Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities
ON, Canada
Funding for non-profit organizations in York Region
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateOctober 13, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Information and cultural industries
- Other services (except public administration)
grant_single|grantors
- ventureLAB
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Be amongst two not-for-profit organizations to get a contribution of up to $10,000 for a project or an initiative that promotes, supports, or enhances entrepreneurship or innovation in York Region.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is specifically available for entities operating within the York Region in Canada. Eligible organizations and ventures must contribute to innovation activities in York Region, highlighting the fund's regional focus.
- Organizations based in York Region, Canada.
- Entities engaging in activities that benefit York Region.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$10,000
Create a business accelerator program for social enterprises
$10,000
Develop a mentorship program for aspiring entrepreneurs in York Region
$10,000
Organize a yearly innovation summit for tech entrepreneurs
$10,000
Set up a community co-working space for local entrepreneurs
$10,000
Launch an innovation lab to foster tech startups in York Region
$10,000
Launch an online platform for local artisans to sell their products
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the company profile and its involvement in Agri-tech and Cleantech solutions.
- The company must be incorporated and based in Canada.
- The company must be operational in York Region and actively engaged or willing to engage with a York Region innovation partner for at least six months upon being awarded the funds.
- The venture size must be between 1-99 employees, with a minimum of one business and one technical co-founder.
- The venture must be able to match the $10,000 fund.
- The venture must have a minimum viable product and/or be at the validation stage with initial customer traction.
- The company must be developing Agri-tech, Agri-food, or Cleantech innovative solutions or services in specified areas such as precision agriculture, robotics, and AI applications in agriculture, vertical farming, automation in the food value chain, food ecosystem sustainability, decarbonization, or electric vehicles.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Non-profit organizations with a proven track record of delivering programs and services in York Region, specifically for underrepresented communities, can apply for the fund. Eligibility criteria include being a not-for-profit organization based in York Region or conducting activities that benefit York Region, contributing to innovation in the region, demonstrating solutions that enhance inclusion, diversity, or accessibility, and being able to match the $10,000 fund.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain entities based on their nature and the focus of their activities. Restrictions ensure the funds support innovative and community-focused projects.
- Individuals or for-profit entities are not eligible.
- Sole-proprietors cannot apply for the fund.
- Companies or organizations participating in the selection committee are excluded.
- Activities focused on regular maintenance or ongoing operational costs are not supported.
- Applications for refinancing existing debt or acquiring land and buildings are ineligible.
- Regular capital expenditures or asset replacements do not qualify for funding.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The eligible projects under this grant aim to promote innovation and enhance entrepreneurship, particularly for underrepresented communities in York Region. These initiatives focus on both community engagement and leveraging technology to drive substantial social and economic impact.
- Information and knowledge dissemination through workshops.
- Community outreach and engagement activities.
- Digitizing communities to enhance access to technology and promote digital inclusion.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The fund supports expenses related to projects that promote innovation and sustainability in Agri-tech and Cleantech sectors, primarily designed to impact York Region and its communities positively.
- Development and implementation of innovative solutions or services.
- Community outreach and engagement activities.
- Information and knowledge dissemination, such as workshops.
- Digitizing community initiatives.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects under this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives of supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Community impact and economic benefits for York Region.
- Organizational capacity and governance.
- Collaborative innovation, meaning the extent of collaboration with other regional partners for the project.
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly how the project meets the needs of underrepresented communities.
- Clarity and completeness of the project application.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Preliminary Registration
- Confirm eligibility criteria are met for either Stream 1 or Stream 2 of the application process.
- Step 2: Prepare Application
- For Stream 1, prepare a project work plan, proposed budget, and the most recent financial statements.
- For Stream 2, prepare a company pitch deck and outline how the funding will support growth or innovation.
- Step 3: Compile Supporting Documents
- Ensure all required supporting documents are ready and correctly formatted.
- Double-check that all documents showcase innovation and benefit to underrepresented communities for Stream 1 or Agri-tech and Cleantech for Stream 2.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application form along with all required attachments to the designated submission portal or email.
- Ensure the application is submitted before the deadline.
- Step 5: Confirmation of Submission
- Receive an acknowledgment of application receipt from the grant provider.
- Note any application reference numbers or identifiers for future communications.
grant_single_labels|contact
905-248-2727
Apply to this program
Empowerment Through the York Region Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund
The York Region Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund offers significant financial support to non-profits and small enterprises in York Region, fostering the development of Agri-tech and Cleantech innovations. This fund is committed to enhancing diversity, inclusion, and sustainability by awarding grants to applicants who aim to pioneer advancements across these crucial sectors.
Exploring the Dynamics of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund
Hosted by ventureLAB in collaboration with the Regional Municipality of York, the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund stands as a beacon for empowering underrepresented communities and forward-thinking small businesses. The fund, which allocated over $400,000 in its 2023 iteration, is structured to support both non-profit organizations and small enterprises that exhibit robust potential in fostering environmental and economic sustainability through innovative solutions.
Non-profit organizations dedicated to underrepresented groups, including Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2+ communities, and newcomers, are eligible to benefit from Stream 1 funding. These organizations must demonstrate a history of effective program delivery within York Region and present projects that promise to further enhance entrepreneurial and innovative capacities. The focus lies in enabling these communities to thrive through equitable access to resources, thereby fostering a more inclusive economic landscape.
Under Stream 2, small businesses and entrepreneurs developing cutting-edge Agri-tech and Cleantech solutions have the opportunity to secure funding intended to spur regional economic growth and drive technological advancements. With York Region's status as a vital tech and food hub, funded projects are encouraged to leverage this ecosystem to pioneer technologies like precision agriculture, automation in the food value chain, and renewable energy solutions. Each selected venture is expected to positively impact the local economy through job creation, market expansion, and the development of sustainable practices.
The selection process for this fund is meticulous, with applications being scrutinized by a panel comprising experts from ventureLAB, York Regional Staff, and other stakeholders in the innovation sector. Key evaluation criteria include the proposed project’s community impact, the organizational governance capabilities of applicants, and the clarity of the project’s objectives and anticipated outcomes. This thorough vetting ensures that the projects supported by the fund have tangible potential to make meaningful contributions to York Region’s socio-economic fabric.
Awardees are expected to showcase their ability to match the funds and report project outcomes, embodying transparency and accountability throughout their execution process. This ensures the alignment of financial aid with actual project deliverables, optimizing the return on investment of public funds.
Through strategic funding, the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund not only backs creative and innovative pursuits but also serves as a catalyst for deeper sectoral collaboration, aimed at addressing contemporary challenges with sustainable solutions. The fund’s overarching ambition is to invigorate York Region’s position as a leader in inclusive and innovative ecosystems, paving the way for a future rich in opportunity and advancement for all community segments.
