Canada’s Impact Market Continues Growth with Nine (9) New Products on SVX Impact Index+

New impact investing products span climate finance, gender equity, affordable housing, and inclusive innovation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO, ONTARIO, May 28, 2024 — Today, SVX is proud to announce the addition of nine new impact investing products to Impact Index+, exemplifying a high standard of impact, accountability, and financial readiness. The third cohort features a diverse array of issuers spanning several sectors and impact themes, from climate finance to community housing to gender-equitable health innovation. 

“This cohort reflects the strength and diversity of Canada’s impact investing ecosystem,” said Adam Spence, CEO of SVX. “These products offer investors credible, mission-driven investment opportunities that generate measurable outcomes across social, environmental, and economic dimensions. They are shaping systems, empowering communities, and accelerating solutions.”

The SVX Impact Index is a comprehensive database featuring a wide range of impact investing products that are available to Canadian investors. Impact Index+ is a qualified collection of impact investment offerings on the Index that undergo a multi-step review by SVX and an Advisory Group of industry professionals to determine whether they meet the Index’s rigorous assessment framework. 

The process ensures that every product listed on Impact Index+ is positioned to generate measurable outcomes while offering clarity and confidence for investors seeking to align their capital with their values. SVX extends its gratitude to the advisors for their thoughtful questions and feedback, which have supported the development of the Impact Index+ framework, helping to shape a platform that serves both investors and impact organizations alike. 

"We are proud to be a part of the GLI Collection and third cohort of Impact Index+ within the SVX Impact Index. Deetken Impact's Inclusive Climate Action Fund and Ilu Women's Empowerment Fund are pioneering funds designed to empower women and drive climate resilience in Latin America and the Caribbean. As a fund manager, we are committed to implementing investment practices that advance gender equality and climate action while providing attractive returns to investors. The SVX Impact Index continues to raise awareness about competitive gender and climate focused investment opportunities, while creating a platform to connect with aligned investors.” -Alexa Blain, Managing Partner, Deetken Impact

“​For FoundHers, joining the SVX Impact Index isn't just about visibility; it's a critical opportunity to validate our profound impact on women entrepreneurs, attract vital impact-aligned capital, and ultimately, accelerate our mission to close the funding gap and foster a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem." -Amoye Henry, General Partner, FoundHers

"We are grateful to be a part of the Impact Index+ Cohort 3, as we believe businesses can and should be a force for good. At Heartwood, we are developing as many rental units as we can in a manner that strives to eliminate carbon and helps bring balance to housing markets to improve the communities and cities we serve. This philosophy guides our strategic approach to revolutionizing rental housing while achieving the long-term value returns while investing in a resilient future. " -David Constable & Tim Blair, Managing Partners, Heartwood Trust

“As a flagship of Quebec’s social economy for over 45 years, with more than 450 employees, Groupe TAQ offers investors a great opportunity to support a strong and mission-driven enterprise—one that delivers measurable, lasting social impact by creating quality jobs for people living with disabilities. Being part of the SVX Index+ is especially meaningful for us, as it helps expand the community of Canadian individuals and institutions who believe in and support our mission.” -Gabriel Tremblay, CEO, Groupe TAQ.

“Being included in the SVX Impact Index+ affirms our conviction that investing in climate solutions isn’t just necessary—it’s investable. The rigor of the review process and the credibility of the cohort underscore what we stand for: aligning capital with climate impact and financial performance. We’re proud to be part of a community accelerating the transition to a low-carbon, high-opportunity economy.” -Nelson Switzer, Managing Partner, Climate Innovation Capital

Issuers on Impact Index+ have met certain requirements or standards in terms of governance, finances, impact, and equity. However, SVX or its advisors do not endorse any investments of any of the organizations, and we do not recommend any investments. The opportunities included in the database are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as investment advice or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. Please read the full disclaimer below.

What’s Next

The SVX Impact Index will continue to evolve to meet the growing demand for impact investment opportunities. 

• Expanded Product Offering: The Impact Index will continue to expand its products collection throughout the year to represent the full range of products by theme and asset class, with another announcement for Impact Index+ Cohort 4 expected in fall 2025. Those interested in joining the collective can apply during the next intake period which will open in June 2025

• Criteria Updates: We seek continuous improvement in our process and requirements. Following the first round of reviews to road test the process and criteria, we have updated our selection criteria, providing investors and issuers with a clearer, more effective framework for evaluation. Further updates are expected this summer.

• Market Research and Insights: We will continue to provide market research and insights on investors and issuers in Canada with an updated market performance survey expected in fall 2025.

The opportunities included in the database are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as investment advice or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. Please read the full disclaimer below.

Quick Facts

• Forty-one (41) impact investing products have qualified as SVX Impact Index+ issuers since April 2024.

• The Index data tracks over 200 impact investment opportunities for Canadian investors.

