide, offers its  Interac Debit solution to make everyday purchases quick and easy with just a tap — and this option can lower the cost of transactions for small businesses, too. Interac also has some great advice for reducing holiday stress. 

3. Look online 

There’s a good chance that even the smallest local shops in your community have a website or social media presence, allowing you to shop locally — online. All of the Futurpreneurs featured in our Holiday Shopping Guide are examples of this. To make life even easier, inquire about delivery or curbside pickup options.

4. Hit the holiday craft fairs

Winter markets and craft fairs are a great way to discover local entrepreneurs. Futurpreneur recently hosted a six-city, cross-Canada Holiday Shopping Tour where our young entrepreneurs highlighted their products in local marketplaces. Events like these let you see a range of different local gift-buying options in one place — and they’re fun, festive and family-friendly.

5. Consider gift certificates

The gift of time is precious, and gift certificates can save the day — purchase them for everything from house-cleaning and pet-walking services to local restaurants, boutiques, spas, salons and gift shops. Gift certificates from small local coffee and tea shops are great gifts for coworkers, teachers, and others this season.

6. Hire a local caterer

The holidays are a busy time. If you can, give yourself a break and hire a local caterer to do the cooking, baking or charcuterie boards for your holiday events. Many local caterers and restaurant owners love to shine at this time of year and could really benefit from a boost from local consumers. 

7. Show your appreciation

Customer and community engagement mean everything to a small-business owner, so join that newsletter and follow, like and share those social media posts. Word-of-mouth can make or break a young entrepreneur, so if you’ve had a great experience with a local business, take a few moments to shout it from the rooftops!

Shopping local is easy with Futurpreneur

Shopping locally this year can make a big difference to young entrepreneurs — and we’ve made it easy once again with our 2023 Futurpreneur Holiday Shopping Guide (in French here). We’ve carefully curated unique, affordable holiday gift options into this year’s guide.

If you’re a local entrepreneur, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), our other presenting sponsor for this year’s Holiday Shopping Guide, has created this handy small business toolkit to help young entrepreneurs get ready for the busy holiday season. 

The Growth Accelerator: A Power-Packed Event

Launching a successful business is a major milestone for any aspiring entrepreneur. However, the true measure of accomplishment lies in nurturing that startup and taking it to new heights. That is precisely why Futurpreneur and Spin Master have collaborated to deliver the Growth Accelerator. It is an exclusive opportunity for Futurpreneur-supported entrepreneurs to broaden their horizons and give their businesses an edge.  

This extraordinary initiative is tailored for diverse young entrepreneurs who have already launched their businesses and are growth-focused. The program provides entrepreneurs multiple opportunities for coaching, knowledge-sharing, networking, and supports from experts to maximize their chances of successfully scaling their business. 

This year’s Growth Accelerator included 25 entrepreneurs from across the country who participated in three months of workshops focused on marketing, operations, and finance. Futurpreneur also held an exclusive session, in collaboration with Empower by GoDaddy, to help enhance digital presence and increase sales.  

Led by subject matter experts, the Growth Accelerator workshops provided entrepreneurs insights on scaling their startups and enhancing their skillsets to achieve their business growth goals. The sessions culminated with two days of in-person events, where the entrepreneurs came together and pitched their businesses, with James Lynn from KALŪ, taking home a $10,000 cash award to put towards the growth of his business.

 

Day One: The Big Showcase 

The Growth Accelerator summit kicked off at Spin Master’s head office in downtown Toronto where the enthusiastic cohort was welcomed by business leaders including Futurpreneur’s CEO, Karen Greve Young, Vice President, Programs & Partnerships, Janis Nixon; Spin Master’s Vice President of Sales, Tom Linnemann and Vice President, Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility, Tammy Smitham.

The opening keynote was delivered by the visionary – Jon Levy, Head of Spin Master Ventures and Co-Founder of Mastermind Toys.

Our Growth Accelerator cohort also had the privilege of learning from accomplished young entrepreneurs and Futurpreneur alumni. Mark Argo, Co-Founder of Little Robot Friends, Wilmer Hernandez, Founder of Montañeros Coffee, and Candace Tierney, Founder of Oat & Mill, shared their success stories and the challenges they encountered along the way. Their insights provided inspiration and guidance to our participants, offering a glimpse into the realities of the entrepreneurial journey.

