Social Enterprise Impact Fund

The Investing in Nova Scotia Enterprises Co-operative is interested in investing in mission based enterprises in Nova Scotia, through its retained earnings.

Who can apply?

  • Eligible enterprises include start-ups and/ or growth and expansions.
  • Enterprises must be registered and based in Nova Scotia.
  • Enterprises can take the form of a not for profit, a Co-operative or a mission based private business.

Missiondriven companies believe that it is possible to have a positive impact on a social or environmental issue while considering all stakeholders and staying committed to product development, profit, social responsibility, and sustainability.

  1. Enterprises must demonstrate community impact by meeting a community need or maximizing a community opportunity.
  2. Enterprises must have their banking relationship with a local Credit Union.
  3. Investment can be in the form of  equity, guarantee, subordinated debt, revenue sharing, or royalty agreement.  Term financing, subordinated debt and lines of credit will be provided through a local credit union, with a 100% guarantee provided by the Fund.
  4. Maximum investment is $50,000 per project
  5. Annual Maximum available is set by the board each year.
  6. Regional Considerations: investment can be anywhere within Nova Scotia so long as the community is serviced by a credit union
  7. Urban and Rural applications are encouraged.
  8. Minimum Scoring Required for Consideration is 75%. (unless otherwise approved by the board).
  9. Enterprises must be in good standing with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
  10. Funds cannot be used for business planning, debt restructuring or to cover losses.

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