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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
- Start a business
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
- 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
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.
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, VERGE Capital