SDG COUNTIES, Ontario - Young entrepreneurs in Cornwall, SDG Counties and Akwesasne have access to a wide range of resources to help launch and grow their businesses through the Cornwall-SDG Business Enterprise Centre, including connections to financing and mentorship opportunities available through Futurpreneur Canada.
The Cornwall-SDG Business Enterprise Centre is encouraging aspiring business owners between the ages of 18 and 39 to explore Futurpreneur Canada’s programs, which provide collateral-free financing of up to $75,000, two years of mentorship, and ongoing support to help entrepreneurs successfully start or expand their businesses.
As part of Ontario’s Small Business Enterprise Centre network, the Cornwall-SDG Business Enterprise Centre provides advisory services, business planning support, training, mentorship opportunities and referrals to programs that help businesses at every stage of development. The centre also delivers provincially funded initiatives such as Summer Company and Starter Company Plus, helping entrepreneurs gain the skills and confidence needed to build successful ventures.
Futurpreneur Canada, a national not-for-profit organization celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, has helped start and grow more than 1,700 businesses across Ontario, creating over 7,300 jobs. In 2025-26 alone, the organization supported 425 businesses throughout the province, including 64 in northern, rural and remote communities.
The Ontario government recently announced an additional $6 million investment in Futurpreneur Canada, which is expected to help support approximately 1,000 young entrepreneurs across the province with financing, mentorship and business development resources. The investment brings Ontario’s total support for the organization to $15 million since 2021.
For local entrepreneurs, the announcement highlights another pathway to business success through the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre, which can help determine eligibility for Futurpreneur and other provincial and federal support programs.
Business growth across Cornwall, SDG Counties and Akwesasne
The Cornwall-SDG Business Enterprise Centre is dedicated to supporting and promoting entrepreneurship throughout Cornwall, SDG Counties, and Akwesasne. Through one-on-one guidance, business resources and program referrals, the centre helps entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business while fostering economic development throughout the region.
Entrepreneurs interested in learning more about Futurpreneur Canada or other business support programs are encouraged to contact the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre.
More info
Local entrepreneurs looking to learn more about Futurpreneur and other small business support programs are invited to contact the Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre.
The additional $6 million investment in Futurpreneur Canada builds on the province’s broader support for small businesses and entrepreneurs across Ontario, including cutting the small business tax rate to deliver more than $1.1 billion in relief and save approximately 375,000 small businesses up to $5,000 each year. The province is also investing $9.4 million over three years to support programs. Summer Company, and Starter Company Plus delivered through Ontario’s Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs).
The province is also investing an additional $5 million to expand the Digital Competence Centre (DCC), building on the $20 million invested in the program to date. The DCC helps small and medium-sized businesses adopt technology, access digital tools, and stay competitive in today’s economy.
Quick facts
- Ontario’s small businesses are the backbone of the economy, with nearly 500,000 businesses representing 98 per cent of all employer businesses in the province and employing roughly 2.5 million people.
- In 2025–26, Futurpreneur supported 425 businesses in Ontario, including 64 in Northern, rural, and remote communities.
- Entrepreneurs can be eligible for collateral-free loan financing up to $25,000, which can be matched with up to $50,000 loan financing from the Business Development Bank of Canada for a total of up to $75,000.
- Ontario’s Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) provide advisory services, training, and programs to help entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses. The province’s network of SBECs will advise and refer young entrepreneurs to the Futurpreneur program.
About the Cornwall-SDG Business Enterprise Centre
The Cornwall SDG Business Enterprise Centre is dedicated to supporting and promoting entrepreneurship in Cornwall, the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry and Akwesasne. Funded by the Province of Ontario as part of the 54 Small Business Enterprise Centres across the province, the Centre provides resources, mentorship, and guidance to new and existing entrepreneurs, helping them grow into successful businesses.
The Cornwall Business Enterprise Centre is located at 100 Water Street East (Cornwall Civic Complex) :