{"id":13195,"date":"2025-10-08T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/?post_type=press_release&#038;p=13195"},"modified":"2025-10-08T13:09:02","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T17:09:02","slug":"five-years-of-empowering-young-entrepreneurs-in-canada-futurpreneur-on-behalf-of-futurpreneur-foundation-and-rbc-foundation-celebrate-400000-in-start-up-awards-to-fuel-next-generation-of-founders","status":"publish","type":"press_release","link":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/press_release\/five-years-of-empowering-young-entrepreneurs-in-canada-futurpreneur-on-behalf-of-futurpreneur-foundation-and-rbc-foundation-celebrate-400000-in-start-up-awards-to-fuel-next-generation-of-founders\/","title":{"rendered":"Five years of empowering young entrepreneurs in Canada: Futurpreneur, on behalf of Futurpreneur Foundation and RBC Foundation, celebrate $400,000 in start-up awards to fuel next generation of founders\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong><em>The Awards are granted to eight participants from the Futurpreneur Foundation\u2019s free Rock My Business Workshop series<\/em><\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>TORONTO, CANADA (Oct. 8, 2025)<\/strong>\u202f\u2013 Futurpreneur, on behalf of the Futurpreneur Foundation, and RBC Foundation are proud to mark the fifth annual\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/program\/rock-my-business\/rmb-startup-awards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>RBC Rock My Business Start-Up Awards<\/em><\/strong><\/a> by awarding eight promising young entrepreneurs from across Canada with $10,000 each to support their business launches. Since the Awards launched in 2020, 40 young entrepreneurs have received a total of $400,000 in funding to help launch their businesses.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Awards are designed to help aspiring founders bring their ideas to life and are exclusively available to participants of the <em>Rock My Business<\/em> workshop series, a free, virtual program delivered by Futurpreneur, on behalf of Futurpreneur Foundation and supported by RBC Foundation. This program breaks down the fundamentals of business launch success across three core workshops: <em>Rock My Business Idea, Rock My Business Plan<\/em> and <em>Rock My Cash Flow<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;At RBC, we believe in equipping the next generation with the skills for a thriving future,&#8221; says Gayle Corcoran, Senior Director, Social Impact, RBC. &#8220;That\u2019s why we are proud to collaborate with Futurpreneur to deliver these awards and help young, aspiring entrepreneurs turn their innovative ideas into viable businesses. Congratulations to the 2025 recipients!&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Award recipients were eligible for four different award categories as part of Futurpreneur Foundation\u2019s commitment to making entrepreneurship accessible to Canadians from all backgrounds. This is also one of Futurpreneur\u2019s driving principles as the only national, non-profit organization providing collateral-free loan financing with mentorship up to $75,000 to young aspiring entrepreneurs. In the spirit of fostering a diverse entrepreneurial environment nationwide, the following eight awards of $10,000 each were extended to eligible participants:\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Six Youth Entrepreneur Awards for entrepreneurs ages 18-39\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One Emerging Black Entrepreneur Award for a Black entrepreneur ages 18-39\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One Emerging Indigenous Entrepreneur Award for an Indigenous entrepreneur ages 18-39&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s incredibly inspiring to see how the RBC Rock My Business Start-up Awards have helped ignite the ambitions of 40 young entrepreneurs over the past five years,\u201d says Janis Nixon, Chief Growth Officer, Futurpreneur. \u201cThis partnership with RBC Foundation enables us to do more to help young entrepreneurs succeed. It allows us to equip young entrepreneurs with the skills, confidence and tools they need to thrive. The 2025 award recipients are building businesses that reflect the future of Canada \u2013 diverse, inclusive, talented and full of possibility.\u201d\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Applicants were required to complete both the <em>Rock My Business Plan<\/em> and <em>Rock My Cash Flow<\/em> workshops and submit their completed business documents for review. A panel of judges assessed each submission based on preparedness and potential for impact, awarding $10,000 in unrestricted funding to the selected recipients to help them start or grow their businesses.