Deadline: 03-Sep-2024
ventureLAB’s 2024 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund supports nonprofits that serve underrepresented communities and founders developing Agri-tech and Cleantech innovations.
Streams
- Stream 1: Non-Profits / Community Partners that Serve Underrepresented Communities
- ventureLAB and The Regional Municipality of York are committed to cultivating an inclusive community where diversity is celebrated and where individuals can freely participate in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.
- Stream 2: Small Businesses or Entrepreneurs Developing Agri-tech and Clean-tech Solutions
- York Region is Canada’s second largest tech hub and fourth-largest food and beverage processing hub. Home to growing urban centers and a mix of players spanning the entire Agri-food value chain, the Region is undergoing an Agri-food evolution.
Funding Information
- Stream 1: Non-Profits / Community Partners that Serve Underrepresented Communities
- In recognition of this, Stream 1 of the 2024 Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund will award two qualified non-profit organizations with $10,000 each in funding for activities or initiatives that promote, support, or enhance entrepreneurship or innovation for underrepresented communities operating in York Region and beyond.
- Stream 2: Small Businesses or Entrepreneurs Developing Agri-tech and Clean-tech Solutions
- To stimulate, promote, and support innovations in this sector, Stream Two of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund is dedicated to encourage and enhance entrepreneurship and innovation in Agri-tech and/or cleantech by opening more doors to capital. The fund will award 7 qualified small businesses and entrepreneurs with $10,000 each to support the growth of innovative Cleantech and Agri-tech solutions that support and enhance social and environmental sustainability in York Region and beyond.
Eligibility Criteria
- Stream 1: Non-Profits / Community Partners that Serve Underrepresented Communities
- Applicant organizations are limited to one application per project each round fulfilling the following eligibility criteria:
- Non-profit organizations must be able to showcase their proven track record of delivering programs and services in York Region, specifically for underrepresented communities
- Applicant must be a not-for-profit York Region-based organization or the proposed activities take place in, or benefit York Region
- Must contribute to innovation in York Region and have a proven track record of delivering programs and services that support innovation and sustainability
- Demonstrate innovative solutions or services that expand inclusion, diversity, or accessibility in York Region
- A project cannot be funded for more than twice, and previously funded recipients will not be eligible for two consecutive rounds of funding
- Previously funded recipients must put forward a new project or initiative in order to apply for another round of funding
- Applicant organizations are limited to one application per project each round fulfilling the following eligibility criteria:
- Stream 2: Small Businesses or Entrepreneurs Developing Agri-tech and Clean-tech Solutions
- Applicant organizations are limited to one application per project each round fulfilling the following eligibility criteria:
- The company is incorporated and based in Canada
- The company is operational in York Region, actively engaged and/or willing to engage with a York Region innovation partner for at least six months upon being awarded the funds
- Venture size of 1-99 employees; minimum one business and one technical co-founder
- Venture has a minimum viable product and/or is at the validation stage with initial customer traction
- Venture is developing Agri-tech, Agri-food, or Cleantech innovative solutions or services in areas including but not limited to:
- Precision agriculture
- Robotics, and AI applications in agriculture
- Vertical Farming
- Automation in the food value chain / Smart Food product Development
- Food Ecosystem sustainability
- Decarbonization
- Electric vehicles
- Applicant organizations are limited to one application per project each round fulfilling the following eligibility criteria:
For more information, visit ventureLAB.