Igniting ambition: How Futurpreneur’s Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative is empowering young women founders across Canada 

Everywhere in Canada, young women are turning their ideas into businesses that change lives. Whether it’s a new product designed at the kitchen table or a bold service launched in their community, women entrepreneurs are building a stronger future for Canada. Yet, too many face barriers, not by lack of talent or ambition, but because of systemic challenges that hold them back. 

Research from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce highlights a higher-than-average share of “missing women entrepreneurs”—women who could be contributing to the economy if not for gender-based and intersectional barriers. The estimated loss of 710,000 women entrepreneurs over the past decade represents up to $180 billion in unrealized economic impact. 

This is not just a social issue; it’s an economic opportunity. That’s where Futurpreneur comes in. With the support of TD, we’ve launched the Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative, a program designed to help women founders across Canada access the financing, mentorship and community they need to succeed. 

Why supporting women entrepreneurs matters in Canada 

The Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH) reports steady progress: in 2024, 19% of all businesses in Canada were majority-owned by women, up from 18.4% in 2023. It’s encouraging momentum, but far from enough. 

Small and medium sized businesses make up 98% of all Canadian businesses. If more women could fully participate, imagine the growth, possibilities and inclusive prosperity that would follow. Supporting women entrepreneurs isn’t just the right thing to do, it the smart thing to do for Canada’s future. 

Futurpreneur’s track record of impact 

At Futurpreneur, we know what’s possible when women have the right support. In FY2025, 43% of the businesses we supported were women-led. That’s 2.4 times higher than the Canadian average. 

This success shows what happens when barriers are removed and women are given access to financing, mentorship and resources. Thousands of women founders have launched businesses with Futurpreneur, creating jobs, strengthening communities and contributing to inclusive economic prosperity across Canada. 

The Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative builds on this success, ensuring even more women have the tools, knowledge and confidence to thrive. 

About Futurpreneur’s Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative 

Officially launched in Toronto on Sept. 10, 2025, and presented by TD, the Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative is designed to help young women founders start and succeed. It complements Futurpreneur’s proven model of financing up to $75,000 paired with two years of mentorship and tailored programming built around three key pillars:  

Networking events: Opportunities to connect with coaches, mentors, business leaders and fellow women entrepreneurs 

Peer-supported communities: Safe, collaborative spaces to share experiences, insights and encouragement 

Capacity-building workshops: Practical training on financial management, marketing, international expansion and raising capital. 

This holistic approach ensures women entrepreneurs in Canada can build businesses with confidence and resilience. 

A conversation with Mona-Lisa Prosper 

To help us learn more about this exciting new program, we sat down with Mona-Lisa Prosper, Senior Director of Community Engagement at Futurpreneur. 

Q: What is the purpose of Futurpreneur’s new Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative and why is it so important right now? 

A: Women entrepreneurs are resilient and innovative, yet they still face barriers that men often don’t, whether it’s access to financing, mentorship or technology adoption. We know from research and our own experience that women, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, continue to encounter roadblocks to business success. By offering a dedicated program, we’re accelerating women’s success and addressing those gaps. When women thrive, communities thrive.  

Q: What sets Futurpreneur apart in supporting women entrepreneurs? 

A: Since 1996, Futurpreneur has helped more than 20,000 entrepreneurs across Canada start, buy and grow their businesses. Our impact with women entrepreneurs is especially significant: in FY2025, 43% of the businesses we supported were majority women-owned – 2.4x higher than the national average. That shows our approach works. 

We’re also national, bilingual and deeply connected in communities coast to coast. Our long-standing partnerships with TD through the TD Ready Commitment has enabled us to offer programs like My Canadian Startup for newcomers. Together, with this Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative, we’re aiming to connect 1,500 women founders with the resources and communities they need to succeed. 

Q: What is your vision for the future of women in entrepreneurship? 

A: I want every woman with a business idea to know that she belongs here. This initiative is about equipping women not only to start or buy businesses, but to lead with confidence, create jobs and strengthen communities across Canada. I see a future where women’s entrepreneurship is not the exception but the expectation. 

How to join the Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative 

If you are woman between the ages of 18-39 with a business idea or even just a spark of one, Futurpreneur is here for you. With financing, mentorship, networking and workshops tailored to women, this initiative is designed to help you move from idea to action. 

Learn more about the Futurpreneur Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative presented by TD and discover how Futurpreneur can help you launch and grow your business. 
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Q: What support does Futurpreneur provide for women entrepreneurs? 
A: Loan financing of up to $75,000, two years of one-to-one mentorship, plus networking, peer support, and workshops through the Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative. 

Q: Who is eligible to apply? 
A: Women entrepreneurs aged 18–39 across Canada who are starting, buying, or growing a business. 

Q: How does Futurpreneur compare to national averages? 
A: In FY2025, 43% of the businesses supported by Futurpreneur were women-led – 2.4x higher than the Canadian average of 19%. 

Q: How do I get started? 
A: Visit our home page to learn more about the process. Our team is here to support you, every step of the way. 

Your time is now 

Your idea matters. Your vision matters. And your time is now. Futurpreneur’s Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative, presented by TD, is here to help you take the first step. With mentorship, financing, and a community that believes in you, there has never been a better moment to start your entrepreneurial journey. 

Join Futurpreneur’s Women in Entrepreneurship Initiative presented by TD, today, and turn your ambition into action.