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Are you passionate about creating change locally or globally? Do you have a compelling idea or venture that will address a social problem, create change in our communities, and make a difference to the lives of others? The Social Ventures Zone welcomes creative ideas and transformative projects that do just that.

Together, we can help you make a difference through our unique range of supports:  A co-working space, coaching from successful community innovators and social entrepreneurs, access to professional advice and a growing network, access to startup funding opportunities, and most importantly, a collaborative community of fellow innovators. Find out more details on what to expect from the SVZ and what we offer on this page. 

From big to small, local to global, we’re looking for creative ideas with positive impact.

Incubation is the SVZ's flagship program, graduating hundreds of innovative social enterprises since the zone's inception in 2014. The SVZ selection comittee admits ventures for incubation multiple times per year, who are then led through an 8-week cohort program before gaining SVZ membership for a two-year period.

This program 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

Ideation is the SVZ's earlier-stage program, focusing on honing in on bright social ideas and preparing them for the next step. Depending on a number of factors, including funding and capacity, ideation may be offered exclusively to students, or to the broader public.

This program is for you if...

• You have an idea for social change, but aren't sure how to make it a reality.
• You would like support in starting to work on your idea or developing a business plan.

SVZ Roam is the SVZ's newest program, a short-term entirely-virtual SVZ membership program, allowing you to begin your social innovation journey with us — wherever you are.

The SVZ Roam program is a one-semester, incubation-ish membership.  At the end of the eight weeks, participants who are based in Toronto (and can benefit from the SVZs in-person supports) may be able to continue as a fully-incubated venture and join the 30+ startups that we incubate at any given time.

This program 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 are unable to attend a traditional SVZ incubation cohort in-person.