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Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) - Catalyze New ESEs
Funding for new employment social enterprises
Last Update: May 26, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
TEF supports the start-up of new employment social enterprises in Peel, Toronto, and York Region. It offers Catalyzing Grants up to $7,500 and Start-Up Grants up to $100,000 over three years for feasibility studies, business plans, and launch costs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Start a business
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : February 3, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Other services (except public administration)
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Developing early-stage employment social enterprise ideas.
- Completing feasibility studies and business plans.
- Launching and establishing new employment social enterprises.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employment social enterprises
- Social entrepreneurs
- Individuals and organizations developing early-stage ESE ideas
Eligible expenses
- Human resources costs.
- Coach and consulting fees.
- Costs to participate in entrepreneurship support programs.
- Administrative costs linked to feasibility study and business plan development.
- Costs required to launch and establish a new employment social enterprise.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs not related to the development of a feasibility study and business plan.
- Expenses beyond the launch and establishment of a new employment social enterprise.
Eligible geographic areas
- Peel Region
- Toronto
- York Region
Processing and Agreement
- Applicants interested in Catalyzing Grant funding and not already in an Accelerator should contact Paul Chamberlain for application details.
- Participants in the Accelerator programs may pitch for a Catalyzing Grant.
- Funding is not automatic and depends on the program’s review process.
Additional information
- The program includes both Catalyzing Grants and Start-Up Grants.
- Catalyzing Grants are intended to help complete a feasibility study and business plan.
- Start-Up Grants support the launch and establishment of a new employment social enterprise.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) - Catalyze New ESEs Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) - Catalyze New ESEs. 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.
What is the Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) - Catalyze New ESEs?
TEF supports the start-up of new employment social enterprises in Peel, Toronto, and York Region. It offers Catalyzing Grants up to $7,500 and Start-Up Grants up to $100,000 over three years for feasibility studies, business plans, and launch costs.
How much funding can be received?
Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) - Catalyze New ESEs Funds up to $100,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) - Catalyze New ESEs program?
To be eligible for the Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) - Catalyze New ESEs program, you must:
New employment social enterprise project
Strong social enterprise idea
Located in TEF region
What expenses are eligible under Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) - Catalyze New ESEs?
Developing early-stage employment social enterprise ideas.
Completing feasibility studies and business plans.
Launching and establishing new employment social enterprises.
Who can I contact for more information about the Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) - Catalyze New ESEs?
You can contact Enterprising Non-Profits Toronto, enp-TO (UWGT) by email at pchamberlain@uwgt.org.
Where is the Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) - Catalyze New ESEs available?
The Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) - Catalyze New ESEs program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) - Catalyze New ESEs a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) - Catalyze New ESEs is a Grant and Funding