Small Business Programs
Futurpreneur Canada has made notable progress in coordinating its programs in many important areas. Recognizing the disproportionately facing credit barriers black and Indigenous entrepreneurs face, they have adjusted their credit requirements to offer loans to young black and Indigenous entrepreneurs that were previously unacceptable because of their credit ratings. To help them manage their credit responsibly and prepare them for financial success, they've developed a two-part credit information video resource available to all black young entrepreneurs joining Futurpreneur. With these events, they've been working with RBC for over six months on many new resources to support black entrepreneurs and are excited to launch the Startup Program for Black Entrepreneurs on March 24, 2021. This is a new offer from Futurpreneur with RBC's financial support and additional loans. BDC funding is a modified version of the core launch program created by black experts and other members of their team and provided to the Black-led founding teams in recognizing the value of life experiences. They have also partnered with NACCA to strengthen outreach and programs for young Aboriginal entrepreneurs with the support of ISED with the same principles in mind, including developing and delivering an Aboriginal-friendly version of their online business plan editor. They have refined the accessibility of their online portal and website to provide access and delivery of the program in a comprehensive and secure manner, and now include a non-harassment statement at the beginning of each event along with the loan application process.
29 - CanadianSME - February 2022
Outreach and Partnerships
Futurpreneur Canada is grateful for its partnerships with the various community associations and organizations that focus and lead on BIPOC and LGBTQ+. They will make the work of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC organizations more visible within the organization, increasing awareness and creating opportunities, including with their strategic partners and suppliers, and initiated this robust signing by collaborating with the Canadian Aboriginal & Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC). With the intention of adding a question about LGBTQ+ identification in the coming months, they've added a question about the admission status of BIPOC Entrepreneurs and Mentors to better understand the diversity and inclusion of their community and their client base. They plan to set goals and track mentors working with the number of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC entrepreneurs they support.
A Few Lines about Futurpreneur Canada’s Award Ceremonies
Each year, Futurpreneur Canada rewards mentors and entrepreneurs who have made positive contributions to the Canadian business ecosystem through their community by demonstrating outstanding drive, exemplary leadership, innovative thinking, or dedication to mentoring or training young founders. One can learn more about their award functions by simply scrolling through their website.
