LEXUS CANADA SUPPORTS FUTURPRENEUR’S GROWTH ACCELERATOR, NAMING TOP ENTREPRENEUR IN SECOND YEAR OF ACCELERATE AMAZING

TORONTO, May 5, 2025 – For the second consecutive year, Lexus Canada is supporting Futurpreneur’s Growth Accelerator program through its Accelerate Amazing initiative — an ongoing commitment to championing innovation and the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs.

“Accelerate Amazing is about more than just innovation — it’s about empowering people and supporting their drive to create something meaningful,” said Martin Gilbert, Director of Lexus Canada. “We’re proud to continue supporting Futurpreneur and the remarkable entrepreneurs who are shaping what’s next.”

The Growth Accelerator is an eight-week program developed by Futurpreneur, designed to equip early-stage founders with mentorship, peer learning, and practical tools to take their businesses to the next level. Lexus’ support helps amplify the program’s reach and impact, allowing young entrepreneurs to build valuable connections and accelerate their journeys.

“Lexus Canada’s continued support of the Futurpreneur Growth Accelerator is empowering young entrepreneurs at a critical time for Canada’s economy,” says Karen Greve Young, CEO, Futurpreneur. “This partnership provides Futurpreneur-supported entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge and resources they need to scale their businesses. Small businesses are the heart of our communities, and by collaborating with partners like Lexus Canada, we’re helping to build a future where Canada’s young entrepreneurs thrive and our economy grows stronger.”

This year’s program concluded with the selection of Moirae Choquette, founder of Tomato Wheels Lambrusco, as the recipient of a $10,000 award, recognizing her compelling growth strategy, entrepreneurial drive, and potential to scale her business. The award was presented during a final pitch competition held in Toronto, where 18 emerging founders from across the country shared their visions for the future of their businesses.

About Tomato Wheels Lambrusco

Tomato Wheels Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine, designed to be sipped chilled. What makes Lambrusco special is the Salamino grape — native to just one region in the world: Emilia-Romagna, Italy. Through data and market research, Tomato Wheels Lambrusco identified a gap for this product and introduced high-quality, traditionally-crafted Lambrusco to mainstream consumers, starting in North America.

Lexus also awarded two other standout entrepreneurs with $5000 in the following categories:

Lexus Craft Driven Award

Recognizing an entrepreneur who embodies attention to detail, excellence, creativity, innovation, and passion. This was awarded to Lise Marie Richard, founder of Tofino Hot Sauce Company Inc.

The Lexus Experience Award

Recognizing a business that delivers an unforgettable guest experience. This was awarded to Rebecca Lynn Knezacek, owner/optician at Eyefinery Optical Studio.

To learn more about this year’s Growth Accelerator cohort, visit:

https://futurpreneur.ca/en/program/growth-accelerator/cohort

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About Futurpreneur

Futurpreneur is a national, non-profit organization that provides loans with mentorship and resources to diverse entrepreneurs, ages 18-39, who are looking to start, buy or grow their businesses in Canada. We help diverse young founders reach their startup goals and provide bilingual (English and French) supports and resources to empower business owners on their entrepreneurial journeys. Founded in 1996, the organization was established to promote entrepreneurship among Canadian youth as a critical pillar for diversifying the economy, generating employment opportunities and fostering a sustainable future. Since then, Futurpreneur has helped more than 18,700 young entrepreneurs start or buy small and growing businesses across Canada. 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 (GEW). Futurpreneur is partially supported by the Government of Canada.

About Lexus Canada

Lexus Canada is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 40 dealers across Canada. Guests have access to a wide range of luxury and performance vehicles, with a total of 12 Lexus nameplates available in Canada, including the country’s largest electrified luxury vehicle lineup (hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery electric) models. Inspired by bold design, intuitive technology and peak performance, Lexus is committed to delivering the highest quality products and services, and to creating amazing experiences for their Guests. The Lexus RX and RX Hybrid, Lexus NX and NX Hybrid are built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada’s award-winning Cambridge plant. For more information about Lexus and Lexus products, please visit: www.lexus.ca