2022-2023 MICRO-GRANTS
The Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation (IEF) Micro-grant program was designed to provide a financial boost to Canadian small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) that were already operational, generating revenue, and in need of financial support to improve their business operations.
The goal of the IEF Micro-grant program was to support founders belonging to equity-deserving and/or racialized communities across Canada in overcoming financial obstacles and achieving growth, sustainability, and success in their businesses.
IEF Micro-grants provided recipients with a business cash injection that could be used to fund various activities, such as marketing campaigns, digital enhancements, employee training, international expansion, equipment upgrades, and more. IEF collaborated with its micro-grant partners and sponsors to determine the eligibility requirements for each micro-grant category.
2022/23 Micro-Grant Recipients
Nicholas LaValle
Clean Valley Bio-filtration Technologies CIC
Climate-Related Product Innovation Micro-grant
Sponsored by UPS: a $5000 cash grant to be awarded to a business demonstrating innovation to address urgent climate-related issues.
Will Fan
Global Impact Micro-grant
Sponsored by UPS: a $5000 cash grant to be awarded to a business who has demonstrated international scale.
Jess Devenport
Digital Innovator Micro-grant
Sponsored by Meta: a $5000 cash grant plus $5000 in Meta advertising credits to be awarded to a business who moved their operations online as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Maria Kennedy
Woman Identifying Business Owner Micro-grant
Sponsored by TD #TDWomenInEnterprise: three micro-grants of $5000 cash to be awarded to women-identifying business owners seeking access to a business grant to scale their business.
Stephanie Leithead
Woman Identifying Business Owner Micro-grant
Sponsored by TD #TDWomenInEnterprise: three micro-grants of $5000 cash to be awarded to women-identifying business owners seeking access to a business grant to scale their business.
Sandra Phillips
Woman Identifying Business Owner Micro-grant
Sponsored by TD #TDWomenInEnterprise: three micro-grants of $5000 cash to be awarded to women-identifying business owners seeking access to a business grant to scale their business.
Product Innovation Micro-grant, sponsored by UPS
One x $5000 micro-grant available
To be granted to an entrepreneur who has successfully launched a novel product that offers a significant advancement in its business’ industry category.
Product Innovation Micro-grant additional eligibility: New product must be already on market and generating revenue.
Global Export Micro-grant, sponsored by UPS
One x $5000 micro-grant available
To be granted to a small Canadian business to aid in launching its products into new international markets.
Social Impact Small Business Micro-grant, sponsored by CIRA
One x $5000 micro-grant available
To be granted to a business with a clear social mission and a commitment to measurable business outcomes that add value to its community and/or the environment.
Social Impact Small Business Micro-grant additional eligibility: Applicants must present a compelling plan for measurable positive change and sustainable practices within its business operations model.
Indigenous Business Owner Micro-grant, sponsored by Intuit
Two x $5000 micro-grants available
To be granted to Indigenous entrepreneurs to provide financial support to sustain, advance, and scale their businesses and to foster economic growth in their communities.
Woman Business Owner Micro-grant, sponsored by TD
Six x $5000 micro-grants available
To be granted to empower women business owners through financial aid to fuel their entrepreneurial endeavors and achieve their business goals.