undefined
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities - ON - Canada

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities

Last Update: June 23, 2025
ON, Canada
Funding for non-profit organizations in York Region

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities at a glance

Eligible Funding
  • From $10,000 to $10,000
Timeline
  • Open Date : September 5, 2023
  • Closing date : October 13, 2023
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
  • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
  • Information and cultural industries
  • Other services (except public administration)
Grant Providers
  • ventureLAB
Status
Closed

Overview of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities program

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.

Financing terms and conditions

  • Selected non-profit organizations receive $10,000 each in funding for eligible projects or initiatives.
  • Selected small businesses and entrepreneurs receive $10,000 each for developing Agri-tech or Cleantech solutions.
  • Applicants must demonstrate access to matching funds equivalent to the awarded amount.
  • Funds are disbursed within 30 business days following the signing of the Funding Agreement.

Eligible projects & activities

  • Information and knowledge dissemination through workshops to promote innovation and entrepreneurship among underrepresented communities.
  • Community outreach and engagement initiatives designed to enhance inclusion, diversity, and accessibility.
  • Projects focused on digitizing communities to improve participation and access.
  • Development and implementation of Agri-tech or Cleantech solutions supporting sustainability in areas such as precision agriculture, robotics, AI in agriculture, vertical farming, food automation, ecosystem sustainability, decarbonization, and electric vehicles.
Examples of admissible projects:

$ 10,000

Organize a yearly innovation summit for tech entrepreneurs

$ 10,000

Develop a mentorship program for aspiring entrepreneurs in York Region

$ 10,000

Set up a community co-working space for local entrepreneurs

$ 10,000

Create a business accelerator program for social enterprises

$ 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

Eligibility criteria of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities program

  • The applicant must be a not-for-profit organization based in York Region, or the proposed activities must take place in or benefit York Region.
  • The applicant must have a proven track record of delivering programs or services that support innovation and sustainability, particularly for underrepresented communities.
  • The project must demonstrate innovative solutions or services that expand inclusion, diversity, or accessibility in York Region.
  • The applicant must not have received funding from the EIF in the immediately preceding round and cannot apply for funding for the same project more than twice.
  • The applicant must be able to match the $10,000 fund provided by the grant.

Who is eligible?

  • Non-profit organizations serving underrepresented communities in York Region
  • Small businesses and entrepreneurs developing Agri-tech, Agri-food, or Cleantech innovations

Eligible expenses

  • Costs related to information and knowledge dissemination through workshops.
  • Expenses for community outreach and engagement activities.
  • Investments in digitizing communities and related digital transformation initiatives.

Eligible geographic areas

  • York Region, Ontario

Eligibility criteria of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities program

  • Community impact and economic benefits for York Region.
  • Organizational capacity and governance (for non-profits) or business viability and growth/scaling potential (for small businesses/entrepreneurs).
  • Collaborative innovation, including partnerships with other regional stakeholders (for non-profits only).
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion—how the project meets the needs of underrepresented communities (for non-profits); diversity and inclusion impact (for small businesses/entrepreneurs).
  • Clarity and completeness of the project application, including the proposed use of funds and demonstrated impact on business (for small businesses/entrepreneurs).

How to apply to the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities program

1
Preliminary Registration
Confirm eligibility criteria are met for either Stream 1 or Stream 2 of the application process.
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.
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.
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.
5
Confirmation of Submission
  • Receive an acknowledgment of application receipt from the grant provider.
  • Note any application reference numbers or identifiers for future communications.

Additional information

  • Previously funded recipients are not eligible for two consecutive rounds and must submit a new project to reapply.
  • Application evaluations are conducted by a committee consisting of ventureLAB representatives, Regional Staff, and key innovation stakeholders.
  • Fund recipients are required to submit a Final Project Report to demonstrate completion.
  • Funds are disbursed within 30 business days after signing the Funding Agreement.

Contact ventureLAB

905-248-2727

Apply to this program

More grants like this

Ontario Food Exports — Services for Exporters
Expert AdviceOpen
Ontario, Canada
Food and beverage industry export help in Ontario
Ontario Creates Magazine Fund — Diversity Enhancement Stream
Grant and FundingOpenClosing Soon
Ontario, Canada
Money for Ontario magazine publishers and diversity enhancement
Rural Economic Development program — Economic Diversification and Competitiveness Stream
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Cost-share funding for rural economic development
Global Market Development Fund — Film and Television
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Funding for international activities for Ontario production companies
Global Market Development for Music Managers
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Money for music management companies
Global Market Development Fund – Book
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Money for Ontario export-ready book publishers
Global Market Development — IDM Fund
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Funding for global growth of Ontario digital media companies
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) for Northern Ontario
Grant and FundingOpen
Ontario, Canada
Funding AI commercialization and adoption in Northern Ontario businesses
FedDev — Funding for southern Ontario
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Funding for businesses in southern Ontario by FedDev Ontario.
INVEST North Program — Investment — Grow Stream
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario, Canada
Financial help to grow a business in Northern Ontario