New year, new strategy: Five ways young entrepreneurs can win on social media 

As a new calendar year begins, it is the perfect time to revisit your digital strategy and plan for growth. For diverse young entrepreneurs across Canada, social media is more than a tool—it is often the most affordable, accessible and powerful way to build credibility, connect with customers and scale a business from the ground up. 

With 94 per cent of Canadian businesses using social platforms, monthly, to boost awareness, reach and sales, social media is your stage, your storytelling canvas and your most powerful marketing engine. Ready to make your digital presence intentional, inclusive and focused on results in 2026? 

Here are your quick tips to showing up on your socials with confidence: 

1. Show up with authenticity 

Your audience wants more than highly curated social content; they want the real you: the spark behind your idea, the late-night brainstorms, the challenges you overcame and the wins that made you proud as a small business owner. Share your why. Share the ups and downs—all the things that make your entrepreneurial journey relatable and real. This authenticity builds trust and long-term loyalty. 

2. Celebrate milestones 

Launched a prototype? Landed a mentor? Just completed Futurpreneur’s Rock My Business workshop series? Share it. Milestones show momentum. Over time, these posts become mini-chapters that help your audience follow your entrepreneurial journey. Highlighting milestones like this shows that you are learning, investing in yourself and moving forward with purpose. 

Fun fact: Futurpreneur’s free three-part Rock My Business program helps young founders shape strong ideas, build viable plans and develop realistic cash flows—all while forming meaningful peer connections. Learn more! 

3. Build a community, not just followers 

Social media is a two-way conversation. Comments, polls, shares and DMs are the bridge between your vision and your audience. Reply thoughtfully. Ask questions. Invite feedback. When people feel included, they invest emotionally. That connection turns passive followers into long-term supporters, brand advocates and customers. 

4. Make your entrepreneurial story palpable 

Today’s audiences want to support local, diverse and purpose-driven small businesses. Let them see why you matter. Share customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes clips, your founder story or impact statements (for example: sustainability initiatives, a newcomer journey or your community focus). Authentic storytelling builds emotional connection and strengthens your digital presence. Whether you run a small café in Toronto, a sustainable fashion line in Vancouver or a handmade-art studio in Halifax, your brand’s identity and purpose can be your biggest selling point. 

Looking for inspiration? These Futurpreneur-supported entrepreneurs are making waves on social media: 

• Tease Tea (Sheena Brady), Ottawa, ON 

• Hudson Bagel (Jessica Wylychenko), Winnipeg, MB 

• Ice Creamonology (Onur Yilmaz), Toronto, ON 

• Simplement Kosy (Kassy Daigle-Dubé), Quebec City, QC 

• Rude Mama Hotsauce (Vian Nguyen), Toronto, ON 

They lead with creativity, reflect their identities, share their journeys and bring audiences along for the ride. 

5. Protect your brand’s reputation 

Your social presence reflects not just you but also those who invest in your business. If you get questions or concerns online, respond respectfully and professionally, even when conversations get challenging. If you ever mention partnerships or support programs, be transparent: consider adding disclaimers like “opinions are my own.” When asked detailed questions about programs you are associated with, always defer to official sources. Your voice matters. How you use it builds or breaks trust. 

Helpful resources from Futurpreneur’s partner, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) 

When you are ready to delve deeper into measuring success or converting fans into buyers, Futurpreneur encourages you to explore these excellent resources from our partner, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC): 

• Social media marketing plan checklist for your business 

• Turn fans into customers 

• Social media marketing: How to measure success 

Your story is your superpower 

Social media is a powerful and effective tool you can use to grow a business in Canada. When you lead with authenticity, engage intentionally and communicate clearly, every post becomes an opportunity to attract customers, connect with collaborators and share your entrepreneurial journey with pride. 

So go ahead—post that milestone, share that behind-the-scenes moment, tell your story and let your business shine. 

Roxana Larrondo is a social media specialist at Futurpreneur, based in Toronto, focusing on content, paid social and community engagement across all channels. With over eight years of experience across the B2B non-profit and financial sectors, she is committed to helping young founders and purpose-driven organizations grow their digital presence in intentional, inclusive and data-driven ways. Her work is centred on growing brand visibility, supporting cross-functional teams and amplifying the stories of diverse young entrepreneurs across Canada. 

Ready to start, buy or grow your business? Get connected with a dedicated team member to learn more about Futurpreneur’s loan with mentorship and resources. We are here to support your ambition, innovation and entrepreneurial success. Learn more about the ways we can empower you on your entrepreneurial journey, here.