Pillar Nonprofit Network - Supporting Social Enterprise from Idea to Investment

Building a social enterprise is complex work—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Through workshops, consulting, peer support, and flexible financing, Pillar Nonprofit Network is building a thriving ecosystem for social enterprise and social finance in Southwestern Ontario.

Whether you're exploring an idea, developing a business plan, or seeking capital to grow, our programs are designed to meet you where you are. We provide:

Skill-building through the Libro Social Enterprise Workshop Series
Peer connection through Socialpreneur Chats
Strategic guidance through Impact Consulting
Flexible financing through the Pillar Start-Up Fund

These supports are all connected—working together to help you turn purpose into impact with confidence.

What’s a Social Enterprise?

There’s no single definition—but here’s one we deeply value, adapted from the Women of Ontario Social Enterprise Network (WOSEN):

“Social enterprise is an approach to business (rather than a legal structure) that is value-based and principles-focused. Its value proposition is incorporated into its mandate and directs its operation. Specifically, [social enterprises] seek to have a positive social, cultural or environmental impact through their operations, and/or sale of products or services.”
— Ortiz & Meades, 2021, WOSEN Interim Report, NORDIK Institute

Basically, what this means is that community impact is foundational to the way you think about, and operate, your business.

We use a broad, inclusive lens that recognizes social enterprises in many forms—cooperatives, nonprofits, for-profits, and hybrids. What sets them apart is their deep integration of impact into how they do business, not just what they give back.

That means we do not equate social enterprise with corporate social responsibility (CSR) or philanthropic giving. If you’re building your business around impact, not just donating part of your profits, you’re in the right place.

Libro Social Enterprise Workshop Series

Start Here: Your Launchpad for Doing Good—Sustainably

What does it take to build a business that does good—and works?

Whether you’re just starting out or refining a growing idea, this 8-part workshop series offers the tools, strategies, and support to help you navigate the exciting (and often messy) world of social enterprise.

Brought to you by Pillar Nonprofit Network and sponsored by Libro Credit Union, these hybrid workshops are free to attend thanks to Libro’s commitment to building a thriving impact economy. Join us at Inn

ovation Works, 201 King Street, London, or tune in online. Attend one session or all eight—it’s up to you.

This is not a business incubator. This is your launchpad.

You’ll get:

Real-world tools you canstart using right away
Between-the-sessions exercises to apply what you learn
A clearer vision of how your mission and market can align
Encouragement and community for the journey ahead

Whether you’re testing an idea, building momentum, or just trying to make sense of it all, this series is here to help you move forward—with confidence.

The Libro Social Enterprise Workshop Series

Socialpreneur Chats

Connect. Collaborate. Create Change.

Socialpreneur Chats is a dynamic gathering space for purpose-driven people using business as a force for good. Whether you're just launching your idea or running an established social enterprise, these sessions offer connection opportunities , real support, and a community that gets it.

Hosted by Pillar Nonprofit Network at Innovation Works and online, Socialpreneur Chats helps changemakers connect with others, get unstuck, and grow with purpose.

What are Socialpreneur Chats?

A welcoming monthly meetup for social entrepreneurs, changemakers, and innovators ready to build a better world through business.

Why Join?

Real Talk & Peer Support

Bring a challenge, share a win, or just listen in. You’ll find thoughtful advice, shared wisdom, and a safe space to be real about the ups and downs of social enterprise.

Spotlight Sessions & Expert Guidance

Each gathering includes focused discussions, occasional guest speakers, and coaching support from Pillar’s Social Enterprise team.

Collaboration & Skill-Sharing

From pitch practice to idea incubators, Socialpreneur Chats includes interactive sessions that help you move from “hmm” to “heck yes.”

Connection with Purpose

Think of this as networking without the awkward small talk. Our digital collaboration tool, Impact Show-and-Tells, and themed discussions are designed to spark genuine partnerships and shared success.

Wellbeing Matters

Changemaking can be tough. We make space for mindful moments, self-care practices, and honest conversations about how to thrive while doing the work.

When & Where

Last Friday of the Month
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

In-Person: Innovation Works, BMO Ideas Bank
Virtual: Join online from anywhere (link sent upon registration)

How to Join

Socialpreneur Chats are free and drop-in friendly—but we ask virtual participants to register in advance so we can send you the Zoom link.

Register for Socialpreneur Chats

You don’t have to build your social enterprise alone.
Come as you are. Leave with ideas, allies, and a renewed sense of possibility.

