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Incubation

We're here to help move your impact forward.

Through our support pathway, from early-stage ideation to market-ready incubation, the Social Ventures Zone is creating big impact across Toronto and beyond. We’re not looking for entrepreneurs: we’re looking for big ideas to solve even bigger problems. The best part? All of our programming is completely free - no catch. For anyone.

What to Expect

Co-Working Space

Organized Programs

Peer Networking

Funding Opportunities

Workshops & Training

1:1 Coaching

Learn more about our incubated ventures:

Are you eligible to be incubated at the SVZ? You must be...

  1. Working on a social venture. What does this mean?
  2. Not yet receiving academic credit for the work you are doing on your social change idea
  3. A high school graduate (or equivalent)
  4. 17 years of age or older
  5. A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, visa/permit holders, or refugee claimant

If you answered 'yes' to all of these, then you are eligible to apply to become an SVZ member.

Incubation at the SVZ is for you if...

You are already leading a social venture that is starting to make a difference and you want to take it to the next level.

You have an idea you have researched and developed into a social venture that is ready for the next step.

Are you not quite at this stage in your journey yet? No problem! Check out our ideation program for earlier stage social entrepreneurs.

What does it mean to be incubated at the SVZ?

  1. A small number of applicants are selected to pitch the committee.

  2. A smaller number of applicants are offered admission to our incubation cohort.

  3. These venture teams are onboarded and then participate in an eight-week cohort program where they will deepen their understanding of their problem and improve the elements of their venture.

  4. At the close of the cohort sessions, each venture will make a final pitch to the SVZ community and join the broader cohort of SVZ startups. Ongoing participation through social events and workshops starts now!

  5. At the start of their incubation, they will work with SVZ staff to create a plan to move forward, including identifying goals, setting KPIs and creating a timeline for testing and growth.

  6. Venture teams will be matched with an SVZ coach that will support their work. 

  7. Ventures can remain a part of the SVZ at no charge for up to two years, provided they continue to actively work on their ventures and benefit from the support provided by the SVZ. Ventures will then graduate from the SVZ and become a senior team or alum.

Sessions for this program will take place from 3 to 5 PM on October 21st, October 28th, November 4th, November 11th, November 18th, November 25th, December 2nd, and December 11th. Please do not apply for this cohort if your schedule conflicts with these times.

*In order to apply, please follow the link above and click "Register an account". From there, please follow the prompts.

Applications for the Social Ventures Zone open twice per year: once in the Fall and once in the Winter. Our cohorts follow ³Ô¹ÏÖ±²¥â€™s semester cycles.