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VERGE Capital — Breakthrough Fund
Loans for impact-driven ventures in Southwestern Ontario
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Apply for loans supporting social enterprises and large-scale community infrastructure in Southwestern Ontario. The program provides financing for social, environmental, cultural, and community-focused projects.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Retail trade
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Social economy enterprise
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Social Services
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Women & girls
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Low-income individuals / families
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Social enterprise projects.
- Social purpose real estate projects.
- Climate action projects.
- Large-scale community infrastructure such as affordable housing, green energy, conservation, community hubs, and arts and cultural spaces.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit businesses
- Non-profit organizations
- Charities
- Social enterprises
Who is not eligible
Yes, certain types of companies may not be eligible for the VERGE Capital grant:
- Companies that do not operate in Southwestern Ontario
- Companies that do not have a focus on social impact or sustainability
Eligible geographic areas
- Southwestern Ontario
Selection criteria
VERGE Capital has specific evaluation and selection criteria for their grant applications.
- Demonstrated commitment to social and environmental impact
- Viability of the business model and financial sustainability
- Potential for growth and scalability
- Innovation and creativity in addressing social and environmental challenges
- Alignment with VERGE Capital's mission and values
How to apply
1
Review the eligibility criteria and guidelines
- Content: Check if your social enterprise meets the eligibility requirements outlined by VERGE Capital.
- Implications: Ensuring that your organization aligns with the fund's focus areas and objectives.
2
Prepare your application and supporting documents
- Content: Gather all necessary information and documentation required for the application process.
- Implications: Presenting a strong case for why your social enterprise should receive funding.
3
Submit your application
- Content: Follow the designated procedure to submit your application to VERGE Capital.
- Implications: Ensuring that your application is received and reviewed for potential funding.
4
Await funding decision
- Content: Allow time for VERGE Capital to assess your application and make a funding decision.
- Implications: Being patient while your application is under review and awaiting a response.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first reviewed by a panel of 4-6 volunteers.
- Applicants receive the panel’s initial feedback before the pitch.
- A pitch meeting is held with the review panel, in person or by videoconference.
- The panel makes a recommendation to the Fund Board of Directors, which decides on approval, further work, or decline.
Additional information
- Applications start with a short Inquiry Form.
- The form is kept confidential.
- If the organization is a fit, the next step is a formal loan application.
Frequently Asked Questions about the VERGE Capital — Breakthrough Fund Program
What is the VERGE Capital — Breakthrough Fund?
Apply for loans supporting social enterprises and large-scale community infrastructure in Southwestern Ontario. The program provides financing for social, environmental, cultural, and community-focused projects.
Who is eligible for the VERGE Capital — Breakthrough Fund program?
To be eligible for the VERGE Capital — Breakthrough Fund program, you must:
Social, environmental, cultural, or community mission
Based in Southwestern Ontario
At least 1-2 years operating history
What expenses are eligible under VERGE Capital — Breakthrough Fund?
Social enterprise projects.
Social purpose real estate projects.
Climate action projects.
Large-scale community infrastructure such as affordable housing, green energy, conservation, community hubs, and arts and cultural spaces.
Where is the VERGE Capital — Breakthrough Fund available?
The VERGE Capital — Breakthrough Fund program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the VERGE Capital — Breakthrough Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
VERGE Capital — Breakthrough Fund is a Loans and Capital investments
Who are the financial supporters of the VERGE Capital — Breakthrough Fund?
VERGE Capital — Breakthrough Fund is funded by Government of Ontario, VERGE Capital