Impact Consulting

Expert Support to Grow Your Social Impact

Pillar Nonprofit Network’s Social Enterprise, Impact Consulting, believes that great ideas deserve great support. Our team offers personalized consulting services to help nonprofits, social enterprises, and social purpose businesses turn their vision into lasting impact.

Whether you're dreaming up a new venture, refining your business model, or scaling your social enterprise, we’re here to help—every step of the way.

What Impact Consulting Offers

Tailored Coaching & Strategic Support
From big-picture planning to detailed next steps, we work alongside you to design strategies that fit your mission, your team, and your goals.

Flexible Services for Every Stage
Need a quick afternoon strategy session? A business plan to launch your next big idea? We've got you covered.

Support for Individuals and Organizations
We work with solo social entrepreneurs, nonprofit teams, and social-purpose businesses of all sizes. If you’re committed to doing good through business, you’re in the right place.

You don't have to navigate this journey alone.
Let’s build something extraordinary—together.

Learn More or Request a Consultation

Fueling Bold Ideas for a Better Southwestern Ontario

The Pillar Start-Up Fund provides flexible, affordable loans to early-stage social enterprises who are committed to making a difference in their communities. Whether you're a nonprofit, for-profit, or cooperative, if your business exists to create social, cultural, or environmental impact—we’re here to help you grow.

What We Offer

Affordable Loans
Loans range from $10,000 to $100,000, with an interest rate of prime + 2% and flexible terms up to 5 years.
No application fees
No penalties for early repayment
No Excessive collateral or personal guarantees required

Who Can Apply

We aim to keep our eligibility straightforward and inclusive. You can apply if:

You are 18 years of age or older
You are located in or primarily serve Southwestern Ontario
You operate—or are planning to operate—a social enterprise that aligns with our investment priorities

Where is Southwestern Ontario?

We consider this region to stretch west to Windsor, east to the Hamilton-Niagara area, and north to Grey-Bruce and Huron-Perth. Please note: Halton Region (Burlington, Milton, Oakville, Halton Hills) and the Greater Toronto Area are not included in our funding geography.

We welcome applications from both nonprofit and for-profit social enterprises—what matters most is your commitment to community impact.

Our Investment Priorities

We align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, simplified into four core focus areas:

Equity & Justice
Expanding access to housing, food, jobs, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for historically excluded communities.

Climate Action
Reducing emissions, restoring ecosystems, diverting waste, and building a circular, low-carbon economy.

Systemic Change
Tackling the root causes of inequality and shifting culture, policy, and power to build lasting solutions.

Local Impact
Deep commitment to your local community through hiring, procurement, ownership, leadership, or volunteer engagement.

How It Works

We're not a bank—and that’s a good thing. Our application process is collaborative, transparent, and supportive:

Inquire: Tell us a bit about your idea. Let us know what you are building and how it will impact the community.
Connect: If eligible, we’ll book a meeting to learn more about you. If not, we’ll suggest helpful alternatives.
Prepare: We’ll help you put together a strong application, with coaching available throughout the process.
Review: A diverse volunteer panel reviews your submission, provides feedback, and helps you prep for a short pitch.
Pitch: Share your story with the review panel. They’ll ask questions and make a recommendation within a week.
Decide: You’ll get clear, timely feedback—no guesswork, no gatekeeping.

There are no deadlines—you can apply when it makes sense for you.

Fund Details

Established: 2015
Loan Amounts: $10,000–$100,000
Interest: Prime + 2%
Terms: Up to 5 years
Structure: Revolving loan fund (over $1M)
Co-Managed With:Libro Credit Union (who administers the loans and contributes 25% of each investment)

Ready to take the next step?

We’re here to help you turn purpose into action—and action into impact.

Connect With Our Team ( Link Coming Soon)

A Path from Idea to Investment — Powered by Libro

At Pillar, we believe building a better world through business takes more than passion—it takes support. That’s why we’ve partnered with Libro Credit Union to support changemakers from the earliest idea to full-scale launch.

Our Social Enterprise Workshop Series, sponsored by Libro, is offered completely free—eliminating financial barriers and ensuring that entrepreneurs, newcomers, and purpose-driven start-ups can access the tools they need to thrive. This kind of barrier-free training is critical to fostering an inclusive, resilient economy in London and the surrounding region.

The Pillar Start-Up Fund, co-managed with Libro, provides affordable, flexible loans to early-stage social enterprises ready to take the next step. Together, these two programs form a connected pathway—from learning and planning to launching and financing—with Libro as a trusted partner every step of the way.

Together, these two programs form a supportive pathway—from learning and planning to launching and funding—with a trusted partner at your side the whole way.

Because building a better economy starts by investing in better ideas.

Social Enterprise