Nourish Fund

loans and mentorship services
For urban farmers and food entrepreneurs.

We provide accessible, flexible financing for equity-deserving urban farm and food businesses, building resilient urban food economies, local food systems, community wealth, and environmental stewardship.

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Close-up of water spraying from the nozzle of a garden hose onto green leafy plants in a garden.

Mission

To provide equity-deserving urban farmers and food entrepreneurs with accessible, values-aligned financial tools that support local food systems, environmental stewardship, and economic self-determination.

Vision

A future where food sovereignty thrives in every urban community and where equity-deserving farmers have the resources, power, and freedom to nourish themselves, their communities, and the land.

Apply

Nourish Fund provides loans for growers and producers of varying enterprise sizes and business development stages operating in urban food and farm communities. 

By centering equity, the Nourish Fund seeks to shift the narrative around who gets to lead in food production—and who benefits. Through the Fund, we aim to nourish both community and opportunity.

Download the application guide >
Two people, a girl and a woman, are gardening on a rooftop with lush green plants, set against a city skyline with tall buildings in the background.
Two people are gardening on a rooftop with a city skyline in the background. They are tending to leafy green plants.

Loans Designed For You

Our first loan cohort is now closed. Eligible urban food and farm enterprises are welcome to apply using the form below and will be considered when our next loan cohort opens.

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    • Loans ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for a 5-year term

    • 7.5% fixed interest rate with no hidden fees

    • Grace period of up to 3 months

    • No collateral requirements up to $50,000

    • Included expert mentorship and business assistance

  • We prioritize applications from equity-deserving farmers and food businesses based in predominantly equity-deserving communities. We welcome applications from urban food and farm enterprises who:

    • Are based in or serve within the Greater Toronto Area

    • Are based in or serve predominantly urban areas

    • Are at least two years into their business journey

    • Are led by individuals or organizations from equity-deserving communities

    • Operate with a mission of environmental sustainability, food justice, and/or local economic development

Apply Here >

FAQ

  • The Nourish Fund welcomes applications from all equity-deserving urban farmers and food entrepreneurs that predominantly serve equity-deserving urban communities within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). We have specifically designed our funding process to address historical barriers and create more inclusive access to financing. Our approach emphasizes character-based lending, provides comprehensive support throughout the application process, and recognizes diverse forms of experience and expertise.

  • Equity-deserving communities are groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers to equal access in society, including in financial services. This includes, but is not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, newcomers, and other communities who have experienced systemic discrimination.

    Eligible applicants:

    • Must be a registered non-profit organization

    • Must be based in or primarily operating within urban areas

    • Must have existing or planned food-related programming (e.g., community garden, soup kitchen, food bank)

    • Must demonstrate clear community benefit and alignment with food security goals

  • If you’re looking for a loan that exceeds $100,000, please contact us before applying. We can work with you to find a co-financing option that is suited to your business.

  • Loans below $50,000 do not require collateral, unless specifically determined as high-risk due to business circumstances.

    Loans between $50,000 - $100,000 are asked to provide collateral to ensure loan security. Exact requirements will be assessed by the Loan Review Committee.

  • If you and your business are located within a rural area but serve predominantly equity-deserving urban areas located with the GTA, we welcome you to apply for funding, and please explain how you believe you still meet the Nourish Fund’s mission and criteria.

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Invest in Tomorrow, Today

Join us in transforming how food and finance intersect in our cities. When you invest in the Nourish Fund, you’re directly supporting urban farmers and food entrepreneurs who are growing community resilience, food security, and environmental sustainability.

Your investment fuels grassroots food systems led by racialized and equity-deserving communities. It’s more than capital — it’s a commitment to justice, sovereignty, and regeneration.

Why invest?

  • Be part of a bold new initiative fostering local, sustainable food systems

  • Support racial equity in agriculture and food entrepreneurship

  • Align your money with your values through social finance

  • Earn a return while driving real-world impact

Your investment can grow more than food.
It can grow futures.

Learn More >

Get in touch.

If you’re considering applying for a Nourish Fund loan, please contact Michelle Chin-Dawe, Nourish Fund Coordinator.

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