Your first investor is you: Building a foundation of trust and growth

Starting a business requires more than having a good idea and a promising market. Above all, it’s about building trust with lenders, investors, partners and even with your own family and friends. And one of the best ways you can build this trust as an entrepreneur is to personally invest in your own business, sending a strong signal that you believe in it.

Building trust through personal investment

Financial leverage and access to capital

Putting your own money into your business ends a clear message to every potential investor you meet: “I believe in this project enough to invest my own resources.” From a financial perspective, your personal investment can strengthen the company’s capital structure reduce the perceived risk for lenders; and make it easier to access additional funding such as loans, partners and investors. In simple terms, your own money often acts as leverage to unlock other sources of financing.

Credibility and building trust with lenders

For lenders or investors, a founder who hasn’t invested anything personally raises a fair question: “Why should I take a risk if you aren’t willing to do so yourself?” Personal investment boosts the credibility of your business, the confidence in your team’s ability to navigate challenging periods and the perception of professionalism and seriousness. Increasingly, demonstrating financial readiness, including credit awareness and sound financial habits, has become an important part of building credibility with lenders and investors.

Personal commitment and long-term motivation

From my experience, even a modest personal investment tends to increase founders’ commitment. After all, when you have some money at stake, you’re more likely to go the extra mile, look for creative solutions and keep going when others might stop. This pressure can be a key motivator, especially during difficult moments which are a natural part of any entrepreneurial journey.

How can you build your personal investment?

The first step is to gain a realistic understanding of your own cash flow, debt, credit and savings habits. To do so, I recommend KOFE (Knowledge of Financial Education), a useful tool co-developed by Futurpreneur and Consolidated Credit. KOFE can help entrepreneurs build financial literacy, strengthen credit and gain the confidence needed to invest in their own business at any stage (whether it’s pre- or post-launch).

Instead of waiting for that exclusive “right moment” to invest, here are some actions to consider today

Financial discipline: Track all expenses and create a budget where saving for your business is a priority.
Dedicated savings: Open a separate bank account to build your investment and set up automatic, regular transfers into it. Even small monthly amounts help.
Leverage your skills: Reduce external funding needs by thinking of ways to generate additional income.
Improve your financial health: Reduce high-interest debt and maintain a strong credit profile.
Smart savings tools: Use savings tools such as a TFSA, high-interest savings accounts or workplace savings programs.
Thoughtful commitment: Plan your investment carefully and make sure your savings and contribution plan is realistic, motivating, and aligned with your personal goals.

Expanding personal investment with external financing

Personal investment is the first step, but to grow your business usually requires external financing as well because as the saying goes: “Alone, you go faster. Together, you go further.”

There are several external financing options to consider. To choose the right one for your business, first you need to understand how each one functions and that’s where a tool like KOFE comes in. It can help you make more informed financial decisions as your business grows, shedding light on the major external financing options available:

Loans are well suited for clear, predictable needs, provided you carefully manage your cash flow, repayment capacity and overall financial viability.
Grants can support innovation and reduce risk, but relying solely on them can weaken long-term sustainability.
Equity financing (partners or investors) can accelerate growth, but it involves sharing ownership and decision-making.
Private equity and venture capital may be relevant in certain sectors but typically come with high growth expectations and strong return requirements.

Finding the right balance

There is no one-size-fits-all formula in entrepreneurship. The key lies in balancing personal commitment with the right financial tools. Remember, personal investment is the first step toward building trust, credibility and long-term success. After all, if you’re not ready to invest your own money in your project, how can you expect others to do the same? So, if you’re thinking about starting a business, get ready to become the first investor in your own project.

Serge-Richard Petit-Frère has built his career around entrepreneurship, business mentoring, and project development. He holds a specialization in SME management and a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Project Development. He has supported organizations through strategic projects, market analyses, and executive training in financial and commercial institutions. His perspective combines senior leadership experience in finance with his own entrepreneurial journey. An engaged educator, he has taught entrepreneurship in academic and professional settings and holds the IFC-LPI LPI Trainer Performance Monitoring (TPMA) certification. Since 2023, he has served as Director of Entrepreneurship Programs at Futurpreneur, supporting entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses.

You can also explore free resources available to you through Futurpreneur’s KOFE Initiative, a confidential virtual platform designed to strengthen financial confidence and long-term success of young entrepreneurs across Canada. And if you are looking for financing with mentorship to start or buy a business in Canada, click here to learn more.

Beyond the prompt: How to use AI to build a solid business plan

As an entrepreneur, your greatest asset isn’t just your idea, but rather the clarity behind it. While many entrepreneurs see AI as the perfect shortcut to building a business plan, the most successful founders turn to it for support instead of relying on it for direction. It’s a partner, not a co-founder.

To design a solid plan that reflects how your business will actually operate, you need to lead the conversation. Here’s how to move beyond generic prompts and turn AI into a strategic lever for your business.

The problem with AI-written business plans

I’m starting to see more business plans that are clearly written by AI. They’re easy to spot because they read like a generic MBA template. Lots of business language. Very little substance. Ironically, these plans signal the opposite of competence. Instead of reflecting confidence, they quietly say, “I don’t really know how this business will work.”

AI can do many things, but it can’t fix a weak idea or rescue a business plan that is still too early. It only amplifies what is already there. So, if your thinking is fuzzy, the AI output will be fuzzy. If your strategy is shallow, the plan will sound polished but will be empty.

Where people misuse AI

Here are the most common mistakes I see when aspiring entrepreneurs use AI to write a business plan:

They invent a value proposition with no proof they can deliver it.

They list a dozen marketing tactics with no priorities or specifics.

They write vague, corporate-sounding statements like “we are committed to customer excellence.”

They outline a huge range of products or services without any operational detail to support them.

