FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2025 [Toronto, Ontario, CANADA] – Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation (IEF) announced today that it is initiating a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) to select its next national banking partner. IEF is inviting qualified Canadian financial institutions to submit proposals that demonstrate strong operational capacity, responsive relationship management, and a clear commitment to advancing underrepresented entrepreneurs and innovation from founders of all backgrounds.
As IEF prepares for a significant period of growth, including new national programming, expanded investment-readiness initiatives and increased fundraising activity, the organization is seeking a banking partner that can provide both reliable financial services and a strategic, values-aligned partnership.
“Our work with diverse founders continues to scale, and we need a banking relationship that can scale with us,” said Catherine Adare, CEO of Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation. “This RFP is an opportunity for financial institutions to engage not only with IEF, but with the thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators within our national network.”
Through this RFP process, IEF is looking for a partner that can:
- Deliver transparent, competitive fee structures suited to a national charity
- Offer dedicated and responsive account management
- Support seamless financial operations as IEF’s funding flows and banking complexity increases
- Engage meaningfully with IEF programming, such as the National CANIE Conference & Awards
- Demonstrate a strong internal and external commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusive economic growth
Qualified institutions are invited to request the full RFP package and submit proposals by January 31, 2026.
DOWNLOAD: IEF 2026 Banking partner RFP
About Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation
Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation (IEF) is a national charity dedicated to celebrating, educating and supporting founders and innovators belonging to racialized and/or equity-deserving groups as they navigate the unfair barriers of institutional, structural, and interpersonal biases.
Our mission at IEF is to support, educate, and celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship among business owners who belong to racialized and/or equity deserving communities across Canada.
Media Contact
Email: media@ief-fie.ca
Address: 18 King St E, Toronto, ON, M5C 1C4
For more information, visit ief-fie.ca.
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