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Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge - Toronto - ON - Canada
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Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge

Last Update: October 27, 2025
Toronto, ON
Supports sustainable startups advancing net-zero and clean technology solutions
Other Support
Partnering and Collaboration
Grant and Funding
Expert Advice

At a glance

Funding available
Financing goals
    No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
  • No Condition
Timeline
  • Unspecified
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
  • Utilities
  • Construction
  • Real estate and rental and leasing
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
  • Toronto
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Startups

Overview

Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge offers startups the opportunity to pitch their solutions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions for a chance to win a cash prize. The program supports ventures in clean energy, sustainable real estate, and city development through mentorship, networking, and exposure to investors, though the maximum funding amount is not specified.

Activities funded

  • Development and deployment of affordable and clean energy solutions.
  • Implementation of green technologies in real estate and property development.
  • Projects focused on creating more sustainable cities and communities.
  • Startups introducing innovations that contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 85,000
Smart building retrofit with IoT energy efficiency solutions
$ 60,000
Urban canopy enhancement through native tree planting initiative
$ 72,000
Heat recovery ventilation demonstration in affordable apartment retrofit
$ 92,000
Pilot installation of rooftop solar panels on housing developments
$ 67,000
Community EV charging stations in multi-unit residential complexes
$ 51,000
Zero-waste food packaging pilot for local food vendors

Eligibility

  • The applicant must be a startup company.
  • The company must be developing solutions that contribute to achieving net-zero emissions.
  • The company must focus on one or more of the following areas: affordable and clean energy, green solutions in real estate and property development, or sustainable cities and communities.

Who is eligible?

  • Startups building solutions in affordable and clean energy
  • Startups focused on green solutions in real estate and property development
  • Startups that aim to create more sustainable cities and communities

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

  • Companies established in Canada

Selection criteria

  • Ability to demonstrate how the solution contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
  • Clarity and effectiveness of the pitch presented to sustainable development leaders and the Mackenzie team.
  • Potential of the project to support the transition to a net-zero emissions future.
  • Ability to integrate sustainability into the business model and practices of the company.

How to apply

1

Verify grant eligibility

  • Review the eligibility criteria to ensure your startup qualifies
  • Verify that your business focuses on clean energy, green real estate, or sustainable communities
2

Prepare application documents

  • Prepare your application by outlining how your solution reduces greenhouse gas emissions
  • Gather relevant business documents and supporting materials
  • Highlight any sustainability achievements or recognition
3

Submit your application

  • Submit your application through the official program portal
  • Ensure all required information and attachments are included
4

Await application results

  • Wait for a response from the selection committee
  • Prepare to provide additional information if requested
5

Participate in pitch competition

  • If selected, pitch your startup to sustainability leaders and Mackenzie executives
  • Participate in the business growth challenge over the 6-week period

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.
Apply to this program

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?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge?

Who is eligible for the Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge program?

Who can I contact for more information about the Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge?

Where is the Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge available?

Are startups eligible for the Canada’s Next Sustainable Changemaker Challenge program?

Apply to this program

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