None of this builds credibility. It just fills space.

AI is a partner, not a ghostwriter

AI works best as a partner, not a replacement for your thinking. Like any good partner, it needs direction, constraints and real-world facts. You still have to do the hard work of clarifying your idea, your customer and how you will actually execute. AI can help you think better; it can’t think for you.

Ask better questions, get better answers

The quality of your prompts determines the quality of the output. When working with an LLM (Large Language Model) like ChatGPT, ask specific, grounded questions tied to your real situation. And for the best output, focus on only one problem at a time.

For example, if you are launching a dog harness brand in Halifax, don’t ask a broad, generic question like, “Who are my online competitors?” Instead ask specific questions like these: Who are three small- to mid-sized competitors that launched one to three years ago? What channels did they use first? What price points worked? What mistakes did they make? What retailers in the Halifax area carry high quality dog harnesses?

You will learn far more from businesses slightly ahead of you than from giants like Amazon or Walmart, who compete mostly on price. Your advantage is likely quality, service and local presence. Tell AI that. Give it context, so you can extract lessons and shape a concrete strategy.

Narrow the focus

In a recent workshop on using AI for marketing plans, one participant told me she felt overwhelmed. AI gave her too many ideas, and she did not know where to start. That’s common. AI is great at generating options; it’s terrible at choosing for you. To fix this issue, narrow the scope.

Instead of asking for “a marketing plan,” ask something like this: “Based on these numbers and constraints, what are the top three activities that will drive sales in the next six months, ranked in order of priority?”

Now you are forcing AI to think with you, not for you.

Use AI to pressure test your assumptions

In one example, a small food business planned to produce 5,000 units with a seven-month shelf life. AI suggested several marketing tactics, but more importantly, it flagged the real risk: too much inventory too quickly. That insight mattered more than any list of promotions. From there, you can ask better follow-up questions such as: “If we target 10 stores by month six, what should month one and month two actually look like? How many samples? How many retailer visits? What sales can we realistically expect?”

This is how AI becomes useful. Not by writing the plan, but by stress testing your assumptions and helping you think through the details. All this will help build out a realistic Sales Forecast Assumption (a crucial and mostly overlooked section of the business plan).

Making the strategy truly yours

A strong business plan is built on clarity, constraints and evidence. AI can support that work, but it can’t replace it. If you find yourself pasting a prompt into AI and copying the answer straight into your plan, you’re probably doing it wrong. Use AI to sharpen your questions, challenge your logic and test your strategy. Treat it like a smart assistant, not an author.

Because eventually you will have to talk about this plan with a real person. A lender. Someone from Futurpreneur (if you are submitting a plan to us). Maybe me. They will ask questions: Why this market? Why this price? Why this channel? How will you actually execute?

If the words in your business plan are AI’s and not yours, you will feel it immediately. You’ll struggle to explain. You’ll backpedal. And your credibility will disappear fast.

There’s no shame in saying, “I don’t know yet.” There’s real risk in pretending you do know. Use AI to think more clearly, not to sound more impressive. Your goal is not to produce a polished document. It is to be able to stand behind every line of it.

Dominik Loncar is an entrepreneurship coach at Futurpreneur. Over the last decade, he has dedicated his practical skills and expertise from building three businesses and running his own social purpose business to guide young entrepreneurs. Dominik believes that becoming an entrepreneur is a transformative identity shift and has worked with over 200 young entrepreneurs to launch social purpose ventures and both traditional and innovation-based businesses in a multitude of industries.

Ready to launch your business with confidence? Futurpreneur offers flexible loan financing, expert mentorship, and resources to empower you to reach your entrepreneurial goals. Get started today by exploring our resources, including the Business Plan Writer and register for a Rock My Business workshop, such as the Rock My Business Plan session, to refine your strategy.

Your biggest financial asset isn’t money, it’s your mindset says Shay Myers

The most important thing about money isn’t the money itself. Wait, what?! Yes, you read correctly. Something that is often left out of the money conversation is how important your mindset is to becoming financially successful.

Shay Myers is an Ontario-based licensed financial professional and founder of Finance for the Culture. The company offers an accessible, fun approach to financial literacy, with a special focus on young entrepreneurs.

In this Futurpreneur guest blog post, Shay shares her insights on acknowledging past financial habits, overcoming systemic barriers, and developing a healthier relationship with money to secure a prosperous future.

Release the past and relearn for your future

Your mindset impacts your emotional well-being, which impacts your self-esteem, daily routine, spending habits, and more! Did you know FP Canada’s Financial Stress Index revealed that money was the top stressor for Canadians, with 40 per cent of people surveyed expressing it as their main source of stress? This placed money ahead of personal health, relationships and work!

In recent years, their survey also revealed that Canadians are struggling to save money, with 35 per cent of people expressing that saving enough for retirement and 32 per cent expressing that saving for a major purchase were areas of growing concern. The good news is that people who work regularly with a financial professional have significantly lower levels of stress, fewer regrets about money, and a more hopeful view of their financial futures (56 per cent who work with a professional) compared to 48 per cent who do not work with one.

We must also acknowledge the layered experiences of Black Canadians when it comes to money and mindset. Many Black Canadians are from immigrant families, whose parents came here with the mission of providing a better life for their children. They worked hard, often not having much time for their family, but did what they had to do to survive. Some of them barely made ends meet, but the ends still met. They held on tight to their money, especially if there wasn’t a lot of it. They never let you know when there wasn’t a lot of it. Or maybe they did. Did you have McDonald’s money? Probably not!

Some of us saw our parents struggle, and some of us overheard hushed, stressed conversations about bills. Some of us developed scarcity mindsets from our childhood experiences and how money impacted our families’ behaviours. And we cannot forget the continuous, systemic impacts on us, including redlining, unequal pay, racism in hiring, and more.