 

The highlight of the day was the incredible showcase organized for the entrepreneurs to display their products and services, which included eyewear, tutoring services, health and wellness, pet food, outdoor recreation, and others. The event served as a tremendous opportunity for our entrepreneurs to develop partnerships and collaborations with each other, network with industry leaders, and explore possibilities to scale their businesses.

The day concluded with an awe-inspiring address from none other than John Risley, Founder and President of Clearwater Foods, and the esteemed Founding Board Chair of Futurpreneur Canada. As an industry leader, and titan of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, John Risley’s presence was a testament to the caliber of our program. What truly set him apart was his genuine interest in our cohort, and his business insights resonated deeply with the entrepreneurs, leaving an indelible impact on them. 

The young entrepreneurs were excited to interact with a diverse array of trailblazers, each with their own remarkable journey and experiences. These interactions ignited a spark within the cohort, leaving them motivated to bring their A-game to the pitch competition scheduled for the following day. 

Day Two: The Grand Finale 

On the heels of a successful day one, filled with engaging conversations with an exceptional line up of guests, the diverse young entrepreneurs were ready to pitch their businesses and vie for the coveted $10,000 cash award.

The day began with an invigorating session on the “Power of Storytelling”. With his infectious energy, Jake Karls, the dynamic Co-Founder & Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares delved into his own entrepreneurial journey, from the modest beginnings of starting a business with his sister and brother-in-law in their apartment in 2018, to the astounding achievement of selling over 20 million chocolate bars within five years.  

Jake’s advice to the entrepreneurs was clear and impactful. His storytelling prowess captivated all in attendance and left them supercharged to unlock their own untapped potential. He emphasized the importance of authenticity in establishing genuine connections with their audience and encouraged them to embrace vulnerability without fear. With his mantra of “being real” and fearlessly embracing disruption, he empowered our Growth Accelerator cohort to boldly carve their own unique paths to success. 

The next session was a workshop on “Effective Communication”, hosted by Rahel Appiagyei-David, Founding Director of One1000 Consulting. Rahel shared the secrets to forming customers connections through effective communications including building on credibility and accountability to strengthen trust for the brand.

Soon after, the pitch competition started with the participants breaking into rooms to present their pitches to judges including Valerie Fox, Chief Innovation Consultant, The Pivotal Point, and Futurpreneur Board Member; Catherine Addai-Boadu, Founder and CEO of KAELA KAY; Melissa Allen, Executive Director, League of Innovators (LOI Accelerator); Tom Linnemann, Vice President of Sales, Spin Master; Tammy Smitham, Vice President, Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility Spin Master, and Dominik Loncar, Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Futurpreneur.
 
The judges were inspired by the entrepreneurs’ vision and decided to move forward with six finalists instead of five, including: James Lynn, Founder of KALŪ, Abbie Morris, Co-founder of FarOut Wilderness, Ty de Hoog, Founder of True North Cider, Anisa Musmary, Founder of Wanderruff, Michael Collins, Founder & CEO of Periculum, Julianne Nieh, Founder & Director of Teaboco.

 

After an intense round of pitching to an expanded audience of judges including Jake Karls and Joshua Misquitta, from CIBC, James Lynn emerged as the well-deserved recipient of the coveted $10,000 cash award. The exhilaration in the room was palpable as James’ name was called, and his reaction was nothing short of pure joy. With genuine excitement, he exclaimed, “The Growth Accelerator experience ranks amongst the highest highs I’ve ever experienced. This award will allow me to fast-track certain projects that otherwise would’ve been put off until a later time. These projects will significantly accelerate my growth in the short term and help my business reach new heights! I’m so grateful!”.
Check out our full press release for more on James’ win!

 

With day two drawing to a close, the conclusion of this year’s Growth Accelerator program filled the air with an atmosphere of positivity, camaraderie, and boundless enthusiasm. The participants, special guests, and esteemed judges, departed with hearts full of inspiration and a shared sense of accomplishment. The successful culmination of Futurpreneur’s Growth Accelerator ignited a collective anticipation for the next round, fostering a desire to continue the journey of growth and empowerment.  

As the curtains closed on this year’s program, the prevailing sentiment was one of gratitude and excitement for the next chapter. The Growth Accelerator had fostered an extraordinary environment that nurtured growth, ambition, and limitless possibilities. The participants departed with a desire to continue their entrepreneurial journeys, armed with the experiences and connections gained through this initiative led by Futurpreneur, in collaboration with Spin Master. Until next year’s Growth Accelerator, their journey continues with the unwavering belief that anything is achievable.

