Catalyst Funding
Please note: Funding programs are available for key priority areas only: Health & Wellness, Immigration & Retention, Poverty Reduction. (very rare exceptions may apply)
Early-stage market validation & engagement, NouLAB pilot.
May include: market studies or surveys; travel* to access potential markets or customers; hiring of expertise to assist with development of a business/financial model, any costs relating to connecting to the market or potential customers (web presence, marketing, etc.) provided that this is specifically related to validation; development of prototype or beta product required to test the market (only in special circumstances-limited)
* Note: for vehicle expenses, gas receipts are required; mileage may not be claimed in this program.
Entrepreneurs, Companies, NouLAB Prototyping
Up to $5000.
Students (Post-secondary; High School)
Up to $1000. Designed for students to easily test ideas.
Fail Forward Applicants
Up to $5000.
For entrepreneurs and innovators who have experienced the failure of an idea or venture. If you are ready to do an overhaul or pivot, or have an entirely new idea and are passionate about building a sustainable business, we applaud you. We want to invest in courageous entrepreneurs like you, whose ideas, dreams or ventures have failed (usually at least 4-6 months previously), who have learned from the experience, and who are committed to starting over.
This funding cannot be used to rebuild the same business using the model which has failed or to simply for the purpose of restructuring a business to pay outstanding obligations.
Connections with B4Change Social Venture Accelerator & NouLAB.
For entrepreneurs who qualify for other PDC programs, all or part of Catalyst Funding might be connected to acceptance and successful particpation in these programs.
Why? Because our goal is to provide support in order to build success, participation in appropriate PDC programming can help provide essential learning opportunities to work in concert with funding awards.
Applications are open year-round.
Decisions are usually made within 4-6 weeks from application.
Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis by the PDC.
Decisions are made on a monthly basis. Applicants who have been short-listed will be notified by email and will often be invited to a meeting to discuss and determine the terms of award.
Those who have not been short-listed, or who are not successful in receiving an award, will receive an email notification.
Successful applicants will be asked to submit proof of residency for the company/entrepreneur. Once due diligence is completed, a Letter of Award and Terms & Conditions Contract will be issued. Once the signed contract and Direct Deposit Form have been provided to the PDC, arrangements will be made for issuance of the first installment. Generally, it will take 3 weeks from receipt of these documents for the first installment to be received.
Applications are on-line.
Be sure that you have reviewed the ChangeMaker Funding Program Page and the Catalyst Fund Policy Page which contains answers to important FAQs before applying & then click below.