Now as young adults, we do a lot of the same things because that is all we know. We are afraid to spend money because we are unsure of the next time we will get it. We either overspend or hoard it in the wrong places. We overextend to keep up with the Joneses. But we can rewrite the financial script. We have acknowledged the past; now it is time to shift your money mindset to move forward. You cannot change the past, but you can change right now.

When it comes to mindset, you have to unlearn to relearn. Are you your worst enemy? Are you stuck in your parents’ shadows of their poor financial decisions or habits? It is time to GET OUT!

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

What was your relationship with money growing up? What did you learn from your parents?

What are healthy and unhealthy habits you picked up? Do you do any of them today?

What are some ways you do not want to be like your parents, family, or friends when it comes to money management?

What are some financial mistakes you have made in the past?

What do you want your money relationship to feel or look like?

Another reality is that how you feel about yourself affects your relationship with money, and there is no way around that. Your overall self-confidence impacts your confidence with money.

Here is what you can do right now:

Consume different, positive, educational content: Improve your self-confidence through the people you follow, content you watch, and what you listen to.

Address where you are: A GPS (Global Positioning System) asks for your current location so it can show you the path to your destination. You have to know where you are in order to get to where you want to go.

Write it down: Set some personal, fitness, business, and travel goals—regardless of how realistic they are right now. Give yourself something to look forward to and work towards it.

Change your circle: Your friends affect your success. If you want to get better with money, go to where the money conversations are happening!

Resources to elevate your money mindset

Here is a list of books that will help you elevate your money mindset:

We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers

The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

The Lazy Millionaire by Marc Fisher

Shifting your money mindset does not happen overnight, but the sooner you commit to it, the sooner it can happen.

Ready to take control of your finances?

There are so many resources available to help you gain financial confidence. If you are ready to take your finances to the next level, explore free tools and templates from Futurpreneur’s Business Resource Centre. Check out our cash flow templates, including a BESP-specific template designed for Black entrepreneurs.

You can also explore free resources available to you through Futurpreneur’s KOFE Initiative, a confidential virtual platform designed to strengthen financial confidence and long-term success of young entrepreneurs across Canada.

And for more on Shay’s financial literacy work, visit Finance for the Culture. Stay tuned for details on upcoming Futurpreneur events to keep building your financial know-how. For a deeper dive into these personal finance basics, Shay recommends Investopedia’s Personal Finance Checkup as a helpful resource.

Master your finances, drive your growth: Futurpreneur and Consolidated Credit offer KOFE resources

Starting a business is exhilarating, but let’s be honest: navigating the world of credit, debt and budgeting can be overwhelming and stressful, especially when you’re under 40.

That’s why Futurpreneur, in partnership with Consolidated Credit, is thrilled to announce the launch of KOFE (Knowledge of Financial Education)—a free and confidential dynamic platform designed to strengthen the financial confidence and long-term success of young entrepreneurs across Canada.

This powerful initiative is driven by a shared vision. Futurpreneur is expanding its financial literacy support for young entrepreneurs nationwide, while advancing Consolidated Credit’s long-standing mission to make financial education, coaching, and counselling more accessible. Together, we identified a critical opportunity to combine our expertise. We’re here to help founders strengthen their financial foundations not just through funding, but by providing the essential knowledge, tools, personalised guidance, and confidence they need to build stronger, more resilient businesses.

Shifting uncertainty to stability

The partnership to launch the KOFE platform emerged from the shared recognition that many young entrepreneurs face significant financial challenges due to limited knowledge or a lack of access to affordable, trustworthy financial advice. Understanding the stress and uncertainty that comes with these limitations is key.

“Financial education creates ripple effects across communities,” says Lexi Lin, Community Outreach Manager at Consolidated Credit. “By equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools to manage their finances wisely, we’re helping them build stronger, more resilient businesses that contribute to Canada’s economic growth.”

Futurpreneur recognises that financial confidence is key to long-term entrepreneurial success. Through KOFE, we aim to expand our support beyond funding by helping young entrepreneurs move past financial uncertainty and overcome the barriers that hinder them from starting, managing, or growing their businesses.

KOFE: Your platform to master credit, debt and budgeting

To help entrepreneurs build confidence and move beyond financial uncertainty, KOFE offers a comprehensive online hub of free financial education resources and personalised support. The platform is specifically designed to help young business owners navigate periods of financial distress, strengthen their decision-making, and manage debt responsibly.

The KOFE platform delivers practical, impactful learning through a range of high-value services:

On-demand education: Modules and videos covering credit, debt, and budgeting fundamentals that you can access anytime, anywhere.

Live expertise: Live and recorded webinars hosted by certified financial experts who answer your burning questions.

Personalised guidance: One-on-one coaching and counselling to review your unique financial situation and develop a tailored action plan.

Practical tools: Templates to manage cash flow and build sustainable budgets right from the start.

This platform is designed for new and existing Futurpreneur clients, aspiring founders (ages 18 to 39), and our partners who support entrepreneurship across Canada. Through KOFE, Futurpreneur reinforces its commitment to long-term financial resilience, improved financial health, and a thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Ready to take control?

Your entrepreneurial journey deserves a solid financial foundation. Through KOFE, Futurpreneur is empowering you to make informed, responsible decisions for your business. Your financial success starts now.

1. Explore KOFE Today

Take the first step toward financial mastery and explore the free resources available to you right now.