If this article inspired you to embark on your own entrepreneurial journey reach out today! The Growth Accelerator is tailor-made for ambitious entrepreneurs who are supported by Futurpreneur with financing and mentorship and have a strong desire to scale their businesses. If this sounds like you, be sure to apply when the next round of applications for the Growth Accelerator opens up.  

Introducing the 2023 Growth Accelerator cohort

Learning plays a vital role in an entrepreneur’s growth and the success of their business. Learning enables quick thinking, sound decision-making, problem solving, and planning for the future. Futurpreneur’s Growth Accelerator is a unique offering to our Young Entrepreneurs who want to elevate their business to higher levels of success.

Facilitated digitally again this year, with an in-person strategy pitch session in Toronto in April, the Growth Accelerator will provide insight and education on various aspects of a business throughout the course of the initiative.

Commencing in February 2023, the workshops this month will focus on Marketing:  Entrepreneurs will learn to create an implementable marketing strategy for their business. In March, the spotlight will fall on creating operational assets and how to implement/access them. Last but definitely not the least, Finance will be April’s focus: Entrepreneurs will be armed with heightened awareness of their current and future financial numbers to make appropriate financial forecasts and decisions.

Growth Accelerator is a Futurpreneur initiative, powered by Spin Master. We thank Spin Master for supporting this initiative and accelerating the future of entrepreneurship.

Meet this year’s cohort:

A CUT ABOVE TREE EXPERTS:

A Cut Above Tree Experts is a year-round tree care provider in Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Cambridge that is committed to the preservation and health of our urban canopies. The tree service includes services such as pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, cabling and bracing (support systems), plant health care, tree planting, storm damage clean up, risk assessments, tree consulting.

ACE IT TUTORING INC.

Ace It Tutoring offers a new and fresh approach to the concept of tutoring. No More appointments. No more time limits. No more just one subject at a time. They are the gym for Math and Science grades.

ADA’S GOLF BOUTIQUE

Ada’s Golf Boutique is an online destination for fashionable and functionable golf and activewear for women. From buying, to building Ada’s creative marketing campaigns, Mackenzie has enjoyed every moment of making Ada’s Golf Boutique a reality. Ada’s allows Mackenzie to channel her innovative side and celebrate women.

BEST CAT INC.

Best Cat is a cat specialty retailer that sources unique cat food, treats, toys, cat furniture and accessories. Best Cat is owned and operated by Meagan and Kyle Daigle, siblings who are passionate about enriching the lives of Canadian cats. Best Cat is the go-to cat retailer in the GTA, featuring a selection of difficult to find, quality products and providing responsive customer service.

CHOCO DE LÉA

Choco de Léa offers high-end, vegan, eco-responsible chocolates, made from cocoa beans and direct trading practice. The brand combines the concept of food chemistry, local products and the particularities of fine cacao to create unique and very high-quality products.

DIALED BIKE SERVICE

Dialed Bike Service is a precision bike maintenance and repair shop with a focus on high-end mountain bikes. Founders Ash and Adam are extremely proud of creating a space that honours their own neurodivergence, while working towards creating space for more people like them in the bike industry and community and focusing on delivering unparalleled quality and attention to detail.

FAR OUT WILDERNESS

FarOut Wilderness provides safe access to the backcountry of British Columbia through self-drive overland vehicle rentals and tailor-made itineraries. It offers an unrivaled opportunity for its clients to safely adventure through the province’s wild and beautiful places.

HEARTBEET MARKET GARDEN

Locally grown with love, the brand is founded by passionate growers dedicated to fighting food insecurity through serving the community by producing high quality, nutrient dense, fresh food and natural products. Putting their heart in every plant from seed to harvest, they grow using natural ways to promote a healthy, sustainable, and productive environment.

HOPE PET FOOD

Hope Pet Food is bridging the gap between nutritious and sustainable with alternative proteins from insects, algae and fungi. They are on a mission to provide pet parents with better food for their furry family members using an evidence-based approach, nutrient-rich and eco-friendly ingredients all while leaving livestock and fish ingredients behind.

KALŪ

KALŪ is an eco-friendly pet food company. The brains behind KALŪ believe that the best way to encourage their customers to make sustainable choices is to offer products designed with the utmost respect for the environment around us.  KALŪ is a local, accessible and environmentally responsible alternative to the products that are currently available on the market.

