Side Hustle Program
Side Hustle Program is a financing and loans offered by Futurpreneur for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador).
A program for young entrepreneurs ages 18-39 who want to launch or grow a part-time business while maintaining full-time employment, providing up to $25,000 in equity-free loan financing, up to two years of one-on-one mentorship, and access to business resources and networking.
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Program details
The Side Hustle Program supports entrepreneurs who want to start or grow a business while keeping their full-time job. It provides up to $25,000 in equity-free, collateral-free loan financing from Futurpreneur (no BDC co-lending component), paired with up to two years of one-on-one mentorship. Participants gain access to business planning tools including the Rock My Business workshop series and a Canada-wide network of entrepreneurs. The loan has a five-year term with interest at CIBC's prime rate + 3% (capped at 9% if prime exceeds 6%), interest-only payments in the first year, principal repayments over the remaining four years, no penalty for early repayment, and a 1% loan management fee at disbursement. The program requires that for the next 12 months, the side business remains the applicant's secondary source of income. Indigenous entrepreneurs are also eligible to apply to the Side Hustle Program.
Who qualifies
Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18-39 physically residing in Canada. Must have a full-time income outside of the side business. For the next 12 months, the side business must remain the applicant's secondary source of income. Must produce a business plan and 24-month cash flow. All general Futurpreneur eligibility criteria apply except the full-time sustainable employment requirement.
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