Learn more about the Futurpreneur KOFE initiative: https://futurpreneur.ca/en/financial-resources-coaching/

2. Join the next workshop

Join us for our upcoming free virtual workshop to dive deep into these concepts:

Building financial confidence: Mastering money, credit and debt

When: Thursday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. ET/8-9 a.m. PT

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/building-financial-confidence-mastering-money-credit-and-debt-tickets-1974267369849?aff=article

Ready to ditch the stress? Why mastering your money mindset is the first step to business success

“Money, like emotions, is something you must control to keep your life on the right track.” ― Natasha Munson, Finance author and speaker

Be honest: When someone mentions the words “cash flow,” do you cringe a little?

Whenever I run a cash flow workshop, the first response I get is often nervous laughter. You can practically feel the collective resistance. When I ask why, I hear the classics:

“I’m not good with numbers.”

“It feels like I’m predicting the future.”

“Can’t I just hire someone to do it?”

For new entrepreneurs, the term “cash flow” sounds clinical, maybe even cold. But here’s the secret: you aren’t doing complex math equations. You’re simply budgeting. That’s all a cash flow really is. And with the Futurpreneur cash flow template, the formulas are already there—you just plug in your numbers.

Still, the hesitation isn’t really about spreadsheets. It’s about something deeper and more challenging: our relationship with money itself.

Why your money story matters

Each of us carries a “money story”—a set of beliefs formed by our upbringing, experiences, and what we’ve seen others model. These stories often make us resist looking at our finances in the first place.

Some of these beliefs might sound familiar:

“If you’re rich, you must be ruthless.”

“You can’t make money doing something creative.”

“I don’t care about money; it’s not important to me.”

Most of us have 20 to 30 of these beliefs silently looping in our heads, and they often trap us in a cycle of self-fulfilling prophecies. Your first step to financial resilience is recognizing these stories.

Our on-demand spending culture

To make matters more complicated, we now live in an emotionally cashless world.

When was the last time you paid for something with actual paper money? We live in an “on-demand tap” culture, where instant gratification takes less effort than thinking twice. When you hand over cash, you feel the exchange. When you tap, it’s invisible.

And invisible spending adds up fast.

According to Equifax Canada, missed payment rates for consumers aged 26 to 35 are now the highest of any age group, up over 21 per cent year-over-year (Q2 2024). We’re literally tapping our way into debt.

So, if our world makes it easier to spend without thinking, how do we bring that crucial awareness back into how we manage our money?

Awareness before abundance

You’ve probably heard the advice: “Just develop an abundant mindset.”

That’s nice in theory, but abundance without awareness is like driving with your eyes closed and calling it visualization. Before you can shift your mindset, you need to see your numbers clearly. Awareness has to come first.

Schedule your weekly money check-in

Here’s a simple, low-stress way to start building awareness: schedule a weekly money check-in.

Pick a consistent time—say, Sunday morning with coffee or Monday afternoon before the week kicks in. Spend 20 minutes looking at your money:

Open your online banking.

Review your debit and credit card transactions.

Check for any outstanding loans or unused subscriptions.

Then ask yourself, “What patterns am I noticing? Where could I make the biggest impact by cutting back?”

Just observe for now. Don’t judge—this is about noticing. This simple, regular check-in builds a habit of financial attention, and that habit is what will change your financial life over time.

Small actions lead to big change

No matter your current situation, the key to success is starting with tiny, consistent actions:

Notice your impulse buys and eliminate one that doesn’t add real value.

Pay your credit card on time (every time).

Celebrate the small wins—they truly matter.

Each small action sends a clear signal to your brain: “I’m in control of my money.” And that shift—from avoidance to ownership—is where your entrepreneurial confidence begins.

Your personal finances are business training

Here’s the reality for every founder: if you can’t manage your personal finances, you won’t be able to manage your business finances.

There’s a reason why your personal credit score affects whether you can borrow money for your business. Your score tells a story about your habits, your consistency, and your reliability.

Think of your personal money management as the most valuable training you can get for your entrepreneurial future. You don’t need to become a chartered accountant. You just need to understand that money management is a skill that is essential to your life and your business.

Master your money mindset now, and your future business self will thank you.

Ready to launch your business with confidence? Futurpreneur offers flexible loan financing, expert mentorship, and resources to empower you to reach your entrepreneurial goals. Learn more and get started today.

Tax season made easy: 8 tips to help you navigate the season stress-free

Tax season giving you the jitters? Don’t worry, at Futurpreneur, we’ve got your back! Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re managing a side hustle, launching a startup, or growing your full-time business, getting a handle on your taxes means more money in your pocket—and no last-minute scramble.

Did you know? According to a recent survey by FreshBooks, 35% of small business owners struggle with the complexity of tax laws, and 32% have trouble identifying deductions. These uncertainties can lead to missed incentives, which can impact key business decisions, such as hiring and pricing.

Here’s the thing: With some preparation, professional help, and the right tools, you can get your taxes filed smoothly, maximize your deductions, and stay focused on what you do best: growing your business. You don’t need to be a tax expert, but working with a trusted advisor can ensure everything is handled correctly and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Here are 8 tips to help you breeze through tax season:

Stay on top of your finances: Keep your records up to date and review them monthly. This gives you a clear picture of your revenue and expenses while reducing year-end stress.

File your taxes on time: Avoid unnecessary penalties by ensuring your filings are submitted on schedule. A simple step that saves you money!

Manage payroll reporting on time: Make sure your monthly payroll reports and remittances are submitted promptly to avoid penalties and keep your business operations running smoothly.

Know your deductible expenses: Ask your advisor for a list of claimable business expenses. This will save you time and help prevent issues with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Make taxes part of your business plan: Planning for taxes means your business is thriving! Include tax management in your strategy to stay prepared and avoid surprises.

Find the right advisor: Your time is valuable! Instead of spending hours on bookkeeping, work with a trusted advisor who can set up the right processes—so you can focus on growing your business.

