Up to $100,000 available for local organizations to grow their positive impact in Central Ontario through social enterprise

Community Foundation Grey Bruce, in partnership with Georgian’s Social Enterprise Network of Central Ontario (SENCO) is offering eligible organizations working to do good across Central Ontario the opportunity to access up to $100,000 in non-repayable capital through the Investment Readiness Program (IRP).

This is part of a national initiative led by Community Foundations of Canada and funded by the Government of Canada that will provide $18.5 million across the country to seed and grow social enterprise.

Through this partnership, funding will be allocated in the form of non-repayable capital to charities, non-profits, co-operatives, social enterprises, and mission-focused for-profits across Central Ontario, including the counties of Grey and Bruce, as well as Muskoka, Huntsville, Orillia-Huronia, Simcoe County, Barrie, Dufferin County, Owen Sound, Collingwood, Kincardine, Manitoulin Island, Tobermory, Orangeville, Saugeen First Nation, and Neyaashiinigmiing.

Enhancing social enterprise in our region – and Canada

The first application period for the program runs until Feb. 10, with two other application periods planned later this year.

The IRP is open to a diverse range of organizations and businesses including charities, non-profits, co-ops and for-profit social enterprises who are helping achieve positive social, cultural or environmental results in the community.

The program can provide between $10,000 and $100,000 in non-repayable capital to design, plan, measure, and scale social enterprises in order to get ready to accept future investment.

“Georgian is proud and determined to advance the social and economic development of our local communities,” said Elly Green, Manager of SENCO. “This program will support and connect individuals and organizations to essential capital to pursue changemaking initiatives and enhance social enterprise activity in our region.”

The IRP will help social enterprises across Canada grow and build their capacity to accept investment, and participate in Canada’s growing social finance market.

What’s social enterprise?