National Accelerator: Program Description
The Infrastructure Institute in partnership with the Community Housing Transformation Centre and United Way Greater Toronto will be delivering the Social Purpose Real Estate (SPRE) National Accelerator. This initiative is an expansion of our Ontario-based program Groundwork: SPRE Accelerator, which has supported more than 40 mission-driven organizations with their SPRE projects!
The SPRE National Accelerator will support non-profit and charitable organizations across Canada through networking, capacity-building, and professional support in the development of thoughtful and realistic SPRE proposals that can supply the missing housing, services, and other social infrastructure needed in communities across Canada.
The SPRE National Accelerator is a free public program designed to support and speed up pre-development processes for mission-driven organizations that want to invest in their own spaces. The program will work with groups that are developing community-centered projects across Canada, with a confirmed site, partnerships, and/or funding in place, that are in the pre-development phase of their projects.
This intensive 6-month program will go beyond building capacity within an organization and focus on guiding groups towards next steps in their projects by engaging partners, funders, investors, and government agencies. Prior experience in development is not required to participate.
Details
- All activities will be delivered solely in English.
The full program consists of the following:
Virtual live sessions: The program will run from October 2025 to May 2026. Bi-weekly online sessions will cover the core curriculum on Thursdays, 1:00PM-3:00PM EDT/EST.
Program Supports: Organizations may receive one or more program supports based on needs assessment, completion of course requirements, and availability of supports.
Applications are now closed. All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by early October.
Watch our information session:
Key Program
Topics
Navigating Planning & Zoning
Idea Refinement
Concept Plan & Visualization
Business Plan & Financial Modelling
Addressing Unforeseen Challenges
Working with Consultants
Eligibility
The Accelerator application process is open to all groups that are:
- Able to commit to the full 6-month program;
- A registered charity, non-profit organization, or similar institution;
- Are based in Canada (with the exception of Quebec);
- Demonstrate that they have an interest in developing a social purpose real estate;
- Have a confirmed project site, partnership, or funding for the project.
- Groups are encouraged to complete the Infrastructure Institute’s SPRE 101 Training Module to prepare for participation in the Accelerator.
How to apply
Applications for this program are now closed.
Testimonials from previous participants
“I am so appreciative to the program for empowering me and my team with the knowledge to make our project a reality. There are so many pitfalls to a project of this scale and to have this program support us and help us execute it as efficiently as possible has been greatly appreciated.” StepsStones for Youth
“The Roadmap Accelerator program has given us the access to the elusive language of development, preparing us well to have conversations with people in the field to advance the development of non-market housing.” Co-op Housing Federation of Toronto
“As an institution, the program has served as a valuable exercise in refining our ideas and proposals, enabling us to make informed decisions as we move forward with our next strategic plan. We are deeply grateful to the Infrastructure Institute and the University of Toronto for offering such a well-designed course.” Matthew House Refugee Services
“The program is amazing. There is a lot of information and support on Social Development process that no matter where you are in your project, this program will give you a real boost to move forward, and provide the wide education on what is to come.” Dixon Hall
Example of previous Accelerator projects:
- A non-profit service provider was in the process of purchasing a property. They came to the Accelerator to explore their capacity for developing more housing rental units within the site to increase its housing stock and support the project’s viability and to satisfy its development strategy.
- A CLT came to the Accelerator to refine its social purpose real estate model to provide affordable housing to on-farm workers and members of partner organizations, and develop strategies to expand their impact, including the purchase and development of new farmland.
- A cultural group received city approval for the creation of a cultural centre. They came to the Accelerator aiming to complete of a feasibility study to identify potential sites for the proposed centre;
- A charitable organization aiming to renovate its existing shelter. The building was not adapted to the needs of the core members. They came to the program with the objective of initiating studies for the project of a 10-bedroom home with eventually 2 small apartments for independent living.
Questions?
You can reach out to
Raisa Masud, Project Lead: raisa.masud@mail.utoronto.ca
In Partnership With:
