How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 10000% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

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

Q: What are Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities's eligibility criterias?

Applicant must be a not-for-profit York Region-based organization or the proposed activities take place in, or benefit York Region. Must demonstrate innovative solutions or services that expand inclusion, diversity, or accessibility in York Region. Must be able to match the $10,000 fund.

Last Update: January 24, 2025

ON, Canada

Funding for non-profit organizations in York Region

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund — 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 — 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

This grant provides specified financing methods to assist non-profit organizations and small businesses in their innovation efforts. The conditions are designed to ensure effective fund utilization and project accountability.

Matching funds are required, meaning recipients must show access to funds equal to the amount awarded.
Funds are disbursed within 30 business days following the signing of the Funding Agreement.
Projects can last up to 10 months, with a requirement to submit a Final Project Report at completion.
The grant does not support individuals, for-profit entities, or certain operational costs such as regular maintenance or asset replacement.

Eligible projects & activities

Projects eligible for this grant are focused on promoting innovation, sustainability, and inclusion within underrepresented communities. They aim to stimulate community engagement and disseminate information through impactful activities.

Information and knowledge dissemination through workshops.
Community outreach and engagement initiatives.
Efforts focused on digitizing communities.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

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

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically available to organizations and ventures operating within York Region, Canada. The eligible geographical area focuses on supporting the development and enhancement of innovation and sustainability within this region.

York Region, Canada

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

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.

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

Preliminary Registration

Confirm eligibility criteria are met for either Stream 1 or Stream 2 of the application process.

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.

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.

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.

Confirmation of Submission

Receive an acknowledgment of application receipt from the grant provider.
Note any application reference numbers or identifiers for future communications.