Startup to scale-up: Futurpreneur and BDC highlight your roadmap to thriving in Canada’s entrepreneurial revolution

We’ve all felt it—the ground is shifting. Canada’s entrepreneurial landscape is going through a revolution, powered by rapid technological shifts and economic change.  

To help entrepreneurs and business owners navigate this transition, Futurpreneur and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) teamed up during Small Business Week (Oct. 22, 2025) to host two exclusive panel discussions.  

Titled “Startup to Succession: Thriving in Canada’s Entrepreneurial Revolution,” these events brought together top experts and successful young founders to share a roadmap for not just surviving but thriving in today’s fast-moving ecosystem. This partnership demonstrates our joint commitment to supporting entrepreneurs through every stage, from launching ventures to planning long-term growth. 

These dynamic panels were moderated by Futurpreneur’s own Maryse Gingras (Vice President, Business Development) and Mona-Lisa Prosper (Senior Director, Community Engagement) and welcomed incredible experts and successful young founders supported by both BDC and Futurpreneur. Attendees heard from Amanda Kattan (Business Partner at BDC Capital), Geneviève Cyr (Repreneuriat Québec), Liz McRae (Co-Founder of Village Wellth) and inspiring Futurpreneur-supported entrepreneurs: Vian Anh Nguyen (Founder of Rude Mama Hot Sauce), and Gabriel Roy Doyon and Guillaume Dagher (Co-founders of Redfrog Labs). Attendees didn’t just listen—they got to ask tough questions and walk away with practical strategies to adapt and grow in this rapidly changing economic climate. 

Ready to launch? Here are the key takeaways 

Your mental health is your biggest asset 

Entrepreneurs can’t do this alone. The panellists emphasized that mentorship isn’t just nice-to-have—it’s essential. The best strategy is to be proactive: step outside your comfort zone, reach out to people you admire, and build your own personal support squad. Just as crucial is self-care. Success is taxing, and maintaining your mental health is vital. Remember to recognize your strengths during difficult moments and, most importantly, ask for help when you need it. 

Plans are useless, but planning is essential 

To build a sustainable business, you need to think like a funder. Adopting that proactive, strategic mindset helps you refine your business and your pitch to investors. The panellists shared a quote that sums up entrepreneurship perfectly: “All plans are useless, but planning is essential.” Create a clear roadmap, but stay flexible, stay agile, and keep your focus laser-sharp on the central problem your business solves. The ability to pivot quickly is what defines success in this new economy. 

Think big: It’s never too early for long-term growth 

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking at buying an existing company, you must prioritize scaling and long-term projections. The planning required to achieve major milestones—like acquiring or selling a business—takes serious time and strategic fine-tuning. That’s why Futurpreneur and BDC are committed to providing you with resources, funding, and support designed to empower you through every stage of your growth journey. 

As co-lending partners, Futurpreneur and BDC share a joint commitment to building a resilient future for young entrepreneurs across Canada. We’re here to help you weather any economic storm or entrepreneurial revolution.  

Ready to launch, buy, or grow your business? We’ve got the startup loans, the mentorship and the resources you need to turn your vision into success. Learn more and connect with us today.