• Over $15 billion in assets dedicated to impact investing in Canada, and 264 impact investment offerings launched to date.

Learn More

• Explore the SVX Impact Index at: https://impactindex.svx.ca/

• Get a quick overview: https://svx.ca/svx-impact-index/

• Read a full primer about the Impact Index here.

• Learn about the financial performance and impact outcomes of Impact Index products in the 2025 Canadian Market Performance Report here.

• Asset owners and asset managers can register for the upcoming SVX Impact Index webinar on Thursday, June 5th at 12 pm ET here.

• Learn more about the new Impact Index+ issuers from their profiles below.

Conservation Impact Bond - Zone Impact Bond III

Carolinian Canada: https://caroliniancanada.ca/ 

Impact Sector: Other

Impact Theme: Climate Change and Biodiversity

Headquarters: London

Impact Location: Ontario

Carolinian Canada is inviting value-aligned investors to be part of the expansion of the Conservation Impact Bond (CIB), a place-based collaboration and financial instrument to reconcile people and ecosystems across the Carolinian Zone.  The CIB model received the International Finance for the Future Climate Leader Award (2022) for its innovative approach to targeting investment. Nationally and globally recognized, the CIB model is continuously referenced for its potential application across the field of conservation finance. Learn more.

Climate Innovation Capital Fund II

Climate Innovation Capital: https://climateic.com/ 

Impact Sector: Clean Tech

Impact Theme: Climate Change

Headquarters: Toronto 

Impact Location: Global

Climate Innovation Capital (ClimateIC) is a venture fund focused on delivering strong financial returns while accelerating the decarbonization of the global economy. ClimateIC aims to invest in mid-stage companies with validated technologies, solid economic performance, and clear paths to exit, ensuring both high financial returns and significant carbon impact. Its investments span several key sectors, including energy, power generation and storage, transportation and mobility, industrial processes and products, food, agriculture and forestry, buildings, and waste, plastic, and recycling. Learn more.

Women's and Children's Health Technology Fund II

Cross Border Impact Ventures: https://www.crossborder.ventures/

Impact Sector: Healthcare

Impact Theme: Gender and Racial Equity and Inclusion, Climate Change and Biodiversity, Other

Headquarters: Toronto

Impact Location: Global

Cross-Border Impact Ventures (CBIV) is an impact venture capital firm that invests in early-growth stage health technology companies commercializing medical devices, diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital health innovations and leveraging cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. All innovations CBIV finances are relevant to women, children, and adolescent health and are located in North America and Europe with the ability to scale technologies to Emerging Markets. The Women’s and Children’s Health Technology Fund II is also featured in the Impact Index’s Gender Lens Investing (GLI) Collection.  Learn more.

Community Bonds Series 1-3

Brique par brique: https://www.briqueparbrique.com/ 

Impact Sector: Impact Real Estate

Impact Theme: Affordable Housing and Community Real Estate Innovations

Headquarters: Montréal

Impact Location: Quebec

Brique par brique (BxB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating community housing and cultural spaces that foster community connections and social justice. Operating in Parc- Extension, one of Montreal’s most diverse neighborhoods, BxB aims to address systemic barriers by uniting diverse groups around shared goals of equity and empowerment. Its mission extends beyond housing to include vibrant community hubs where residents can connect, collaborate, and thrive. Learn more. 

Inclusive Climate Action Fund

Deetken Impact: https://deetkenimpact.com/

Impact Sector: Clean Tech, Sustainable Food and Agriculture, Other

Impact Theme: Gender and Racial Equity and Inclusion, Sustainable Food Systems Solution, Climate Change and Biodiversity, Other

Headquarters: Vancouver

Impact Location: Global

The Inclusive Climate Action Fund (ICAF) is a blended finance fund that combines concessional and market-rate capital to invest at the intersection of climate and gender equality in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The fund provides flexible debt financing, investment readiness support, and tailored advisory services to impactful and inclusive businesses delivering climate mitigation and adaptation solutions in the region.

ICAF aims to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, inclusive, and resilient LAC region by reducing, sequestering, and avoiding CO₂ emissions, strengthening the capacity of women and other vulnerable groups to adapt to climate change, and enhancing the leadership and empowerment of women in climate finance. The Inclusive Climate Action Fund is also featured in the Impact Index’s Gender Lens Investing (GLI) Collection. Learn more. 

