Futurpreneur Canada and the Trico Charitable Foundation ramp up support for Canadian organizations dedicated to solving social challenges

June 30, 2014

Toronto, Ontario (June 30, 2014) – Futurpreneur Canada (formerly the Canadian Youth Business Foundation) and Trico Charitable Foundation (TCF) have teamed up to support enterprising non-profit organizations across Canada.

“We are pleased that our collaboration with Futurpreneur Canada continues to provide resources that enhance the opportunity for social entrepreneurs to be successful, says Michele Fugiel Gartner,  Director, Strategic Investments and Operations, Trico Charitable Foundation, “We are learning that social enterprise is possible, for non-profits or for-profits, and that ensuring organizations have access to supports, financial and mentoring, is crucial.”

The Trico Charitable Foundation first partnered with Futurpreneur Canada in 2011 to support the development of programming and funding for young entrepreneurs who are seeking to incorporate socially-minded values into their business activities and outcomes. Thanks to this generous support, Futurpreneur Canada has developed a robust set of resources for social entrepreneurs and supported the launch of new social purpose businesses from coast to coast. As a result of additional funding from TCF, Futurpreneur Canada will now extend this support to non-profit organizations.

The pilot program is being offered to Canadians aged 18 -39 starting new incorporated non-profit organizations, or launching a new social enterprise within an existing non-profit organization. Successful applicants will be provided with Futurpreneur Canada’s full suite of services including start-up financing of up to $25,000, online business resources and a business mentor. In addition, five businesses will be eligible to receive an additional coach who will provide social enterprise specific knowledge.

“Futurpreneur Canada is excited to be evolving our partnership with the Trico Charitable Foundation to offer support to non-profit organizations,” says Tessa Mintz, Vice President, Programs and Volunteers, Futurpreneur Canada. “By building on over 18 years of success in helping young entrepreneurs and working with partners who are experts in the field of non-profits, we have been able to develop a program that addresses the unique challenges of this type of organization.”

Complete program details are available at staging.futurpreneur.ca/socent.

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About The Trico Charitable Foundation

Established in 2008, The Trico Charitable Foundation is dedicated to provoking innovation and building capacity in social entrepreneurship. Through Enterprising Non-Profits Alberta, the Social EnterPrize, and our partnership with the Futurpreneur Canadian, we provide education and support for social entrepreneurs – in both the for-profit or non-profit sectors.  Our vision is to leverage social entrepreneurship to close gaps in society. For more information please visit www.tricofoundation.ca

About Futurpreneur Canada

Futurpreneur Canada (formerly the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, or CYBF) has been fuelling the entrepreneurial passions of Canada’s young enterprise for nearly two decades. We are the only national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. Our internationally recognized mentoring program hand matches young entrepreneurs with a business expert from a network of more than 2,800 volunteer mentors.

Futurpreneur Canada is a founding member of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance, the Canadian member of The Prince’s Youth Business International, and the Canadian host of Global Entrepreneurship Week. staging.futurpreneur.ca.  Futurpreneur   @Futurpreneur