KIDS INNOVATIVE LIMITED

Kids Innovative is an after-school STEAM educational service providing digital literacy to students. Kids Innovative particularly focuses on combining digital art with coding or animation in an interactive classroom session.

MARARAMIRO

Mararamiro is the first shoppable photography studio in Canada. They have an online home decor store as well as a Toronto showroom that doubles as an elevated, fully furnished, and styled photography studio that they rent to content creators and brands.

MORE GRANOLA

More Granola is Canada’s first and only brand of snackable granola chunks. We make granola snacks in a line of dessert inspired flavours, including Pecan Pie, Hot Cocoa, Nutty Crumble and Salted Caramel.

NAILIFY

Nailify stands out by providing high quality consulting services and top of the shelves supply for beauty professionals, more specifically nail professionals. The company has a retail store in Québec city and its core business is across the Province of Québec through their online store.

PERICULUM

Periculum builds data analytic software that empowers organizations in underserved markets. They help companies with credit assessment, ML modeling, Fraud risk, Churn risk, and more. They bring intelligence to the core of everything that matters most to the customers.

PIECEMEAL FOOD PROVISIONS

PieceMeal was developed out of the beautiful Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia to fill the need for a locally sourced meal kit. It is a hybrid between a CSA (Consumer Supported Agriculture) Box and a Meal Kit. The recipes were designed by professional chef Fiona Lewis and are chosen in collaboration with available produce from local farms.

QUVÉ

Quvé Group is a small Toronto-based wine and spirits agency offering commercial level sales and marketing management within a boutique firm setting. They specialize in representing independent, family-owned producers using organic/sustainable methods.

SOL KYST

SOL KYST is a curated collection of sunglasses designed to fit and flatter those with a wide/round/square face shape. With the widest women’s frames on the market and as a solution-based product they offer classic designs with an emphasis on quality, function and versatility.

SRTRAINING

SRTraining offers an all-rounded approach to helping individuals find their version of happy, healthy, and wholesome. They offer a 1 – 1 in-person health and wellness training facility. They help their customers focus on a better lifestyle, wellness, health habits that will build them into being that fuller more healthier, happier, trusting self.

TATAMAGOUCHE ICE CREAMERY

Tatamagouche Ice Creamery, a manufacturer; retailer; and wholesaler of ultra-premium ice cream, celebrated its official launch on Canada Day of 2020, following over a year of hard work and investment.

TEABOCO

Teaboco is a women-owned Canadian brand that promotes intentional and sustainable living with a range of eco-friendly, reusable drink ware. The name Teaboco came from the multi-functional functionality of the products including glass tumblers that can be used for Tea, Boba, Coffee, and more.

TIMBER AND FINS

Timber and Fins is a company dedicated to crafting heirloom-quality fly fishing gear that enhances the fishing experience and can be passed down from one generation to the next. Founded three years ago by David-Alexandre Chabot, Timber and Fins was created out of a desire to provide high-quality, responsibly-made fly fishing products.

TRUE NORTH CIDER CO.

True North Cider strives to create genuine, authentic cider made from 100% Canadian apples, fermented in small batches, and developed into unique seasonal flavours. By providing an authentic and unique product they separate themselves from major global cider producers.

WANDERRUFF

Wanderruff is a sustainable dog accessories brand making dog collars, harnesses, and leashes out of recycled water bottles and zero waste beds for the wagging adventurer — merging comfort and consciousness.

WEARSHOP

Wearshop is a leather handbag brand designed for the woman-on-the-go. The bags are functional and practical, yet elegant. All their bags are made in Canada by local artisans who date and sign each bag as their way of adding an extra human touch to their work.

Introducing the 2022 Growth Accelerator cohort!

Our economy never stops growing, and the Futurpreneur team believes the growth of your company shouldn’t either. 

Beginning this week through to June, Futurpreneur’s Growth Accelerator has invited 14 entrepreneurs within Canada to build upon the success of their business(s). Facilitated digitally for the second year, entrepreneurs will gain invaluable knowledge on how to pitch to new potential buyers, drive sales through an e-commerce platform, and tap into new markets without leaving the comfort of their own home.  

Entrepreneurs specializing in the packaged goods industry via their own enterprises will partake in workshops, meetings, and networking sessions. These growth opportunities have been carefully curated to propel entrants towards their goals and offer real-world strategies to generate success in the years to come.  

