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VERGE Capital — Startup Fund
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Loans for social enterprises in Southwestern Ontario
Loans and Capital investments
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reduce the ecological footprint
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
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
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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 65,000
Establish an urban garden to promote sustainable living and community education
$ 55,000
Create a mentorship program for marginalized youth entering the tech industry
$ 70,000
Launch a recycling initiative to reduce plastic waste
$ 60,000
Implement a community kitchen to combat food insecurity
$ 65,000
Expand a local craft brewery to create new job opportunities
$ 50,000
Develop a mobile app to connect volunteers with community service needs
Eligibility
- The applicant must operate a social enterprise in Southwestern Ontario.
- The enterprise can be a for-profit business, nonprofit, or charity.
- The organization must prioritize social or environmental objectives, putting people and planet first.
- Enterprises owned by, led by, or serving historically excluded and marginalized populations are especially encouraged to apply.
Who is eligible?
- For-profit businesses
- Nonprofit organizations
- Charities
- Social enterprises
Eligible geographic areas
- Southwestern Ontario
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Evaluating the applicant’s social and environmental impact potential
- Assessing the financial feasibility and sustainability of the proposed project
- Reviewing the alignment of the proposal with VERGE Capital's mission and values
- Evaluating the capacity of the applicant to manage and execute the project effectively
- Considering the potential for community engagement and collaboration
How to apply
1
Visit the VERGE Capital website
- Find the "How to Apply" section
- Read the information on the application process
2
Download the loan application form
- Fill out the form providing all the required information
- Prepare all requested documents
3
Send the completed form and documents electronically or by mail
- Wait for confirmation of receipt of the application
- Attend interviews or follow-up meetings if necessary
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.