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>Rock My Business<\/em> workshop series is one of Futurpreneur\u2019s flagship offerings, designed to democratize access to business training, coaching and capital. In 2025, the workshops supported more than 4,000 participants across Canada. The workshops are delivered every month and are open to aspiring business owners from all backgrounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interested participants can visit the\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/program\/rock-my-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>Rock My Business page<\/em><\/strong><\/a>\u202fto sign up for the next available workshops. Participants, ages 18-39, who attend the\u202f<em>Rock My Business Plan<\/em>\u202fand\u202f<em>Rock My Cash Flow<\/em>\u202fworkshops may be eligible for the next round of\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/program\/rock-my-business\/rmb-startup-awards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong><em>RBC Rock My Business Start-Up Awards<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Learn more about the\u202f<\/strong><strong><em>2025 RBC Rock My Business Start-Up<\/em><\/strong><strong>\u202f<\/strong><strong><em>Award<\/em> <\/strong><strong>recipients below:<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bee Bird, Bee Productions Inc. \u2013 Emerging Indigenous Entrepreneur Award<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Location: Regina, Saskatchewan&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Bee Productions Inc. is an Indigenous-owned media company based in Regina, Saskatchewan, founded in 2024 by Bee Bird of Montreal Lake Cree Nation. The company specializes in content creation, video editing and storytelling, offering high-quality visual media for businesses, academic institutions and Indigenous organizations. Its services include corporate video production, promotional content, photography and writing. Bee Productions stands out through its cultural integrity, professionalism and commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jory Bieniak, Reign HVAC \u2013 Youth Entrepreneur Award<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Location: Richmond Hill, Ontario&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Reign HVAC is a residential and light commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) company serving the Greater Toronto Area. It specializes in energy-efficient heating, cooling and ventilation systems\u2014including heat pumps, HRVs, furnaces, ACs and radiant heating. The company also provides insulation, air sealing, and window upgrades to enhance building envelope performance. Energy modeling is a core best practice guiding Reign HVAC\u2019s focus on comfort, efficiency and sustainability.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Olaseni Cole, Steminai \u2013 Emerging Black Entrepreneur Award<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Steminai is empowering parents and schools around the world to turn idle screen time into high-impact learning by teaching kids, aged five to 18, coding, robotics and AI through AI-personalized, story-driven, gamified adventures, tapping into a rapidly-growing global edtech market.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Oussama Esslimani, Caf\u00e9 Argan \u2013 Youth Entrepreneur Award<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Location: Granby, Quebec&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Caf\u00e9 Argan is a cultural caf\u00e9 located in Granby, Quebec that offers authentic<\/em> <em>Moroccan teas, artisanal pastries, specialty coffees and traditional North African&nbsp;brunch dishes. More than a place to eat, Caf\u00e9 Argan is a welcoming space designed<\/em>&nbsp;<em>for cultural exchange, relaxation and community connection. Their mission is to bring&nbsp;the warmth and richness of Maghreb hospitality to a modern, inclusive setting where&nbsp;everyone feels at home. Through food, design and events, Caf\u00e9 Argan invites people&nbsp;<\/em><em>to slow down, share stories and celebrate diversity.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tess Mayne, Words Plus \u2013 Youth Entrepreneur Award<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Location: Oakville, Ontario&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Words Plus is a private speech therapy practice that helps children who are autistic or&nbsp;those benefiting from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Founded by&nbsp;seasoned speech-language pathologist Tess Mayne, Words Plus provides assessments,&nbsp;child-led therapy and collaborative consultations in-home, in-clinic or online. As the&nbsp;only known private practice in Oakville, Ontario dedicated to this underserved population, Words Plus fills a critical gap for families seeking expert, neurodiversity-affirming support. Celebrating each child\u2019s strengths and interests, Words Plus helps them learn to connect and&nbsp;<\/em><em>communicate \u2014 authentically, beyond spoken words.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Melanie Kitio Tsopkeng, Brave Beauty \u2013 Youth Entrepreneur Award<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Location: Salaberry de Valleyfield, Quebec&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Brave Beauty is a skincare-infused cosmetics brand created for melanin-rich skin, blending makeup and skin health in every product. Our debut foundation with SPF 40 is non-comedogenic, and safe for sensitive conditions like eczema and acne, while delivering flawless, breathable coverage. Brave Beauty is committed to redefining beauty standards by offering inclusive shades, high-performance formulas and authentic representation. With a presence in North America, Europe and Africa, Brave Beauty empowers women to embrace their individuality and feel confident in their own skin.