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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
- 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.
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the VERGE Capital — Breakthrough Fund. 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 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