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Youth Entrepreneurship: Finance Your Ambitions
Embarking on an entrepreneurial adventure at a young age means daring to turn your ideas into impact and your dreams into concrete projects. Today’s young entrepreneurs are shaping tomorrow’s innovations, but their journey is often fraught with obstacles: lack of funding, limited networks, or the need for technical support.
Fortunately, there are many resources available to propel them toward success!
This article offers a selection of initiatives and organizations that provide funding, grants, non-repayable contributions, and specialized support to help young people who want to create, build, and innovate achieve their ambitions.
Financing
All of the funds and programs listed below are intended for individuals between the ages of 16 and 39. Some are available from the start of the entrepreneurial venture, while others become available after a few months of operation.
Of course, there are a multitude of so-called “regular” funds and programs whose eligibility criteria would also allow you to obtain financing. It is therefore a good idea to take a moment to evaluate the different options available to you in order to choose the one that best suits your needs.
It is normal to have questions when reviewing the details of a fund or program. Each organization has a team available to answer questions and support entrepreneurs in their efforts. So don’t hesitate to contact them; they’re there to help you!
Accès Microcrédit Gaspésie-îles-De-La-Madeleine
Desjardins-AMCGÎM Youth Entrepreneurship
Overview
This fund has been designed to offer unique flexibility to entrepreneurs aged 16 to 20, enabling them to bring their projects to realization in the production and/or marketing of commercial goods or services.
Financing Conditions
- Financing : up to $3,000
- Interest rate : 5%
- Repayment terms : 3 years
- Payment leave on capital and interest, up to 3 months
Desjardins
Créavenir Youth Entrepreneurship Program
Overview
The Créavenir Youth Entrepreneurship Program supports business start-up or development projects by entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39.
Financing details
- Line of credit: up to $15,000 at the prime rate +0.5% for 5 years
- Business credit card: limit of $1,000 at the prime rate +0.5%
- Grant: up to $5,000
Futurpreneur
Core Startup Program
Overview
The Futurpreneur’s Core Startup Program supports young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39 in Canada by providing them with funding, mentoring, and tools to help them succeed.
Financing Conditions
- Financing : up to $75,000
- Interest rate : variable
- Repayment terms : 5 years
- Payment leave on capital, up to 12 months
Réseau des SADC et CAE
Youth Strategy Fund
Overview
Whether it’s for starting up, growing your business, or transitioning from an existing enterprise, our personalized support combined with our flexible financing options will propel your business project towards success! This funding is for entrepreneur aged 39 and under.
Financing Conditions
- Financing : up to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per project
- Interest rate : variable
- Repayment terms : variable
- Interest payment leave and possibility for capital, for 2 years
Bursaries and Non-Refundable Contributions
It’s always nice to see our efforts rewarded! Below, we have listed a few initiatives that encourage youth entrepreneurship by awarding grants or non-repayable contributions.
La Ruche
Overview The Mille et UN Fund (M1F) is a joint initiative of the Quebec Youth Secretariat and La Ruche aimed at promoting promising projects targeting young people aged 15 to 29. Financing Conditions N.B. The information is only available in French.Mille et UN Fund
OSEntreprendre
OSEntreprendre Challenge – Student category
Overview
The Student category of the OSEntreprendre Challenge promotes the development of entrepreneurial spirit among college and university students through an experience that gives meaning to learning, encourages a sense of belonging, and stimulates career orientation.
If you are 18 years of age or older on the OSEntreprendre Challenge registration deadline and your business has a Quebec business number (NEQ), or is expected to have one before December 31, 2025, please register for the Business Creation category instead.
National categories and prizes*
- College: 1st prize $5,000 | 5 national finalists $500
- University: 1st prize $5,000 | 5 national finalists $500
*At the local and regional levels, the amount of the scholarships varies depending on the community. At the regional level, they generally represent an amount of approximately $500.
N.B. The information is only available in French.
OSEntreprendre Challenge - Business Creation category
Overview
The Business Creation category offers entrepreneurs the opportunity, during their start-up year, to validate their project, obtain grants, showcase their positioning, expand their network, and express their passion.
Special prizes – National level
- Grand prizes for youth entrepreneurship: $10,000
These prizes aim to highlight the potential and diversity of the most inspiring young entrepreneurs aged 35 and under.
N.B. The information is only available in French.
First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Economic Development Commission (FNQLEDC)
Nikanewin Bursaries
Overview
Nikanewin Bursaries are available to First Nations members aged 18 to 35 with a start-up business project to encourage and help them turn their ideas into action!
Address
105-473 boulevard Perron,
Maria (QC) G0C 1Y0
Business hours
Monday to friday
from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 16:00
Phone number
418 534-3834
Email
[email protected]
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