UCeed invests in social enterprises that are working to solve pressing social and human problems with innovative and tested solutions. This could include, but not limited to, poverty alleviation, education, financial inclusion, health and wellness, re-skilling and up-skilling the next generation workforce, innovation to promote social, gender and economic equity, and innovation in the arts and cultural sectors. Enterprises solving issues related to agriculture, finance, energy, and the environment may be eligible, but are most aligned to UCeed Social Impact if they are making a meaningful impact for populations with barriers to access.

As an early-stage investor, we are looking for evidence that your innovation and business model have been tested with the customers and beneficiaries you seek to serve. We are looking for social entrepreneurs who are using innovative approaches to solving pressing social issues and have a desire to measure and manage their intended social impact. We value social innovation, equity and inclusivity, collaboration, and those who bring perspective and a growth mindset to their approach.

UCeed Social Impact supports entrepreneurial thinking for students through a collaboration with the Calgary Social Value Fund.

Social innovation is an initiative, product, process or program that profoundly changes the basic routines, resource and authority flows or beliefs of any social system.

Successful social innovations have durability and broad impact. While social innovation has recognizable stages and phases, achieving durability and scale is a dynamic process that requires both emergence of opportunity and deliberate agency, and a connection between the two. The capacity of any society to create a steady flow of social innovations, particularly those which re-engage vulnerable populations, is an important contributor to the overall social and ecological resilience.¹

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The UCeed Social Impact Fund has four investment advisory meetings per year. To be guaranteed consideration in upcoming intake periods, applications must be submitted by the following deadline: June 9, 2023.