Toronto Enterprise Fund Launches the 2017 Business Plan Competition for Social Enterprises

April 17, 2017

toronto enterprise fundThe Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) has announced the launch of its 2017 Business Plan Competition. The competition is open to new non-profit social enterprises that provide transitional or permanent employment for people who are marginalized. A social enterprise is a business operated by a non-profit that sells goods and services in the market place, for the dual purpose of generating income and achieving a social, cultural or environmental goal. TEF always requires the submission of a comprehensive business plan; you can get started with your planning by visiting the “Thinking about Starting a Social Enterprise” and “Starting a Social Enterprise” pages.

This year, the deadline for submissions to the Competition is October 6, 2017. The first place winner can receive up to $75,000 in seed funding. A total of $155,000 is available for the winners.

Register by May 1
Create a feasibility study by June 23

To enter the competition, your organization or group must be starting a non-profit social enterprise, attend all the workshops (see content and dates below), create a feasibility study (by June 23) and finally submit a comprehensive business plan prior to the Oct 6 deadline. For more details on eligibility, please read through the eligibility criteria of the Business Plan Competition. If you plan to submit a business plan to the competition, please register for the workshops below.

Please note that in the future, TEF will not run a Business Plan Competition, but will have a different process for funding new social enterprises.

2017 TEF Business Planning Workshops

The workshops will be held at the United Way Office – 26 Wellington East, 12th Floor, Boardroom A.

  • Introduction to Social Enterprise – Tuesday, May 2nd 1:00pm to 4:00pm
  • Feasibility and Market Research – Friday, May 19th 9:30am to 12:30pm
  • Social Programming Design – Friday, June 9th 9:30am to 12:30pm
  • Financial Planning for Social Enterprise – Friday, June 26th 9:30am to 12:30pm

Register for the TEF Business Planning Workshop Series

If you require additional information, please check the website or contact 
Anne at (416) 777-1444 ext. 513 or ajamieson at uwgt.org or
Litza at (416) 777-1444 ext. 235 or lchatzibas at uwgt.org.

SOURCE: The Toronto Enterprise Fund