Futurpreneur Canada’s day on the hill celebrates and builds support for Canada’s young entrepreneurs
Vibrant Futurpreneur Entrepreneurs Given a Platform to Showcase their Innovations and Talent
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OTTAWA, CANADA – JUNE 5th, 2018 – A diverse group of parliamentarians, non-profit leaders and young business owners gathered in Ottawa this evening to attend Futurpreneur Canada’s Annual Day on the Hill.
The event was a celebration of youth entrepreneurship in Canada hosted by Honourable Bardish Chagger, MP for Waterloo and Minister of Small Business and Tourism. A number of representatives from Futurpreneur-supported businesses were onsite to support their brands and demonstrate their products and services to reception attendees, as well as share the stories of their entrepreneurial journeys.
“We heard from 2 inspiring Futurpreneur entrepreneurs who highlighted the adventure, challenges and opportunities of launching their own businesses,” said Dan Ouimet, VP of External Engagement for Futurpreneur Canada. “Miriam Bard-Dumont of special effects company, Noctura and Philippe Poirier of cricket-based pet food company Wilder Harrier, are both representing a trend that is a result to the constant evolution of work. We keeping seeing more young people looking to start their own business and we believe that youth entrepreneurship is a practical response to these changes. Our organization strives to provide a community of support for young entrepreneurs, who truly are the backbone of the Canadian economy.”
In addition to hosting the reception, the Minister also used the occasion to announce the names of the 25 young entrepreneurs selected for Canada’s Youth Can Do It! event. The Youth Can Do It! Initiative will bring young Canadian entrepreneurs from across the country together in Ottawa to network with each other as well as create and foster mentor/mentee relationships with Canadian business leaders and senior government officials.
“From local pioneers to social innovators, these savvy young businesspeople are sparking social change and making a difference in their communities through their inspiring ideas,” said Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism. “Youth Can Do It! is an opportunity for us to recognize the vision of Canada’s leaders of tomorrow and to showcase the incredible talent that lives in big cities and small communities all across Canada. I am looking forward to meeting with these young entrepreneurs and learning more about the challenges they have faced and how we can learn from their experiences.”
The Government of Canada has been a valued and long-standing partner of Futurpreneur since 2002. The annual Day on the Hill is an opportunity to recognize the impact of that support, while also providing an opportunity for MPs, Senators, senior officials and cabinet ministers to learn more about the key role Futurpreneur has played in Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Futurpreneur would like to thank the Government of Canada for supporting our mission to successfully drive innovation and economic growth in every sector and in every community through youth entrepreneurship. For over 22 years, we have supported more than 11,400 young entrepreneurs, and helped launch and grow over 9,580 businesses and we look forward to continuing this partnership to ensure young entrepreneurs have access to the support they need.
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About Futurpreneur Canada
Futurpreneur Canada has been fueling the entrepreneurial passions of enterprising young Canadians since 1996. We’re the only national, non-profit organization that provides resources, financing and mentoring to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. Our internationally recognized mentoring program matches young entrepreneurs with a business expert from a network of over 3,000 volunteer mentors. Futurpreneur is a founding member of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance, the Canadian member of Youth Business International, and the Canadian host of Global Entrepreneurship Week.
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For interview opportunities and media inquiries, please contact:
Zandra Miljan
Public Affairs and Media Relations
Futurpreneur Canada
Call or Text: 647-680-8165
Email: zmiljan@futurpreneur.ca