Take advantage of available resources: The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) offers helpful tax resources for entrepreneurs. Plus, your advisor can provide up-to-date annual tax information, and your local chamber of commerce may have helpful resources to support you through tax season.

Know what you can (and can’t) claim: One of the biggest tax mistakes entrepreneurs make is misunderstanding deductible expenses. Get clear on what’s eligible to avoid costly corrections and wasted time.

While tax season might feel like an afterthought for many entrepreneurs, it’s actually a golden opportunity for growth. A well-managed tax plan can not only save you money but can also improve your bottom line, setting your business up for success in the future.

Need more help?

Check out Futurpreneur’s Business Resource Centre for tools and tips to keep your business growing.

Want more resources?

Visit the Canada Revenue Agency’s small business tax resources for all the info you need to file your taxes like a pro.

Buying strength, building success: Kirsten Burns’ path to business ownership with #OwnersWanted

When Kirsten Burns took the leap from manager to owner of Tri Fit Training in Airdrie, Alberta, she stepped into a new phase of her career with confidence and purpose—supported in part by Futurpreneur’s #OwnersWanted Program.

Tri Fit is a performance-focused facility offering strength and conditioning, nutrition services and massage therapy. After managing the business for five years, Kirsten officially purchased it in October 2024. For her, it wasn’t a dream years in the making—but rather the right opportunity at the right time.

From opportunity to ownership

“Business ownership wasn’t on my radar,” says Kirsten. “But after years of helping grow the business on the management side, I saw a chance to make a bigger impact.”

That chance came when the former owners offered her the opportunity to take over. Kirsten was already embedded in the business and had a deep understanding of its culture, clients and potential.

Why buying a business made sense

Rather than building from scratch, Kirsten saw the value in buying a business with an existing customer base, operations and strong community presence. It wasn’t without challenges—especially when it came to understanding finances and navigating the legal side of a share purchase.

But she wasn’t alone. From the early stages of her journey, Kirsten connected with Futurpreneur through a referral from RBC’s small business team.

Tools for confident ownership

Futurpreneur supported Kirsten with startup loan financing, a mentor and access to practical tools and resources. These supports helped her fine-tune her business plan, build scalable systems and overcome early uncertainty around revenue.

Mentorship proved especially valuable. Kirsten’s mentor helped her strengthen her social media strategy and refine how she markets within her local community.

“Identifying my strengths and weaknesses early on helped drive our conversations,” she says. “My mentor’s background in marketing helped me build confidence in areas that didn’t come naturally.”

Listen to Kirsten’s top success strategies for buying a business in this audio clip.

Alberta challenges and community strengths

Running a business in Alberta brings unique considerations—from market volatility linked to the oil and gas sector to challenges in attracting top talent. But it also presents opportunities.

“There’s a strong entrepreneurial spirit here,” says Kirsten. “And Airdrie, while growing fast, still has a small-town feel. The local support for small businesses is incredible.”

Her advice for navigating these complexities? Stay informed and surround yourself with experienced professionals who can help guide your decisions.

Lessons from experience

Kirsten’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Two key ones were assessing the financial health of the business and navigating the legal complexity of a share purchase.

Thankfully, she leaned on her network of fellow entrepreneurs, as well as a skilled accountant and lawyer, to feel confident she was making the right move.

She also emphasizes the importance of having a clear transition plan. Working collaboratively with the former owners helped retain staff and maintain trust with clients.

Common pitfalls to avoid

From her experience and conversations with mentors and peers, Kirsten highlights several common mistakes young entrepreneurs should avoid:

Underestimating the time commitment required to run a business.
Overlooking the importance of a smooth transition with staff and clients.
Ignoring the need to manage cash flow, especially in the early days.

A new chapter, professionally and personally

Owning Tri Fit has given Kirsten more autonomy over her career but has also come with its demands. Wearing many hats has helped her grow in areas like leadership, problem-solving and decision-making.

“Being a business owner means rapid development in so many areas,” she says. “It’s been challenging—but incredibly rewarding.”

Thinking of buying a business? Here’s where to start

Kirsten encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to explore Futurpreneur’s #OwnersWanted program for insights, tools and real-world strategies to make business ownership a reality.

You can also learn more about Futurpreneur’s Startup Program, which offers startup loan financing with mentorship and resources—up to $75,000—here.

Want to learn more? Explore how #OwnersWanted helps young entrepreneurs on their journeys to purchase existing businesses in Canada.

Thank you to the Government of Alberta for supporting this initiative.

Strategies and resources to help young entrepreneurs navigate economic uncertainty

Small businesses are the heart and soul of Canada’s economy. According to Statistics Canada, there are more than 1.07 million small businesses across the country—representing approximately 98% of all businesses. Behind every local business is a passionate entrepreneur with a vision to create, build and grow. But today’s economic climate presents new challenges. Rising costs, trade uncertainties, shifting consumer habits and supply chain disruptions can add pressure to even the most resilient entrepreneurs.

At Futurpreneur, we’ve been helping young founders start, buy and grow their businesses since 1996. We know that navigating uncertainty isn’t easy, but with the right strategies, support and resources, you can set your business up for success.

Here are some strategies to help you adapt, build resilience and keep your business moving forward. And don’t forget to check out the resource list at the end to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve.

1. Source locally whenever possible

Cut down on supply chain risks by working with Canadian manufacturers, suppliers and distributors. Buying local can, in many cases, reduce costs, strengthen the economy and build strong, reliable partnerships. Whether it’s raw materials, packaging or services, investing in your local networks can help your business stay resilient.

2. Explore new markets

If your current market is slowing down, consider expanding your reach. Canada’s trade agreements with Europe, the United Kingdom and the Indo-Pacific region open doors to new customers. Whether through exports, e-commerce or partnerships, tapping into new markets can bring fresh opportunities for growth.

