Capital with Purpose: Closing the early-stage funding gap in Food System Ventures

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As Canada’s food and agriculture sector faces increasing pressure - from supply chain disruptions to sustainability challenges - there is a growing need for early-stage capital to support innovative, impact-driven ventures. Yet, many founders in this space continue to face barriers accessing the right kind of financing at the right time.

At the same time, policy mandates, climate risk, and shifting consumer demand are forcing a rapid transition in food systems creating a generational window of opportunity for early investors and entrepreneurs.

This Impact for Breakfast Ottawa session will explore how capital with purpose is being deployed to close the early-stage funding gap in food system ventures - and why this moment matters for both impact and returns.

Featuring perspectives from the Bloom Local Food Fund and Alterna Savings, the discussion will examine how different capital providers from venture capital funds to community-based financial institutions are supporting founders building more resilient, sustainable, and locally rooted food systems.

Participants will learn:

• How early-stage funding works in the food and agriculture sector
• Why a funding gap exists for food system ventures and what’s needed to address it
• How impact funds and community-driven financial institutions evaluate and support investments
• What returns - financial and social - can look like in this space
• Lessons from investors and operators working directly in the ecosystem

Who should attend:

This session is designed for investors, entrepreneurs, food system builders, community finance practitioners, students, and anyone interested in understanding how capital can be deployed to support more resilient and sustainable food systems.

Format & Engagement:

Brief scene-setting, followed by presentations and open exchange with the audience.

Speakers: 
Diem Le, Fund Lead
Bloom Local Food Fund
https://bloomlocalfoodfund.svx.ca/

Susan Henry, Director
Community Impact and Financial Inclusion
Alterna Savings
https://alterna.ca/