The Network of Angel Organizations - Ontario (NAO-Ontario), Administrator of the Angel Network Program (ANP) supported by the Government of Ontario, is now accepting Expressions of Interest in ANP funding from prospective membership-based non-profit Angel groups. The deadline to submit the form is February 7, 2014.

These grants are intended to help with the costs of operating non-profit Angel investor groups for regions or industrial sectors of Ontario.

Criteria for ANP Angel Group Grants include:

  • A focus on innovation in Ontario;
  • Regular in-person meetings;
  • At least ten accredited investors signed up as members;
  • Process that ensures investment decisions are made independently by (accredited) Angel members.

Applicants will be evaluated on such features as:

  • Affiliation of at least two Angel investor champions;
  • Plans for sustaining investor activity level in the medium term;
  • Prospective or ongoing association with members of Ontario's start-up community.

Non-profit Angel groups in Ontario bring together accredited investors in their communities for educational seminars and networking events, bridging the information gap between investors and entrepreneurs.

"As of March 31st, 2013, the Angel Network Program has helped build 12 regional Angel investor groups with nearly 700 members having directly invested $ 67.1M in 142 Ontario companies," said Dr. Patricia Lorenz, Chair of NAO-Ontario. "This continued and growing success is driven by the groups' chairs, managers and members, who have strong roots in their communities. The companies that have attracted capital via members of our ANP-supported groups demonstrate small business job creation at its finest. This local investment has had a positive impact on many Ontario communities."

If you are interested in applying on behalf of a group of accredited investors, please contact NAO-Ontario at info@nao-ontario.ca with a request for an Expression of Interest form. Note that any funding granted to groups is contingent on continued funding by the Government of Ontario.

About NAO - Ontario

NAO - Ontario, a member of the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs, is the Administrator of the Angel Network Program, on behalf of the Government of Ontario. Since 2007 its mission has been to create and grow non-profit Angel investor groups for all the regions of Ontario. Building the membership and best practices of these groups results in a more potent combination of mentorship and capital for innovative start-up companies in the province. Angels are accredited investors who directly contribute both their money and their expertise into early-stage companies seeking growth in Ontario, leading to job creation and an expanding economy. For more information visit nao-ontario.ca

About the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs

Supported by the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE) is Ontario's innovation system. The ONE is made up of regional and sector focused organizations designed to help Ontario-based entrepreneurs rapidly grow their companies, and create jobs. For more information visit www.onebusiness.ca

NAO-Ontario Media Contact
Yasmine Kustec, 416-628-1458 ext. 203
Marketing Manager
yasmine@nao-ontario.ca