This new investment will enable the non-profit organization to support 2,700 new entrepreneurs.

TORONTO - (February 5, 2015) - The Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced today that the Government of Canada will contribute to the success of young Canadian entrepreneurs by investing $14 million over two years in the Futurpreneur Canada programs. These funds will enable approximately 2,700 young entrepreneurs access the financing and programs they need to build their businesses, create jobs and increase the competitiveness of the Canadian economy. These entrepreneurs have the potential to set up 2,250 new companies and generate 10,800 jobs.

Young entrepreneurs have the will and the ability to stimulate the job creation and growth that the Canadian economy needs," explained Julia Deans, CEO, Futurpreneur Canada. This support will enable us to provide thousands of young people with the skills, resources and confidence to launch and grow their businesses. We are encouraged by this investment, and look forward to working with other partners to support even more entrepreneurs.

More than ever, it's important to provide young entrepreneurs with the training and support they need to get ahead," emphasized John Risley, Chairman of Futurpreneur Canada and President and CEO of Clearwater Fine Foods Inc. These young people are job creators and community builders who play a key role in our country's future.

Since it was founded in 1996, Futurpreneur Canada has been able to count on the full cooperation of various government bodies. From corporate funders to local partners, a wide range of players contribute to the advancement of youth entrepreneurship in Canada. This is how the organization was able to invest in the projects of 7,500 young entrepreneurswhich created approximately 29,800 jobs and generated 217 million in tax revenues.

Today's young entrepreneurs are essential to tomorrow's economy," explains Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism, and Agriculture). This investment will enable Futurpreneur Canada to perpetuate their remarkable work by continuing to offer a mentoring program and economic support to Canada's young entrepreneurs."

"The financial support and mentoring I received from Futurpreneur Canada helped me launch Knix Wear. Futurpreneur Canada was there from the start, believing in me long before the banks and investors did," stated Joanna Griffiths, founder and CEO of Knix Wear and Futurpreneur Canada entrepreneur. I had the opportunity to connect with members of the organization's extensive network, which includes like-minded entrepreneurs and seasoned mentors from the public and private sectors. I'm honored to hold the title of 'Futurepreneur'."

"I'm proud to be part of a community of close to 3,000 volunteer mentors that Futurpreneur Canada can count on. I'm delighted to see that the government is investing in mentoring and programs to help more young people start new businesses," said Devon Brooks, co-founder of Blo and mentor for Futurpreneur Canada. As a young entrepreneur, I'm happy to be able to help my peers build successful businesses across the country. Futurpreneur Canada gives me a unique opportunity to get involved in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Today's news was announced at an event in Brampton, Ontario, organized by Spin Mastera long-time partner of Futurpreneur Canada, in collaboration with UTi.

For more information on Futurpreneur Canada, please visit your SADC website or contact one of our business advisors at 450 883

-0717

To understand the impact Futurpreneur Canada's programs have on young entrepreneurs, please read the testimonials from successful business owners on Futurpreneur.ca/getinspired

About Futurpreneur Canada

Futurpreneur Canada (formerly the Canadian Youth Business Foundation or CYBF) has been fueling the entrepreneurial passions of young Canadians for nearly twenty years. It is the only national not-for-profit organization offering financing, mentoring and support tools to young and new business owners aged 18 to 39. Its internationally recognized mentoring program matches young entrepreneurs with business experts from a network of over 2,800 volunteer mentors. Futurpreneur Canada is a founding member of the G20 Young Entrepreneur Alliance, and the Canadian representative on the G20 Young Entrepreneur Alliance network. Youth Business Internationalsponsored by the Prince of Wales, and host of Global Entrepreneurship Week in Canada. www.futurpreneur.ca. Facebook : Futurepreneur Twitter : @Futurpreneur

- See more at: http://www.futurpreneur.ca/fr/press-media/fed-gov-announcement/#sthash.aLcK8buL.dpuf