For innovators, the journey from early traction to sustainable growth can be challenging. Even with a strong team, a validated product, and early revenue, many ventures face a funding gap when they need additional capital to continue commercializing and scaling.
That is why Spark Centre has partnered to support the launch of SOFII SEED – Scale Enabling Enterprise Development, a new pilot lending program of the Southern Ontario Fund for Investment in Innovation (SOFII).
Through this new partnership, Spark Centre is helping connect promising companies with a new source of flexible growth financing.
“While capital does not create scalable businesses, it certainly helps to accelerate them,” says our executive director, Martin Yuill.
Speaking at the SEED program launch at the Canoe Museum in Peterborough, Yuill said that one of Spark Centre’s main roles is to help founders become investment ready.
“Once they’ve demonstrated early traction and have a clear growth strategy, we introduce them to the right funding partners,” Yuill said. “For us, It’s about connecting companies with the right capital at the right stage.”
“The non-dilutive funding offered by the SEED program is critical at the earlier stages of venture development when valuations are lower,” Yuill says. “This helps preserve founder ownership, keeps control in the right hands, and strengthens valuations for the next round.”
A New Funding Opportunity for Companies Ready to Scale
Launched by Community Futures Eastern Ontario, SOFII SEED was created to address a funding gap for innovative companies that have moved beyond the idea stage, demonstrated early market validation, and require additional time and capital before they are ready for larger debt or equity financing.
This invitation-only pilot offers Spark clients:
• Loans ranging from $150,000 to $250,000
• Flexible repayment terms
• Up to 24 months of interest-only payments
• Financing to support commercialization, scaling, and preparation for future investment.
This type of flexible financing can provide a valuable runway for ventures working to build momentum and reach the next stage of growth.
Could Your Company Be a Fit?
Spark Centre helps technology and innovation companies access the resources, connections, expertise, funding, and opportunities they need to launch, grow, and scale.
If you are a Spark Centre client that has demonstrated early market validation and is looking for capital to support commercialization or growth, we encourage you to get in touch with your Spark Centre client success representative to explore whether you may be a potential fit for SOFII SEED.
As an invitation-only referral program, eligibility will depend on the specific circumstances, stage, and financing needs of each company.
If you think your company may qualify, please contact Spark Centre to learn more about this exciting new opportunity and the next steps.
About Spark Centre
Spark Centre is Durham Region’s leading technology and innovation business incubator. We offer accessible entrepreneurship support to early-stage and growing technology and innovation ventures through advisory services, mentorship, funding connections, co-working space, educational programs, and ecosystem-building activities. Click here to learn more about our various program options!
