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|openingDateSeptember 5, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateOctober 13, 2023
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
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|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.
grant_single_labels|projects
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.
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
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
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
