
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

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