Your small business awaits you

Did you know 76% of Canadian business owners are planning to exit their business over the next decade — and 54% say their biggest challenge is finding the right buyer?*


Buying a small business could be your route to success! It’s more accessible than you may think — and Futurpreneur’s #OwnersWanted program can help you get on the path to small business success.


Futurpreneur is Canada’s only national non-profit providing financing, mentorship and resources to young entrepreneurs aged 18-39. #OwnersWanted is a new program that gets you ready to buy the small business of your dreams.The program is completely FREE, and if you already have a prospective seller in mind, you can both attend to get everything you both need to complete this transition together.


Over the course of program, you will:

  • Explore the world of business acquisition;
  • Access valuable resources for your acquisition journey;
  • Experience real-life acquisition stories and mock negotiations to close deals; and
  • Learn about Futurpreneur financing options for business acquisition and succession.

All #OwnersWanted workshops are interactive and encourage active involvement. Workshop hosts welcome your questions and are here to support you!


Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll know how to buy a business—and you’ll have a complete set of documents and skills you can use to close a great deal in real life!


#OwnersWanted workshops are focused on potential buyers. However, sellers thinking about business succession are welcome to join. Who knows? You may just connect with the next prospective owner of your business.



Futurpreneur has supported more than 17,000+ young entrepreneurs on their journey to reach their business dreams. You could be next! Participate in our upcoming #OwnersWanted workshops!


* Source: CFIB Canada, Small Business Report, 2022



Upcoming FREE #OwnersWanted Workshops


Workshop Information
Workshop Title Day/Date Location Time Registration Link
Unlocking Business Acquisition in Ontario Wednesday, March 6 Niagara Falls Innovation Hub (Spark IECI) 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST Register
#OwnersWanted Info Session Thursday, March 7 Cafe Wildflower, Port Alberni, BC 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST Register
#OwnersWanted Workshop Wednesday, March 20th and Thursday, March 21st Best Western Barclay, Port Alberni, BC 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM EST Register

WE OFFER:

Financing

  • Apply for up to $60,000 to launch or buy a new business or to grow one that’s been fully operating for less than 12 months.

Mentoring

  • Get matched with an experienced mentor to help you build confidence and tackle your toughest challenges for up to two years.

Resources

  • Learn key skills like business planning, marketing and cash flow management through our online and in-person business resources.

  • Demonstrate some training/experience related to your business idea.
  • Create full-time sustainable employment for the applicant(s).
  • Agree to work with a mentor for up to two years (4 to 5 hours a month).
  • Produce a complete and viable business plan by the end of the application process.
  • Business fully operating for fewer than 12 months.
  • Agree to complete Futurpreneur Canada status updates every month.
  • Agree to provide authorization for Futurpreneur Canada to carry out a credit check.
  • Assure that the business is NOT in the research and development stage.
  • Assure that financing proceeds may not be used for refinancing existing debt.
  • BDC financing through a Futurpreneur Canada application is not available to all persons, corporations, firms and companies who are already a BDC borrower.
  • A business plan must fall within specified industry guidelines in order to be approved for financing. Examples of businesses which do not meet Futurpreneur industry guidelines include: businesses that are sexually exploitive or that feature sexually explicit entertainment, products or services; businesses that are engaged in or associated with illegal activities; businesses trading in countries that are proscribed by the Canadian federal government; and any other commercial activities inappropriate for government funding. For more details on Futurpreneur industry eligibility, click here. All BDC loans are subject to the eligibility criteria of the BDC.
  • Demonstrate that you have been discharged from bankruptcy for at least five years or one year after receipt of a Certificate of Full Performance in the case of a Consumer Proposal.
  • For establishments serving alcohol, a maximum of 49% of revenues can be generated from the sale of alcohol when same is consumed on-site. Exempt from this are producers such as craft breweries, wine and spirit producers, brew-it-yourself type locations.
  • Any age eligible entrepreneur (18-39 years old) who owns 5% or less of the business does not need to be party to Futurpreneur Canada and BDC application.
  • The amount invested, or to be invested in the Business, by the persons other than BDC and the character of the investment are such that a reasonable lender may expect that those persons will have a continuing commitment to the business An amount of 10% of the total project plan financing will in general be considered as sufficient for the entrepreneur investment.

For additional eligibility criteria for partnerships, incorporations, and business take-overs please click here.

For information on businesses not eligible for Futurpreneur Canada financing please click here.

Approval for financing is also dependent on an applicant successfully meeting credit score minimums determined by Futurpreneur.

Futurpreneur Canada is a non-profit organization supporting Canadians aged 18-39 to become business owners with loan financing, mentoring and business resources. Our experts are here to answer your questions and put you on the path to success.