Open
Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge
Supports startups reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Overview
Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge offers startups a chance to pitch solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the net-zero transition. One winner receives a $25,000 CAD cash prize, and participants also gain mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Construction
- Real estate and rental and leasing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Toronto
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Building solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Developing innovative clean energy technologies.
- Creating green solutions for real estate and property development.
- Advancing more sustainable cities and communities.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Founders of active, for-profit businesses.
- Canadian legal residents.
- Startups in clean energy, green real estate, or sustainable cities.
Who is not eligible
- Program parties’ officers, directors, employees, representatives, or agents.
- People living with those involved in the program’s administration or judging.
Eligible expenses
- Cash funding awarded in the form of prizes during the presentation competition.
- Free access to the Elevate festival to facilitate networking and business promotion.
- Mentoring and support in business development (value in the form of services received).
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed based on the form responses and possible interviews.
- Ten applicants are selected to participate in the program.
- Participants deliver a pitch presentation to a panel of judges.
- The highest-scoring presentation is named the grant winner.
- Selected applicants and the winner are notified by email.
Additional information
- Participants receive complimentary access to the Elevate Festival 2025 in Toronto for networking and learning opportunities.
- The program provides mentorship and coaching in key areas such as fundraising, marketing, and sales.
- Companies can gain brand awareness through promotion by the Mackenzie and Elevate teams.
- Alumni testimonials describe benefits such as business development support and access to sustainability-focused investors.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge?
Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge offers startups a chance to pitch solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the net-zero transition. One winner receives a $25,000 CAD cash prize, and participants also gain mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities.
Who is eligible for the Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge program?
To be eligible for the Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge program, you must:
For-profit startup in Canada
Innovative GHG-reduction solution
Focused on one target sector
What expenses are eligible under Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge?
Building solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Developing innovative clean energy technologies.
Creating green solutions for real estate and property development.
Advancing more sustainable cities and communities.
Where is the Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge available?
The Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge is a Other Support
Who are the financial supporters of the Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge?
Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge is funded by Elevate Talent