3. Reassess pricing and costs

Inflation and rising costs can be tough, but small adjustments can make a big difference. Reevaluate your pricing strategy, bundle products or services or introduce subscription models to create steady revenue streams. Transparent pricing that reflects value will help retain loyal customers while maintaining profitability.

4. Strengthen your digital and e-commerce presence

A strong online presence helps build a trusted brand. Whether you’re optimizing your website, improving your search engine visibility or using social media to tell your story, digital tools can strengthen your brand and grow your reach. You might also explore online marketplaces or set up direct-to-consumer channels to get your business in front of more people.

Thinking about starting, buying or growing a business? Futurpreneur’s Startup Program offers up to $75,000 in loan financing with mentorship and resources to help you succeed. Learn more here.

5. Build strong business relationships

Your business network is one of your greatest assets. Developing strong relationships with suppliers, customers and industry peers can open doors to better deals, flexible payment terms and valuable collaborations. Networking events, business associations and mentorship programs—like those offered by Futurpreneur—can help expand your connections.

6. Prioritize your well-being

A thriving business starts with a thriving entrepreneur. Make time for what helps you recharge—whether it’s exercise, reading or unplugging from work to spend time with loved ones. Running a business can be demanding but taking care of yourself is key to sustaining long-term success.

7. Stay informed and plan ahead

Economic conditions evolve quickly. Keep up with industry trends, policy updates and market shifts to make informed decisions. Resources like the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) offer insights to help businesses navigate uncertainty.

At Futurpreneur, we stand with young entrepreneurs because small businesses are the heart of our communities and the engines of Canada’s economy. If you’re ready to start, buy or grow your business, we’re here to help with a startup loan, mentorship and resources to set you up for success. Startup your future, today! Learn more here.

Additional resources to help you stay ahead:

🔗 BDC Tariff Support  

🔗 Canada Tariff Finder  

🔗 EDC Guide: How Tariffs Work for Business  

🔗 Canadian Federation of Independent Business Tariff Guide

🔗 Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker 

🔗 MaRS Canada-U.S. Trade Volatility Research

🔗 Supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges (Trade Commissioner)

🔗 Startup Canada Tariff Toolkit  

🔗 Made in CA Directory / Submit Your Business

“Know your money and know yourself”: Financial success tips for young entrepreneurs from Shay Myers

Knowing the ins and outs of your money is a powerful step toward business success, says Shay Myers, an Ontario-based licensed financial professional and founder of Finance for the Culture. The company offers an accessible, fun approach to financial literacy, with a special focus on young entrepreneurs.

From personal journey to professional impact

Shay’s own story is a testament to the power of understanding your finances. Four years ago, she had only $200 to her name, a 476 credit score, and no savings. But after diving into financial education and learning the rules of the money game, Shay’s entire outlook—and finances—transformed: she saved $40,000 in just nine months and invested $25,000 by the end of the year. Her journey inspired her to become a licensed financial professional, empowering others to make the same changes. “I wanted to help people understand how money works so they could make real, lasting changes,” Shay says.

In this guest blog post, Shay shares her top tips from her recent Master Your Money workshop hosted by Futurpreneur, where she offered valuable advice to help young entrepreneurs better understand financial fundamentals and build a solid money mindset.

Start with the basics: Your budget

If you’re reading this, it’s NOT too late to get your money right! We often know more about the financial moves of celebrities than we do about our own, and that has to change. The only way to know how well you’re doing financially is to dig into your numbers—because in the wise words of Drake, “know yourself.”

A budget is more than a list of things you can’t buy. Today’s budget is elevated. It’s an outline of your income and expenses, giving you a clear view of where your money is going. It’s your financial plan that helps you tell your money where to go rather than wondering where it went.

Most people cringe at the word “budget,” imagining restriction and guilt, but the truth is, a personalized budget can give you financial freedom. Knowing your numbers is the first step toward building financial confidence and making better decisions for your future.

Personal finance: It’s all about cash flow and credit

On the personal finance side, it’s crucial to know how your money is moving. Understanding your cash flow (the money left after paying bills) helps you adjust your spending habits. If your income can’t support both your bills and the lifestyle you want, something has to change.

Your credit score also plays a huge role in your financial life. Knowing your credit score allows you to make smarter decisions about managing debt. For young Black entrepreneurs, this is especially important. If your business doesn’t yet have established credit, lenders will look at your personal credit when deciding whether to loan you money. A solid personal credit score shows financial reliability, making it easier to secure the capital you need to grow your business.

Quick guide to knowing your personal finances:

Income: What are your main sources of income? Do you have side hustles? Is it enough to sustain your lifestyle?
Expenses: What are your fixed and variable monthly expenses?
Debt: What’s your total debt? How much do you owe monthly, and at what interest rate? Are you seeing progress in paying it down? What’s your credit score?
Savings: Do you save each month? How much do you have in savings? Is it earning interest? Do you have an emergency fund that can cover at least six months of expenses?
Investments: Do you invest? Where are your investments, and what are they earning? Are they aligned with your long-term financial goals?

Business finance: Track everything from Day One

Whether your business is new or established, tracking your business finances is key to growth. Potential lenders and investors want to see what you’ve done so far—your revenue, expenses, and plans. Knowing your business numbers not only helps you stay on track but also positions you for success when applying for grants or investments.

Essential business finance questions:

Revenue: How much does your business make each month?
Expenses: What are your fixed and variable business expenses?
Profit: Are you operating at a profit (in the green) or a loss (in the red)?
Marketing: How much do you spend on marketing, and is it driving growth?
Delegation: What’s the cost of outsourcing or delegating tasks?
Projections: What’s your projected revenue for next year?

