Looking to take your business to the next level? A global perspective could be the game-changer you need on your entrepreneurial journey.
The annual G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (YEA) Summit brings together some of the most driven young entrepreneurs from across the globe to collaborate, innovate and grow. Hosted by a different international delegation every year, recent iterations of the Summit have taken place in locations ranging from Brazil to India.
As a founding member of the G20 YEA, Futurpreneur is proud to support young entrepreneurs in representing Canadian voices on the world stage, joining a powerful global network. By participating in the annual summit, Canada’s young entrepreneurs have opportunities to gain international insights and contribute directly to the future of global entrepreneurship. Here are the top five reasons why you should consider attending.
1. Join a global network
The G20 YEA Summit offers participants access to an unparalleled global network of entrepreneurs, industry leaders and policymakers from G20 countries. Imagine the possibilities of connecting with over 500,000 young entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and industries. You’re not just making contacts—you’re building an international network that can open doors to partnerships, resources and new markets.
“The response was overwhelming,” says Nina Lantinga, CEO and Co-Founder of Nets for Net Zero. “Sharing my journey at the G20 YEA in Brazil led to collaborations I could never have anticipated. It’s a community where shared goals and collective action are more than just words.”
If you’re looking to expand internationally, these connections can be crucial. You’re gaining not only business contacts but also allies who can help you understand market dynamics in other regions, offer new perspectives on challenges and spark fresh ideas for growth.
2. Shape policies that impact global entrepreneurship
As a G20 YEA delegate, you’ll be in a unique position to make your voice heard in international policy discussions. By participating in the policy taskforces at the G20 YEA, young entrepreneurs help shape recommendations presented to global leaders. This is a chance to directly influence policies that can benefit entrepreneurs everywhere.
Bryce Mathew Watts, Founder of Forager International and the Innovation Taskforce Leader as part of the G20 YEA Canadian delegation, emphasizes the impact of these discussions: “It’s an opportunity to bring forward new ideas and solutions to issues that matter to us as entrepreneurs. Knowing our input might reach policymakers makes it worthwhile.”
If you have ideas on innovation, sustainability or diversity, the G20 YEA provides a platform to share those insights. You’re not just learning about policy; you’re actively shaping it.
3. Develop leadership skills in a supportive environment
The summit is more than an international gathering—it’s a place to grow as a leader. Through collaborative projects, discussions and workshops, delegates are able to sharpen their leadership skills while learning from peers who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table.
Andrea Bomo, a health practitioner and founder of Ann & Eli Apothecary, reflects on her time as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce Co-Lead within the G20 YEA Canadian delegation: “Balancing the role with my own business was challenging, but the support from Futurpreneur and my co-lead helped me stay focused. We learned so much about collaboration, project management and leading effectively.”
The experience can be particularly valuable if you’re looking to strengthen competencies in leadership, decision-making and cross-cultural collaboration—skills that are highly transferable to any business setting.
4. Make an impact by advocating for issues you care about
As a delegate, you have a platform to drive conversations around issues that matter to you and your business values. Whether it’s innovation, equity or sustainability, the G20 YEA lets you connect with other entrepreneurs who share your passions. The summit allows you to bring your unique experiences and advocate for positive change.
Kathy Pellerin, Founder of VisaVie Canada and Co-Lead of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce within the Canadian delegation, found her purpose in advocating for underrepresented groups. She recalls a team-building activity at the Summit in India where language barriers disappeared as delegates worked towards a common goal: “It was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we’re focused on solutions, regardless of background.”
If you’re passionate about social impact, the summit is an inspiring setting where you can champion causes close to your heart and see firsthand the power of collective action.
5. Gain a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship
The G20 YEA Summit goes beyond networking and policy—it offers a space to rethink what entrepreneurship means on a global scale. You’ll get an inside view of how other entrepreneurs and countries tackle common challenges, from scaling a business to embracing sustainable practices. Learning about diverse approaches helps you see new possibilities and rethink how you approach your own business.
As Lantinga shares, “The summit broadens your thinking. You realize that while our challenges are shared, solutions can look very different from one country to another.”
This exposure to diverse perspectives and business practices can broaden your outlook, inspire fresh ideas and leave you with new strategies to tackle issues within your own business.
Ready to join the next G20 YEA Summit? For young entrepreneurs, experiences like the G20 YEA Summit offer so much more than just knowledge—they provide a transformative opportunity to connect with other driven entrepreneurs, shape policies, advocate for meaningful change and gain an international perspective on business. If you’re ready to expand your horizons, gain new insights and take your business to the next level, visit Futurpreneur’s G20 YEA page to learn more about the summit and how you can get involved.