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Heather Kristine Wilson, AquaAg \u2013 Youth Entrepreneur Award<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Location: Oakbank, Manitoba&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>AquaAg is a sustainable agriculture enterprise that utilizes aquaponics\u2014a closed-loop recirculating aquaculture system combining aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil)\u2014to produce premium naturally grown leafy greens.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Doris Wu, With Love Archive \u2013 Youth Entrepreneur Award<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Location: Mississauga, Ontario&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;<br><em>With Love Archive designs modular planner systems crafted to inspire playful exploration and thoughtful growth. The brand\u2019s refillable binder offers one elegant space that brings together practical planning and creative reflection. With Love Archive encourages users to focus on intentional living, to connect more deeply with themselves and the stories they\u2019re creating through the practice of personal archiving.<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ABOUT ROCK MY BUSINESS<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Delivered by Futurpreneur, on behalf of the Futurpreneur Foundation and supported by RBC Foundation, <em>Rock My Business<\/em> is a free, virtual workshop series that helps aspiring entrepreneurs develop their business idea, create a strong business plan, and build a viable cash flow. Participants who participate in the Rock My Business Plan and Rock My Cash Flow workshops may qualify to apply for the <em>RBC Rock My Business Start-Up Awards<\/em>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ABOUT FUTURPRENEUR<\/strong>\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Futurpreneur<\/strong><\/a>, the delivery partner of the Futurpreneur Foundation, is a national, non-profit organization that provides loans with mentorship and resources to diverse entrepreneurs, ages 18-39, who are looking to start, buy or grow their businesses in Canada. We help diverse young founders reach their startup goals and provide bilingual (English and French) supports and resources to empower business owners on their entrepreneurial journeys.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Founded in 1996, the organization was established to promote entrepreneurship among Canadian youth as a critical pillar for diversifying the economy, generating employment opportunities and fostering a sustainable future. Since then, Futurpreneur has helped more than 20,000 young entrepreneurs start or buy small and growing businesses across Canada. Futurpreneur is a founding member of the\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.futurpreneur.ca\/en\/g20-yea\/?utm_source=press+release&amp;utm_medium=wire&amp;utm_campaign=RMBAwards2023\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>G20 Young Entrepreneurs\u2019 Alliance<\/strong><\/a>, the Canadian member of\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youthbusiness.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Youth Business International<\/strong><\/a>\u202fand the Canadian host of\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.futurpreneur.ca\/en\/initiatives\/gew-canada\/?utm_source=press+release&amp;utm_medium=wire&amp;utm_campaign=RMBAwards2023\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW)<\/strong><\/a>.\u202f\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Futurpreneur is partially supported by the\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Government of Canada<\/strong><\/a>.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Awards are granted to eight participants from the Futurpreneur Foundation\u2019s free Rock My Business Workshop series\u202f&nbsp; TORONTO, CANADA (Oct. 8, 2025)\u202f\u2013 Futurpreneur, on behalf of the Futurpreneur Foundation, and RBC Foundation are proud to mark the fifth annual\u202fRBC Rock My Business Start-Up Awards by awarding eight promising young entrepreneurs from across Canada with $10,000 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"template":"","press_category":[],"class_list":["post-13195","press_release","type-press_release","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/press_release\/13195","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/press_release"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/press_release"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/press_release\/13195\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13195"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"press_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/press_category?post=13195"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}