This year’s Growth Accelerator is offered in partnership with Spin Master Inc. and supported by Dentons Canada and Ramp Communications. The entire Futurpreneur family wishes to extend our thanks to our partners for supporting this initiative and accelerating the future of entrepreneurship.

Showcasing the future:  

7 SUMMITS SNACKS (Edmonton, AB):

7 Summits Snacks is a women-led company specializing in nutritional chocolate products. Eager to fuel your next adventure, they hope to inform the general public about the multi-faceted health benefits of chocolate and increase their revenues by 200%.

 

ALLETT CANADA (Ottawa, ON):

Allett Canada imports, sells, and distributes luxury cylinder mowers and sports turf equipment to homeowners and enterprises across the country–while offering service and warranty claims for both. Allett intends to double their revenues from their previous fiscal year.  

BE SPRUCY (Toronto, ON):

Be Sprucy is a personal hygiene brand that produces non-traditional hand sanitizer and a range of other hygiene offerings. Sprucy intends to showcase their sustainably created products to increase brand awareness and achieve their goal of becoming the world’s leading personal hygiene company.   

CHIWIS (Squamish, BC):

Chiwis is a women-led, proud certified, company which creates 100% natural fruit chips by creatively re-using fruit. They plan to increase their customer base and therefore provide more opportunities for prospective customers to enjoy their sustainable offerings. 

FLAX HOME (Vancouver, BC):

Flax Home produces ultra-soft, ultra-breathable, bedding, towels, and home goods made from 100% pure linen. They plan to extend market expansion and expand the scale of their operations.  

 

JAAN FOODS (Surrey, BC):

Jaan Foods makes clean label, plant-based foods from a high standard culinary perspective. They aspire to increase revenues through digital marketing, scale their general operations, and generate increased value propositions for their investors.  

MILLER BOX CO. (Hamilton, ON):

Miller Box Co. masterfully crafts customized, curated gift boxes showcasing local and Canadian businesses. Miller Box Co. intends to increase operational efficiency and refine their marketing and growth strategies.  

 

MONUTS (Winnipeg, MB):

MoNUTs provides handcrafted, plant-based, protein donut snacks derived from nutritious ingredients and their own unique blend of plant-based sweeteners—with no sugar additives. MoNUTS strives to increase their market stake and boost brand awareness through digital marketing strategies.  

MORE EATS (Toronto, ON):

More Eats flagship product is a gourmet granola made with simple and nutritious ingredients crafted into flavors inspired by classic desserts. More Eats intends to enhance their sales strategies to bolster research and development while expanding into new markets. 

OAT & MILL (Colborne, ON):

Oat & Mill offers a premium, plant-based, array of frozen desserts from carefully selected ingredients and in-house crafted oat cream. They hope to refine the growth strategy for their enterprise and provide more delicious offerings to more customers.  

ROLL UP (Etobicoke, ON):

Roll Up is a personal hygiene paper company utilizing sustainable Bamboo pulp. They’re unique brand identity brings character and environmentally conscious products to the general public while being 100% plastic free.  

SARKO BEAUTY (Coquitlam, BC):

Sarko Beauty offers a variety of human hair products: extensions, toppers and wigs. Their brands’ expert customer service includes a growing community that intends to generate self-empowerment and confidence for all. Sarko Beauty hopes to refine their growth strategy to scale operations and generate more revenue.  

SOULDEO NATURALS (Winkler, MB):

SoulDeo Naturals creates all-natural personal hygiene products. The success of their natural deodorant led to the development of a variety of best-selling hygiene products. SoulDeo Naturals seeks to further develop their growth strategies to increase their success. 

WOLSELEY KOMBUCHA (Winnipeg, MB):

Wolseley Kombucha is a woman-owned and operated kombucha company. Their product is organic, raw, healthy, and undiluted. They aspire to improve their market entry strategy to access more customers and generate both brand awareness and increase revenues. 

 

Are you looking to take your business from idea to success? Click here to discover our programs and offerings. 

 

Article written by Jason T.L. Bailey  

G20 YEA 2021: In-Person Delegation Announcement & Activity Updates

The Canadian delegation is getting ready to attend the G20 Young Entrepreneur Alliance Summit (G20 YEA) on October 5th and 6th in Milan, which was organized by Confindustria Giovani Imprenditori, with support from our partner Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Trade Commissioner Services (TCS). 

