2 Abbotsford founders join 40-strong Canadian G20 YEA delegation

For early-stage founders, access to global policymakers and peer networks can make or break a venture’s trajectory. The inclusion of Janine Jivani and Saboor Meherzad in Canada’s G20 YEA delegation signals that even entrepreneurs from smaller cities like Abbotsford are breaking into international economic conversations. As two of just four B.C. representatives, their presence highlights how youth entrepreneurship support programs are opening doors far beyond traditional tech hubs.

In July 2026, two young entrepreneurs from Abbotsford, British Columbia—Janine Jivani and Saboor Meherzad—were named to Canada’s delegation for the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (YEA) Summit. The 40-person delegation, organized by the non-profit Futurpreneur, will travel to Austria later this year to engage with global policymakers and fellow innovators. For the Canadian startup ecosystem, this selection highlights both the growing ambition of regional founders and the institutional support networks bridging the gap between local talent and international platforms.

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In July 2026, two young entrepreneurs from Abbotsford, British Columbia—Janine Jivani and Saboor Meherzad—were named to Canada’s delegation for the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (YEA) Summit.

The G20 YEA, founded in 2010, is a global network that champions youth entrepreneurship as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation. Each year, it convenes a summit alongside the G20 leaders’ gathering to bring together hundreds of young business leaders from member countries. The 2026 summit’s focus on collaboration and innovation for economic renewal comes at a critical time: global supply chain shifts, digital transformation, and post-pandemic economic recovery demand fresh entrepreneurial energy. For a Canadian delegation comprising only 40 founders, the opportunity to influence policy discussions and forge cross-border partnerships is significant.

Jivani and Meherzad’s inclusion is particularly notable from a regional perspective. Together, they account for half of British Columbia’s entire representation, implying that B.C. sent only four delegates to the summit. While Ontario and Quebec typically dominate Canadian startup ecosystems due to their population and venture capital concentration, the presence of two Abbotsford founders—a city of roughly 170,000 people—underscores a decentralization of entrepreneurial talent. It suggests that organizations like Futurpreneur are actively scouting and elevating high-potential individuals from outside traditional tech hubs, potentially broadening the national innovation pipeline.

Futurpreneur, which was founded in 1996 (originally as the Canadian Youth Business Foundation), has a long track record of providing mentorship, financing, and network access to early-stage founders aged 18–39. Its role as a founding member of the G20 YEA gives Canadian entrepreneurs a direct line to global entrepreneurial policy agendas. By selecting a diverse cohort—geographically, sectorally, and demographically—Futurpreneur is not only sending a message about the depth of Canadian talent but also about the importance of inclusive economic growth. The selection of Jivani and Meherzad, while light on disclosed venture details, likely reflects their demonstrated community impact or innovation potential, criteria that Futurpreneur has emphasized in past cohorts.

The G20 YEA platform itself has historically produced tangible outcomes: previous summits have resulted in communiqués advocating for youth entrepreneurship policies, improved access to capital, and simplified cross-border trade for startups. For the individual founders, the summit offers exposure to international markets, potential partners, and investors who might otherwise be unreachable from a small Canadian city. Even if immediate business deals are not clinched, the long-term network effects and increased visibility can be transformative, especially for first-time founders.