From international partnerships to global growth opportunities, Toronto was at the centre of the conversation as entrepreneurial leaders from across the G20 gathered for the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance (G20 YEA) Leadership Assembly. Hosted by Futurpreneur, the Assembly brought together leaders from around the world to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas and help shape the future of youth entrepreneurship.
The G20 YEA is a global network representing more than 500,000 young entrepreneurs and the organizations that support them. As a proud founding member of the Alliance, Futurpreneur represents Canadian entrepreneurship on the world stage and works alongside international partners to advance policies and initiatives that help young entrepreneurs succeed.
Each year, ahead of the G20 Leader’s Summit, the G20 YEA convenes hundreds of the world’s top young entrepreneurs for the G20 YEA Summit to advance youth entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth, innovation and social change. Hosted by YES for Europe, this year’s Summit will take place in Vienna, Austria from September 16-18 and will bringing together emerging business leaders to foster international trade opportunities, share ideas, address common challenges and contribute recommendations that support entrepreneurial success globally. To meet the delegates representing Canada at this year’s summit, click here.
As part of the preparations for Vienna, Futurpreneur was honoured to host the G20 YEA Leadership Assembly, welcoming leaders from Brazil, China, Germany, the European Union, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom for four days of collaboration, planning and knowledge sharing.
Throughout the Assembly, Presidents and Sherpas participated in working sessions, networking events and discussions focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, international growth and economic opportunity.
The week began with a call with Shawn Steil, the G7/G20 Sous-Sherpa & Director of G7/G20 Summits, Global Affairs Canada. He shared his perspectives on the current dynamics surrounding the upcoming Summits and provided recommendations on how our thought leadership could be taken into greater consideration. The call was followed by an interactive panel discussion on global perspectives on youth entrepreneurship and economic growth featuring Ontario’s Associate Minister of Small Business, Nina Tangri, alongside ecosystem leaders Futurpreneur CEO Karen Greve Young, Miryam Lazarte, CEO of Global Startups, and Steven Wang, CEO of Venture for Canada.
A recurring theme throughout the week was how entrepreneurial ecosystems can better support young founders in navigating an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global economy. Discussions explored trade diversification, market expansion, investment attraction and the practical resources young entrepreneurs need to grow beyond their home markets. Conversations reinforced the importance of collaboration among governments, ecosystem organizations and entrepreneurs to unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth.
The Assembly also provided an opportunity to showcase Ontario’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. On July 22, hosted by representatives Eric Chou and Mark Rupcic from Niagara Region Economic Development, the leaders visited Brock University in Niagara, where they met Forzana Crocco, Executive Director, and Tamara Jensen, Entrepreneurship Program Manager from Brock LINC, an innovation and entrepreneurship centre that supports research commercialization, startup development and industry collaboration. Katie Poissant-Paul, Marketing & Operations Executive at Innovate Niagara also presented to the group.
Leaders also toured the Niagara Falls Innovation Hub, hosted by CEO Dan Bordenave, gaining firsthand insight into the programs, resources and partnerships helping entrepreneurs launch and scale their businesses in the region. The visit highlighted the strength of Niagara region’s innovation ecosystem while offering participants the chance to experience one of Canada’s most iconic destinations.
Most importantly, the week reminded us that while countries may face different challenges, young entrepreneurs around the world share many of the same ambitions: to build innovative businesses, create jobs, strengthen their communities and drive positive economic impact.
A heartfelt thank you to the leaders, partners, speakers and ecosystem leaders who contributed their time, expertise and perspectives throughout the week. As we look ahead to the 2026 G20 YEA Summit in Vienna, the connections forged and ideas exchanged in Toronto will help shape a stronger collective voice for young entrepreneurs on the global stage.
Next stop: Vienna!
