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

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Who is eligible for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities program?

To be eligible for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities program, you must: • Company must be incorporated and based in Canada. • Operational in York Region and able to engage with a York Region innovation partner for at least six months. • Must have 1-99 employees and at least one business and one technical co-founder.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities?

You can contact ventureLAB or by phone at 905-248-2727.

Q: Where is the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities available?

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities program is available the province of ON.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Funding for non-profit organizations in York Region

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)

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

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.

Activities funded

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

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

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

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

Selection criteria

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

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.

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.

Contacts

905-248-2727

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund (EIF) — Non-Profits that Serve Underrepresented Communities. 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.