Even in the early stages, knowing your business numbers can make all the difference. Grant judges and investors will want to know how well you’ve managed your income and expenses and how you plan to use any additional funding. They’ll also want to see your business plan, including your financial projections for the next 3-5 years.

Personal and business finance go hand-in-hand

Your personal finance habits often spill over into your business. If you’re disorganized with your personal finances, that will likely carry into how you manage your business finances. You can’t just wipe the slate clean by starting a business. Building strong money habits now will benefit both your personal and business financial success.

In short, get to know your numbers, and you’ll know yourself better as an entrepreneur. Because YOLO? That’s not the motto when it comes to your finances.

Ready to take control of your finances?

There are so many resources available to help you gain financial confidence. If you’re ready to take your finances to the next level, explore free tools and templates from Futurpreneur’s Business Resource Centre. Check out our cash flow templates, including a BESP-specific template designed for Black entrepreneurs.

And for more on Shay’s financial literacy work, visit Finance for the Culture. Stay tuned for details on upcoming Futurpreneur events and Master Your Money workshops to keep building your financial know-how. For a deeper dive into these personal finance basics, Shay recommends Investopedia’s Personal Finance Checkup as a helpful resource.

E05 Demystifying business loans: Why would I need them?

Tune into our new podcast, Startup + Prosper! Our podcast is dedicated to the key elements of the entrepreneurial mindset, with a particular focus on the current state of Black entrepreneurship in Canada. Each of the episodes aims to inspire and educate listeners about Black-owned businesses and their reality while providing more insight into Futurpreneur’s goals to grow, learn and help address the disparities faced by the BIPOC entrepreneurial community. Read their stories, listen and subscribe to our podcast, Startup + Prosper:

E05 – Demystifying business loans: Why would I need them?

What’s in a business loan, really? Kettie Belance, account manager at RBC― also an entrepreneur, professional singer, mother and all-around passionate person― gets to the nitty-gritty. Her role, she explains, is to provide guidance, backed by over 20 years of experience working at RBC and her own entrepreneurial journey.

“We need to make sure that our dreams come true”, said the account manager, after quoting Harriet Tubman, who famously said, “every great dream begins with a dreamer” . “Then, we must make it happen, and a great way to begin is to get help, and information on how to go about it.”

Lending a hand

A loan can open so many impactful possibilities for Black entrepreneurs. However, stigma lingers around borrowing money, credit, and the lack of financial literacy. “Knowledge is power” , declared Belance, who is committed to changing the mentality. “With that, you can make better choices, see for yourself, your family, and everybody around then you become an ambassador », she said.

And you don’t have to go through it alone. The account manager recommends getting the bank involved in the process as early as possible. « The earliest you get your banker involved, the earliest we can help you plan », she explains. Your financial partner can explain what is needed to get approval for a loan and how to go about it.

That’s not the only thing they can do for you. The advice comes in many forms. « Maybe I could advise you with an accountant, with somebody who does specialize in financial planning or investing, there are there are so many partners that can be part that could like surround your project the most of the people are not aware », she details.

Go and get it

Do you need money to make money? What you actually need is financing, explains Belance. « The business owner needs to have money that they s going to inject into the business », she explains, comparing it to a baby. That is where the loan comes in handy. « if someone else is going to give you additional capital you have to also show them how much you’re willing to put into your baby, your business, your dream. »

A loan is money you borrow from a financial institution. Your counsellor can advise you on the type and the terms if can take, and what is best for your situation. And there are so many options available. « That’s why I always refer back entrepreneurs to their bank because that’s where you get all the information for the multiple products that you can have access to », recommends Belance.

To apply for financing, there is a process. And it can take longer than expected, so to not let discouragement settle. « You have to be patient, and you have to make sure that the person that’s doing the loan for you, keeps you aware of what’s going on where we’re at », she says.

As you might expect, one important element to consider is your credit history. But that isn’t the full story. « It’s very important because you decide to do financing in the financial institution and they don’t know you, the only thing that they have is your credit bureau. », she explains.

But this alone should never stop you from applying. « it’s not because you have a credit bureau that is less credible that it means that it amplifies that you’re going to be rejected », Belance underlines. « It can be explained if we can do some research we can make it look better ». Things such as your experience as a business owner will also be considered — a key element that is not known to everyone.

In all cases, the thing to do is to make the step and get the information. if you do face rejection, it does not stop there. An account manager can give you advice about how to remedy.« So, therefore, the next time you apply, we’re gonna get it », encourages Belance. The most important thing is to ask why, then not settled in discouragement, and try again. And for entrepreneurs, rejection is part of the process. And there are options. «you’re an entrepreneur, you’re gonna go through stuff, you know, I feel like just build character. But it’s easier said than done.

RBC also recently launched a new financing solution called the RBC Black intrapreneur business loans. « RBC is committed to enabling growth and wealth creation for black entrepreneurs», states Belance. « The way that we want to do that is by giving access to capital, access to experts and access to engagement in the community. », The program has no age limit and offers up to $250,000 with advantageous rates.

To know more about how RBC empowers Black Entrepreneurs, you can visit the website , and listen to the podcast episode Demystifying business loans: Why would I need them? on Spotify and Youtube.

COVID-19: New Income Support for Small Business Owners and their Employees

Today, the Canadian government announced a new support package for Canadian business owners and their employees who are affected by COVID-19. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will replace two previously announced benefits, the Emergency Care Benefit & Emergency Support Benefit.

The CERB will give qualified workers who have lost income due to COVID-19, including those who have reduced work hours, are caring for ill relatives or are now staying at home to care for children, etc., up to $2,000 per month for up to four months.

Details to follow over the coming days.

What we know so far

How does the CERB help small businesses?

