Apply now for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund 2026 (Canada)

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund 2026, offered by ventureLAB, provides CAD 10,000 grants to eligible non-profit organizations that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusion for underrepresented communities in York Region, Ontario. The fund supports initiatives that strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem, foster inclusive entrepreneurship, and expand opportunities for diverse founders and innovators.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund 2026

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund 2026 is a funding initiative established by ventureLAB with financial support from York Region to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation across the region.

The program supports nonprofit organizations delivering projects that improve access to innovation, encourage inclusive entrepreneurship, and build stronger innovation ecosystems for underrepresented communities.

About the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund

The fund is designed to strengthen York Region’s innovation ecosystem by supporting organizations that deliver impactful entrepreneurship and innovation programs.

Through this initiative, ventureLAB aims to:

• Increase access to entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Foster inclusive innovation.
• Support early-stage innovators.
• Strengthen collaboration among ecosystem partners.
• Encourage sustainable economic growth.
• Promote diversity, accessibility, and inclusion across the innovation sector.

The program also encourages collaboration between accelerators, incubators, community organizations, and innovation partners to build long-term regional capacity.

Funding Information

• Total Fund Available: CAD 100,000 (2026)
• Funding Partner: York Region
• Stream 1 Grant Amount: CAD 10,000 per organization
• Number of Grants Under Stream 1: Two

Focus Areas

The fund supports projects related to:

• Entrepreneurship
• Innovation
• Inclusive entrepreneurship
• Early-stage startups
• Innovation ecosystem development
• Community innovation initiatives
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
• Accessibility
• Sustainable innovation
• Agri-tech innovation
• Cleantech innovation
• Startup ecosystem support
• Business incubation
• Business acceleration
• Community partnerships

Objectives of the Program

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund aims to:

• Support nonprofit organizations serving underrepresented entrepreneurs.
• Strengthen York Region’s innovation ecosystem.
• Promote inclusive economic development.
• Expand access to entrepreneurship resources.
• Encourage innovative community-led solutions.
• Foster partnerships among ecosystem organizations.
• Support sustainable innovation initiatives.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit organizations based in York Region.
• Organizations whose proposed projects directly benefit York Region.
• Organizations with experience delivering innovation and sustainability programs.
• Organizations promoting diversity, accessibility, or inclusion through innovative services.
• Organizations able to provide matching funds equal to the grant amount.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate a proven track record of delivering entrepreneurship or innovation programs.
• Submit only one application per project during each funding round.
• Provide matching funding of CAD 10,000.
• Submit a new project if applying after receiving previous funding.
• Meet all program eligibility criteria.

Who is Not Eligible?

The following are generally not eligible:

• Organizations receiving funding in two consecutive funding rounds.
• Projects funded more than twice through the program.
• Organizations submitting previously funded projects without significant changes.
• Applicants unable to provide matching funds.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application form
• Project work plan
• Proposed project budget
• Most recent financial statements (issued within the last 12 months)

How to Apply

Follow these steps:

1. Review the program guidelines and eligibility requirements.
2. Confirm that your organization serves York Region or delivers benefits within the region.
3. Develop a project promoting entrepreneurship or innovation.
4. Prepare a detailed work plan.
5. Develop a realistic project budget.
6. Secure matching funds equal to the requested grant.
7. Gather your latest financial statements.
8. Complete and submit the application before the deadline.

Selection Criteria

Applications are generally evaluated based on:

• Alignment with program objectives
• Community impact
• Innovation and creativity
• Support for underrepresented communities
• Organizational capacity
• Financial sustainability
• Project feasibility
• Strength of partnerships
• Potential long-term benefits

Why This Fund Matters

Innovation ecosystems thrive when entrepreneurs from all backgrounds have access to opportunities and support.

This fund helps nonprofit organizations:

• Expand entrepreneurship programs.
• Increase access for underserved communities.
• Build stronger innovation networks.
• Support inclusive economic growth.
• Encourage sustainable regional development.
• Strengthen collaboration across York Region’s startup ecosystem.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the community need your project addresses.
• Demonstrate measurable outcomes.
• Highlight your organization’s experience.
• Describe partnerships with ecosystem organizations.
• Present a realistic implementation timeline.
• Explain how matching funds have been secured.
• Show how your project promotes inclusion and accessibility.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete financial documentation.
• Failing to demonstrate benefits for York Region.
• Applying with a previously funded project.
• Not providing evidence of matching funds.
• Submitting more than one project per funding round.
• Providing unclear project objectives or outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund?

Eligible nonprofit organizations based in York Region or organizations delivering projects that directly benefit York Region.

How much funding is available?

Under Stream 1, selected organizations receive CAD 10,000 each.

Is matching funding required?

Yes. Applicants must provide matching funds equal to the CAD 10,000 grant.

What types of projects are supported?

Projects that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, inclusion, diversity, accessibility, sustainable innovation, Agri-tech, Cleantech, and community-based innovation.

Can organizations receive funding multiple times?

Yes, but projects may not receive funding more than twice, and organizations cannot receive funding in consecutive funding rounds.

What documents must be submitted?

Applicants must provide a completed application form, project work plan, budget, and financial statements that are no more than 12 months old.

What factors are considered during selection?

Applications are assessed based on innovation, community impact, organizational capacity, inclusion, partnerships, sustainability, and alignment with program objectives.

Conclusion

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund 2026 offers valuable financial support for nonprofit organizations working to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation across York Region. By investing in inclusive entrepreneurship, sustainable innovation, and community partnerships, the fund helps organizations create opportunities for underrepresented communities while contributing to a stronger and more resilient regional innovation ecosystem.