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VERGE Capital — Startup Fund
Loans for social enterprises in Southwestern Ontario
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
If you're a startup or small business, you could get a low-interest loan of up to $100,000 for initiatives that achieve social, economic, environmental, and community goals.
/100
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
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- 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
- Launch and growth of social enterprises focused on social and environmental impact.
- Initiatives led by or serving historically excluded and marginalized populations.
- Projects contributing to a greener and more inclusive local economy in Southwestern Ontario.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit businesses
- Nonprofit organizations
- Charities
- Social enterprises
Eligible geographic areas
- Southwestern Ontario
Additional information
- VERGE Capital is a social finance program managed by Pillar Nonprofit Network.
- The initiative is supported by a network of community collaborators focused on building a greener and more inclusive economy.
- VERGE Capital shares news and success stories from investees and community partners on their website.
- Community consultation and stakeholder engagement are key elements in their ongoing initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions about the VERGE Capital — Startup Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the VERGE Capital — Startup 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 — Startup Fund?
If you're a startup or small business, you could get a low-interest loan of up to $100,000 for initiatives that achieve social, economic, environmental, and community goals.
Who is eligible for the VERGE Capital — Startup Fund program?
To be eligible for the VERGE Capital — Startup Fund program, you must:
Social enterprises operating in Southwestern Ontario
Includes for-profit businesses, nonprofits, and charities
What expenses are eligible under VERGE Capital — Startup Fund?
Launch and growth of social enterprises focused on social and environmental impact.
Initiatives led by or serving historically excluded and marginalized populations.
Projects contributing to a greener and more inclusive local economy in Southwestern Ontario.
Who can I contact for more information about the VERGE Capital — Startup Fund?
You can contact Government of Ontario (ON).
Where is the VERGE Capital — Startup Fund available?
The VERGE Capital — Startup Fund program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the VERGE Capital — Startup Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
VERGE Capital — Startup Fund is a Loans and Capital investments
Who are the financial supporters of the VERGE Capital — Startup Fund?
VERGE Capital — Startup Fund is funded by Government of Ontario (ON), VERGE Capital