The Summit is titled Global Renaissance: Sustainability, inclusion and innovation for prosperity. Young entrepreneurs participating will be conquering topics such as inclusion, climate change and environment innovation, as well as the digitalization and future of work. 

G20 Youth Entrepreneurship Alliance In-Person Delegation Announced

Given the current COVID-19 regulations, travel restrictions and the safety of participants, the Summit is proceeding as a hybrid event. Instead of the full G20 YEA delegation traveling to the host destination, a team of 13 selected delegates will be representing the Canadian delegation in person in Milan, led by Futurpreneur’s G20 YEA President, Dan Ouimet, and Sherpa, Mégane Visette. Meanwhile, the remaining 36 delegates will be participating in summit events and lending their crucial input remotely from across Canada. 

After much consideration, the 13 individuals who have been selected to participate in-person and represent our delegation at the Summit are:  

• Amanda Buhse (MB), Coal and Canary Inc. 
• Amanda Cupido (ON), Lead Podcasting 
• Andrea Gomez (QC), OMY Laboratoires 
• Angela Wallace (ON), Angela Wallace Impact Agency 
• Annie Cyr (QC), Tengiva 
• Audrey Charles (AB), Convenient Business Solutions Inc. 
• Isabelle Leblond (QC), La Technologie Happy Hôtels Inc. 
• Jean-Sébastien Bouchard (QC), SYNECDO 
• Mathew Mozaffari (ON), Speer Technologies 
• Nicholas Lavalle (NS), Clean Valley Bio-filtration Technologies CIC 
• Ramin Estifaie (BC), CSN Pharma 
• Sierra Lathlin (MB), The Barkery Dog Treats 
• Taïna Chalifoux (QC), DiNapoli Caffè 
• View full biographies for our in-person and virtual delegates here. 

Three delegates have also been selected by our Italian hosts and Summit partner Accenture to speak during the Summit’s global panels: Annie Cyr, Jean-Sébastien Bouchard, and Reneta Johnson. 

G20 Youth Entrepreneurship Alliance 2021 Pre-Summit Activities

Over the course of the summer, our delegation took part in consultative Taskforce meetings led by Futurpreneur and our G20 YEA alumni and Taskforce leads: Steph Limage (Digitization, Innovation & Future of Work Track), Ghalia Aamer (Inclusion and Equal Opportunities Track), and Nina Lantinga (Sustainability, Climate Change and Energy Track).  

Delegates had the opportunity to meet with and learn from a variety of stakeholders, including the Youth 20 (Y20) delegation led by Young Diplomats of Canada, the Women 20 (W20), G(irls)20, the YWCA, and the Women’s Economic Council (WEC). During these meetings, delegates were able to outline Canadian young entrepreneurs’ priorities under the themes of the 2021 Summit and Communiqué. 

The Canadian delegation additionally benefited from the following virtual sessions: 

• The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) briefed our delegates on the importance of IP protection at home and abroad. For more information on CIPO, click here. 
• The Inclusive Trade team at EDC, one of our 2021 Delegation Partners, also briefed our delegates on pitching and value proposition, financing for international growth, and the variety of EDC services available to young entrepreneurs’ SMEs, especially women and BIPOC entrepreneurs. For more information on EDC, click here. 
• The Trade Commissioner Services continues to provide meaningful resources and support to our delegates looking to export and trade in Italy, as well as other G20 countries. For more information on TCS, click here. 

About the G20 Youth Entrepreneurship Alliance

To maximize the transformative potential of the most brilliant minds in youth entrepreneurship across the globe, the G20 YEA Summit was launched in 2010 in Toronto. Young people were united to put forth recommendations concerning the global entrepreneurship agenda discussed in the leaders’ G20 and G7 summits. With the overwhelming success of the conference, the G20 YEA annual summit was launched, and Futurpreneur was selected to represent the Canadian delegation. Over the years, the summits have helped influence topics such as barriers to capital, skills and entrepreneurial training, free trade, sustainable business models and more. 

Learn more about the G20 YEA here.  

National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month – a time when we are asked to reflect upon the history and heritage of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Canada. 

At Futurpreneur, we aim to celebrate and showcase – throughout June and every month of the year – the contributions that Indigenous young entrepreneurs are making in their communities and regions across the country. 

