The Funding Landscape & Application Strategy (Workshop)
Accessing government capital can be a game-changer for startups, but navigating the landscape requires a strategic approach. Join SVZ alum Lucrezia Spagnolo for a hands-on, two-part series designed to move you beyond a basic overview into a successful funding strategy. This series empowers entrepreneurs with the practical skills needed to identify opportunities, build high-impact applications, and maximize support through clever stacking.
In this first standalone session, Lucrezia will provide a comprehensive roadmap for accessing government funding in Canada. We will demystify what government funding is, why it matters, how it can help you define your roadmap, solidify partnerships, and how it helps preserve your ownership as you scale.
Workshop
Identifying the Right Capital: Differentiating between grants, loans, tax credits, and subsidies.
Leading Tools & Databases: How to find region- and sector-specific programs that align with your venture.
Building a Winning Application: A step-by-step review of successful funding applications, including essential elements, best practices, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Leveraging Generative AI: Tips for using AI tools to streamline your writing process and enhance application quality.
Presenter Bio
Lucrezia Spagnolo is the founder and CEO of VESTA Social Innovation Technologies, a social enterprise building trauma-informed digital tools for survivors of gender-based violence. Under her leadership, VESTA has secured over $3 million in non-dilutive funding and works closely with grassroots organizations to deliver survivor-centered, culturally competent solutions. A published researcher in technology and survivor-centered design, Lucrezia’s work bridges scholarship and practice. She has advised global changemakers as an Executive in Residence at the Ashoka Foundation and at the Toronto Public Library, where she mentors women entrepreneurs. In 2025, Lucrezia was recognized as a one of the Top 25 Women in Tech by Toast/Betakit. She is nationally recognized for social impact and technical innovation as she leads with integrity, urgency, and a justice-driven vision.