Entrepreneurship and Innovation Fund — Community Partners ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Non-profit organizations registered in Canada - Community-based organizations and associations - Educational institutions (colleges, universities, vocational schools) - Chambers of Commerce and business associations - Indigenous organizations - Municipal governments and regional authorities - Social enterprises with non-profit governance structures - Organizations with a demonstrated presence or mandate serving York Region Note: For-profit businesses are typically ineligible; however, partnerships between non-profits and businesses may be considered depending on program guidelines. ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum Grant Amount: $10,000 per project or initiative - Funding Type: Non-repayable contribution (grant) - Matching Requirements: To be confirmed with program administrator; many community-based grants require cost-sharing or in-kind contributions - Eligibility Threshold: Minimum project budget and scope requirements may apply - Payment Structure: Typically disbursed upon approval and project commencement; may include installments based on milestone completion ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Community workshops, training programs, and educational seminars on entrepreneurship - Business mentorship and coaching initiatives - Innovation showcases, pitch competitions, and networking events - Digital tools and platforms supporting entrepreneur connections - Marketing and promotional materials for entrepreneurship initiatives - Planning and coordination of entrepreneurship awareness campaigns - Professional development and capacity-building for entrepreneurs - Research and feasibility studies on regional entrepreneurship needs - Administrative costs directly related to program delivery (typically capped) ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Geographic Focus: Projects must serve or have clear impact on York Region (though benefits "beyond" the region are acceptable) - Timeline: Projects must have defined start and end dates; typically 6–24 months - Reporting Requirements: Progress reports and final evaluation reports documenting outcomes and impact metrics - Accountability: Funds must be used as approved; any material changes require written consent - Project Outcomes: Must demonstrate measurable results (e.g., number of entrepreneurs supported, skills developed, businesses launched) - Funding Contingency: Grant is subject to available budget and ministerial approval -