 Futurpreneur has been serving young entrepreneurs from a broad array of backgrounds since our inception. Through the work of our dedicated Indigenous Young Entrepreneur (IYE) team, we seek to build on that foundation, supporting more and more First Nations, Inuit and Métis youth on their entrepreneurial journeys. 

 In addition to encouraging and supporting Indigenous small business owners through funding and mentorship, we are also collaborating with Indigenous organizations to fulfill our mission, showcasing role models to inspire other Indigenous young people to consider launching a business as a career path, and developing and delivering culturally relevant and appropriate programming. 

 Our commitment to reaching and serving IYEs is reflected in Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action 92, which asks the Canadian corporate sector to “ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities in the corporate sector, and that Aboriginal communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects.”

This journey is ongoing. Our IYE team, along with the entire staff at Futurpreneur, will work daily to learn, grow and establish new ways to support young Indigenous people across Canada, meeting them where they are and readying them for success. 

Learn more about our programming for Indigenous entrepreneurs here.

G20YEA Summit: “Perfect for any company interested in expanding beyond borders”

Hamza Khan and Daniel Martinovic are the co-founders of Vimto. Last year, the Toronto-based entrepreneurs joined the Canadian delegation to the 2020 G20YEA Summit in Saudi Arabia. Ahead of the 2021 summit in Italy, the cofounders share their experiences meeting fellow delegates, making international connections and exploring ways to expand their business globally.

Vimto.co is a software as a service​ that assists startups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in automating their sales funnels, all while providing a tailored knowledge base. Acting as a digital growth consultant, Vimto helps businesses to scale internationally and enter new markets.

We undertook this project following a trip to Turkey, where we engaged in some consulting with the government. We were tasked to help SMEs export their technologies. While there, it troubled us that there were so many remarkable entrepreneurs with impressive businesses and products, whose growth was limited by their inability to sell. This bothered us to the point where we recognized that we could turn this problem into a full on venture, and Vimto was born.

The G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Summit in Saudi Arabia

In 2020, Vimto was fortunate to be included as a participant at the G20 YEA summit, thanks to the amazing team at Futurpreneur! Being two of the younger delegates among the talented cohort, we had the most amazing time meeting and learning from other Canadian entrepreneurs. The shift to a digital summit, due to COVID-19, provided us with the unique opportunity to meet like-minded leaders from around the globe to dissect real problems, collaborate on ideas, and foster a community.

During this summit, we learned a lot from the Trade Commissioner Services about how Canadians can better access the world trade network. Through this and the wide range of bilateral meetings, our team made new and notable connections in countries such as Saudi Arabia, India, South Africa, United Kingdom, Mexico, and made many friends. Most invaluably, we learned about their markets directly from the source. Due to the very nature of the G20, this summit is perfect for anyone or any company interested in expanding beyond borders.

Since Vimto’s new pivot focuses on emerging markets and elevating small businesses with a user-friendly sales outreach tool, we were appreciative of the opportunity to further test and pivot our model, all while working closely with real-world business owners to learn more. We believe the process of sales does not have to be so time consuming and we want founders and owners to focus on what really matters – their business. We started off Vimto by helping businesses to identify international prospects and setting up their sales funnel. We always had the idea of taking it one step further by actually closing deals for the companies on their behalf. The G20 YEA connected us to companies that helped us to validate this premise.

Our Key Takeaways

One of the more notable outcomes of this experience is a potential partnership with SABIC. Showcasing our teams’ services and strengths, we have plans to travel and meet in-person in KSA this year to build on our virtual connection.

Other wins would come shortly after we attended the summit. For instance, with our better understanding of world trade, we were able to start establishing innovative projects such as WorldTree – Guyana and Fortress Cement in the fastest growing country by GDP per capita. We are assisting with the business development and implementation aspects of these projects and tying them into the Low Carbon Development Strategy for the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. G20 YEA provided us with a little more validation to make these partnerships and agreements possible.

One of our founders is Guyanese; though he was born and raised in Toronto, he spent quite a bit of time in Guyana in his youth. Guyana had the fastest growing economy in 2020 due to its fairly recent oil and natural gas discovery. He always wanted to invest in Guyana, even before the oil boom. Even though we are just starting out, G20 YEA helped open the door to a lifelong goal. We’re excited for 2021.