FoundHers Ventures Fund I

FoundHers Ventures: https://app.foundhers.vc/

Impact Sector: Clean Tech, Education, Sustainable Food and Agriculture

Impact Theme: Gender and Racial Equity and Inclusion

Headquarters: Toronto

Impact Location: Global

FoundHers Ventures is a $15M CAD pre-seed fund based in Toronto that invests in Canadian and EMEA companies led by diverse female founders, with a focus on the rapidly growing digital and climate tech sectors. Leveraging its partners’ extensive networks, an in-house accelerator and venture studio, and active corporate partnerships, FoundHers aims to be the “first mover” for Canada’s most promising tech startups led by women+. The fund backs smart, relentlessly resourceful founders building high-growth, technology-driven businesses in billion-dollar markets. Its primary investment areas include digital technologies such as AI/ML, education technology, and health technology, as well as green sectors like clean energy and sustainability. FoundHers specifically targets an underserved segment—Black and Brown women-led tech startups—positioning itself as a leading destination for diverse women entrepreneurs. Learn more. 

Community Bond Series 1-3

Groupe Taq: https://www.groupetaq.com/ 

Impact Sector: Other

Impact Theme: Other

Headquarters: Québec

Impact Location: Quebec

Founded in 1979, Groupe TAQ is an NPO and an adapted company that promotes the socio-professional integration of people living with functional limitations by developing business partnerships. Groupe TAQ operates two factories, the headquarters in Quebec, employing 300 people, and the second in Amqui, with 150 employees, 73% of whom are people with disabilities. The organization is a solution to the labor shortage for many Quebec companies. In 2023-2024, approximately 650,000 hours of production were completed for businesses across the province, contributing directly to their success. Learn more. 

Heartwood Trust

Heartwood Trust: https://www.heartwoodtrust.ca/ 

Impact Sector: Impact Real Estate

Impact Theme: Affordable Housing and Community Real Estate Innovations, Climate Change and Biodiversity

Headquarters: Toronto

Impact Location: National

Heartwood Trust is focused on investing in rental housing projects representing a scalable solution to the housing and climate crises. 

The Fund was formed to allow investors access to a new generation of climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable multi-residential rental housing from construction to long-term ownership. The Fund invests in primarily construction-ready high-quality, purpose-built rental housing located in urban centres across Canada, with a focus designed to achieving carbon neutrality, improving the availability of housing options and generating measurable social and environmental outcomes. Learn more.

Relèven Transition Fund

Relèven: https://releven.org/

Impact Sector: Impact Real Estate

Impact Theme: Affordable Housing and Community Real Estate Innovations

Headquarters: Montréal

Impact Location: Global

Relèven Transition Fund was established to sustain not-for-profits and affordable housing by acquiring and repurposing religious properties for community purposes and housing in Canada. The fund addresses the dual crises of closed churches and the need for community space, turning these challenges into opportunities for social impact. Over the next decade, approximately 4,000 faith properties will be sold, disbanding Canada's largest social purpose infrastructure network. The fund aims to repurpose these properties into community assets, addressing the needs of the 86,000 registered Canadian charities, including 21,000 Christian congregations and 12,000 church buildings. Learn more. 

Explore impact investment opportunities available to you and discover how your investments can create tangible change for communities and the planet.

Get started for free today on the SVX Impact Index and sign-up here.

Media Contacts

Gabriella Yapp, Communications Associate | Email: gabriella.yapp@svx.ca

Helen Zhou, Manager, Education & Technology | Email: helen.zhou@svx.ca

Adam Spence, Chief Executive Officer | Email: adam.spence@svx.ca

About SVX Canada

SVX’s mission is to advance social, environmental and economic justice through impact investing. As a nonprofit, diversified financial services firm, we work with investors, funds, enterprises, and institutions to help them take the first step or next step on their impact journey. We provide knowledge products and programs, design strategies and products, manage funds, operate an impact investing platform, and develop systems change solutions.

We work across sectors that deliver meaningful impact: climate, food, equity, housing, and community real estate. SVX is regulated by the Ontario Securities Commission and it is registered as an Exempt Market Dealer (EMD) in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Québec. We have partners and operations across Canada, as well as in the US, Mexico, and Colombia. For more information, please visit www.svx.ca.

Full Disclaimer

SVX is registered as an Exempt Market Dealer (EMD) under applicable securities legislation in Ontario, Québec, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan; however, no securities regulatory authority has approved or expressed an opinion about the securities offered on the platform.

The opportunities included in the database are for informational purposes only. They are not intended as investment advice or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument.

Investing in the exempt market has significant risk. You should be aware of these risks, and as appropriate, consult with appropriate financial professionals to support your decision-making processes.

For those issuers included in the general Impact Index database: we have not completed due diligence on these opportunities, including any qualified, non-reliance based analysis or specific work required for meeting Know Your Product (KYP) standards that could support investment decision-making. Further, we cannot verify or disprove any statements made by issuers regarding current or past financial or impact performance, or any of the specific stated financial or impact metrics or objectives.

The Impact Index and Impact Index+ not designed to be a replacement for due diligence. However, it is hoped that it makes that process much more efficient for investors and issuers alike.

Issuers on Impact Index+ have met certain requirements or standards in terms of governance, finances, impact, and equity. However, SVX or its advisors do not endorse any investments of any of the organizations, and we do not recommend any investments.