This year, the themes of Global Entrepreneurship Week focus on education, the entrepreneurial ecosystem, policy and inclusion. The Government of Alberta is proud to support the province’s innovative and hard-working entrepreneurs as they create new businesses, which are the backbone of communities across the province.
Futurpreneur is Canada’s official host for Global Entrepreneurship Week. To support young Alberta entrepreneurs, Alberta’s government has provided multi-year grant funding to Futurpreneur, which will result in 225 new Alberta businesses being created in the next three years.
“This partnership with Futurpreneur ensures the organization can continue providing collateral-free loans and critical mentorship and support to Alberta’s young entrepreneurs who are so important to Alberta’s economic recovery. These individuals work every day to create jobs for their fellow Albertans, and to them we are grateful. Their drive, resiliency and dedication are second to none.”
“We're very grateful for the Government of Alberta’s support and look forward to increasing our efforts to help even more young entrepreneurs launch and sustain resilient businesses provincewide. Futurpreneur provides young, aspiring business owners with the loan financing, mentorship and resources they need to launch successful businesses that will drive Canada’s inclusive economic recovery in the years ahead.”
Alberta’s government is also supporting entrepreneurs in the province through the $175 million recapitalization of the Alberta Enterprise Corporation and investments in its Accelerate Fund, ensuring Alberta start-ups can easily access funding. Entrepreneurs in Alberta also have access to funding, coaching, expertise and research through Alberta Innovates.
“Entrepreneurs will help build the future economy. We have identified more than 1,200 technology companies in Alberta. Through our investments, we provide access to venture capital so these companies can stay and grow right here at home. Our funds also provide much more than capital, they provide access to experienced mentorship, markets beyond Alberta, as well as management talent.”
“Alberta Innovates provides a range of programs to strengthen entrepreneurship and the game-changing companies that will create jobs in this province. We contribute to growth and diversification of Alberta’s economy by enabling small and medium ventures to develop and commercialize new technologies for all sectors, and by fostering the regional innovation networks to support them.”
Supporting the province’s tech start-up community is a key part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan – a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure, we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth.
Alberta Enterprise Corporation
AEC grows Alberta’s venture capital industry by investing in venture capital funds that finance early-stage technology companies. The corporation focuses on funds that have a strong commitment to Alberta – including a full-time presence in the province. In addition to capital, AEC supports Alberta’s venture capital ecosystem by connecting investors, entrepreneurs and experienced technology executives who share a passion for building a bright and innovative Alberta.
Since its launch, AEC has provided $202 million in investment to 16 venture capital funds across the province and the Accelerate Funds I, II and III.
Alberta Innovates
Alberta Innovates invests in research, innovation and entrepreneurship to drive provincial economic growth and diversity. It collaborates with researchers, industry and entrepreneurs to sustain and grow Alberta’s oil and gas, agriculture, forestry and clean-tech sectors, enhance the responsible use of land and water, and contribute to the improved health and well-being of Albertans.
Alberta Innovates provides technical expertise, entrepreneurial advice and support, opportunities for partnerships, and funding to advance the best ideas. It supports a broad range of research and innovation activity – from discovery to use. Collaboration is at the heart of what Alberta Innovates does – bringing together bright minds and great ideas to drive innovation.
Alberta Innovates is a provincial corporation that reports to the Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation.
Futurpreneur
Futurpreneur Canada has been fuelling the entrepreneurial passions of enterprising young Canadians since 1996. It is the only national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentorship and resources to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. More than 13,000 young Canadian entrepreneurs, spanning every province and territory, have successfully launched their business with Futurpreneur’s support. Their main street businesses help drive Canada’s inclusive economic prosperity in communities from coast to coast to coast.
Futurpreneur is a founding member of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance, the Canadian member of Youth Business International, and the Canadian host of Global Entrepreneurship Week.