One of the great moments of the virtual conference happened during the Indian bilateral meeting, where we got the chance to reconnect with the Canadian trade minister to India, HE Annie Dubé. The wildest part: She recognized our founding member Hamza from his trip to Mumbai earlier in 2020, before the global COVID lockdown, when he met with her in person. It was nice to know that the G20 does not just establish new connections, but actually helped to revive and prolong a past connection.

From One Young Entrepreneur to Another

Our G20 YEA journey started on the last day of applications, one hour before midnight. All too familiar with handing in assignments and projects in the 11th hour, we debated on whether to finish the application. It was after a long and exhausting day of meetings, but we decided to shoot for it.

Needless to say, my co-founder and I are very glad we decided to take the leap as young entrepreneurs. The knowledge and connections we have gained have been invaluable, allowing us not only to pivot successfully but to thrive in this chaotic time.

So if you are reading this, and are on the fence about joining the G20 YEA summit, we would highly recommend that you go for it. The Vimto team is looking forward to meeting you next year!

The 2021 G20 YEA, hosted by Italy, will take place October 5-8, 2021. Apply now.

How the G20YEA Summit helped me grow my business and network globally

The 2020 G20YEA young entrepreneurship summit was a great experience and a valuable opportunity to grow my business, Benjamin David Group.

This year’s summit was held in Saudi Arabia, but, given COVID-19, it wasn’t possible to hold the event face-to-face. That didn’t matter, because our Saudi hosts and official G20 YEA Saudi members stepped in and made the event possible by helping us get connected online, and Futurpreneur-led training and trade activities for the Canadian delegation were also held through Zoom.

Before I get into the specifics of the event, I just want to mention that opportunities like this one are available to anyone, but it is important to chase them. To be part of the Canadian delegation, there’s a process to follow with Futurpreneur, the official Canadian member of the G20YEA and leader of our delegation, and an application to submit. I think it’s important to be willing to participate in these things and push ourselves forward on our own entrepreneurial paths.

My journey at the 2020 G20YEA was incredible. I was able to network with young entrepreneurs from different countries and hear keynotes from speakers who are esteemed in their fields. The keynotes were an excellent beginning to the days and gave us practical lessons from industry leaders.

However, I most enjoyed the networking that took place afterwards with the other delegates. Having such a diverse group of entrepreneurs is what really made the 2020 G20YEA special for me. Being able to connect with these people not only opened my business up to new opportunities, but also exposed me to what entrepreneurship looks like globally. Access to both of these incredible opportunities made the journey a great experience overall, despite the complications that the 2020 landscape brought.

My biggest takeaways from the event came from being able to connect and meet with different trade commissioners, who gave us invaluable resources to understand how to do business in different countries. At the same time, we had several opportunities to network amongst ourselves, which opened up a promising business opportunity with another Canadian delegate, Abdaal Mazhar Shafi, partner at Quantum Lead. Just by sharing our industry, specialty and business focus, we were able to connect and start discussing how to work together. Now we are partnering with Quantum Lead to our customers’ benefit by introducing them to the other organization’s dynamic range of services. Our respective businesses also benefit from the chance to cross-sell and the expanded opportunities for operation and growth.

Having the opportunity to connect with another Canadian delegate and understand their focus outside of Canada was invaluable on its own.  But also learning from the trade commissioners themselves about how to explore new markets like the United States really opened my mind about clarifying our goals and better understanding what it takes to expand our service offerings outside of Canada. Achieving this requires a deep understanding of the market as well as a clear plan for how to access it. Through the different touch points and sessions at the event, this business goal became clearer and more achievable.

My other impression of the event was the significant diversity of our delegation. I was very pleased to see so many cultures, backgrounds and strong women making up this year’s delegation. I truly believe that the more diverse forums are, the more holistic the solutions that come from those discussions are, because of the different perspectives seated at the same table.

I’m looking forward to participating at the next summit in Italy and taking advantage of this incredible opportunity to keep expanding my network and business through the G20YEA in whatever form it may take.

For any future aspiring Canadian delegates, my advice is to come with a giving mentality: The more doors you are willing to open for others, the more doors could be opened for you and your business. As a young entrepreneur I have come to realize that running a business depends a lot on excelling and growing in the art of connecting with others. The G20YEA is a great opportunity to not only expand your network, but to better understand the international landscape.

The 2021 G20 YEA, hosted by Italy, will take place October 5-8, 2021. Apply now.

Caren Carrasco is the co-founder of Benjamin David Group.