Workers affected by COVID-19–business owners and employees alike–will have extra support to cover lost income and meet their financial obligations.

According to the Prime Minister, workers who are still employed, but are not receiving income because of COVID-19-related disruptions to their work situation, will qualify for the CERB.

Who is eligible to apply for the CERB?

Any workers who do not qualify for EI are eligible to apply, including wage workers, self-employed and contract workers.

Should my laid-off employees apply for the CERB?

Any workers who are EI eligible and have applied to that program should not apply to CERB. This benefit is for workers who would not normally qualify for EI benefits.

Anyone who has applied for the previous relief programs (Emergency Care Benefit & Emergency Support Benefit) will be automatically migrated to the new benefit and does not need to reapply.

If I have to lay off my employees, what should they do?

Those eligible for EI should still apply for their EI benefits.

What if I need to reduce my employees’ hours after the benefit is rolled out?

The CERB will be paid every four weeks for up to four months until October 3, 2020. Employees who are affected by COVID-19 can apply to the benefit once their income is interrupted.

When will the CERB be available?

The government aims to have the application portal online by April 6. Once an application is received, the expected timeline for direct deposit to an applicant’s bank account is expected to be 10 business days.

COVID-19 Resources for Small Businesses

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Last updated: February 26, 2020

With constant updates related to the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping on top of all the information available can be overwhelming, especially when you’re also trying to run a small business.

Our team has collected some details on the benefits and supports available to small business owners, as well as a number of helpful resources and guides. We will continue to update these resources with new information as it becomes available.

Financial Support to Businesses and Workers
Access to Capital for Small Businesses
Business Development Bank Resources
Government Tools and Resources
Digital Marketing and eCommerce
Supply Chain Management
COVID-19 – FAQs
Regional Support Programs

Government of Canada – Overview of COVID-19 Economic Support

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Financial Support for Businesses and Workers

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

Covers up to 75 per cent (as of December 2020) of an employee’s wages for qualifying employers. Note that benefit amounts vary depending on which time period you are applying for.
Available retroactive to March 2020; available until June 2021
In November 2020, the federal government announced a number of changes to the program designed to make it more accessible.

Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)

Provides $1,000 ($900 after taxes) per two-week period to employed and self-employed individuals not entitled to EI benefits.
Administered by the Canada Revenue Agency
Replaced the previously-announced Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Recipients must reapply for each period, and can apply for up to a total of 13 two-week periods (or 26 weeks) between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

Provides small businesses and not-for-profits with interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to help cover operating costs. (In October 2020, the federal government announced plans to increase this amount to $60,000.)
Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000).
Businesses must have paid total employment income of between $20,000 to $1.5 million in 2019.
As of October 2020, eligible businesses operating through a personal bank account will also be able to apply.
Deadline to apply is March 31, 2021.
Businesses must apply through their current financial institution:
- RBC
- TD Bank
- CIBC
- Scotiabank
- BMO
- National Bank
- Desjardins

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)

Available to eligible businesses, non-profits or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the pandemic
Directly available subsidy meant to help cover commercial rent or property expenses
Eligible expenses can be claimed up to a max of $75,000 per business location or $300,000 for all locations
Benefits available retroactive to September 27, 2020 and will extend until June 2021.

Regional Development Agencies (RDAs)

Regional Development Agencies provide federal funding for tourism operators, small businesses or organizations.
The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), implemented by the six regional development agencies in collaboration with the national network of Community Futures Development Corporations, supports businesses that are unable to access other government relief measures. For details, see the region closest to you:

Work-Sharing Program

Helps employers avoid layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in business activity beyond their control.
Provides Employment Insurance benefits to eligible employees who agree to reduce their normal working hours and share the available work while their employer recovers.
A WS agreement has to be at least 6 consecutive weeks long and can last up to 26 consecutive weeks. Employers may be able to extend their agreements up to a total of 76 weeks.

Access to Capital for Small Businesses

Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)

Increases the credit available to small, medium and large Canadian businesses.
Businesses must have been generating revenues for at least 24 months.
Businesses must work with their existing financial institution to access it.
If their needs exceed the level of support the financial institution is able to provide, the financial institution will work alongside BDC or EDC to access additional resources available under BCAP.
Through BCAP, BDC and EDC will provide more than $65 billion in loans and other forms of credit at market rates to businesses with viable business models.

Farm Credit Canada (FCC)

Provides additional financing for farmers, agribusinesses and food processors.

Purchase Order Financing

Cover up to 90% of the purchase order amount to ease cash flow to your suppliers.

Canada Small Business Financing Program

Easier access to loans for small businesses from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lender
Up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for any one borrower
financial institutions deliver the program and are solely responsible for approving the loan

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) Resources

Business continuity plan and templates for entrepreneurs

Templates and tools to help entrepreneurs create and maintain their business continuity plans.

How to cope with the impacts of COVID-19 on your business (video)

Advice for entrepreneurs on how to manage their business through this crisis period.

Well-being resources for entrepreneurs

Resources intended to offer a range of services on mental health and well-being.

Best practices for the prevention of COVID-19 in the workplace

A guide (PDF) summarizing practical advice for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in your business

COVID-19 business-planning tools for entrepreneurs

Tools and tips to help you map out your next steps, identify new opportunities, mitigate risk and create resilience in your company, so you can emerge strong in recovery

Government Tools and Resources

Use this interactive tool to determine which COVID-19 supports are available to you (includes programs and services offered by federal, provincial and territorial governments)
Questions about federal financing options? Download the Canada Business App.
Call to Action: Canadian Manufacturers Needed to Help Combat COVID-19
Canadian Business Resilience Network: Offered by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, these tools and resources are designed to help small businesses during COVID-19.
Overview of Federal Government Services for Small Business web page highlights programs and initiatives for small businesses.