Monday, 7th December 2015

iCapital launches 2nd annual “#givealatte” campaign to bolster hard-to-come-by integrated autism support

The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in Canada believed to affect 1 in 94 children, and be on the rise. While most Canadians are aware of autism and know families affected by it, the difficulty to access services is lesser known. Healthcare coverage varies from province to province and there are months-long queues to access programs. For kids and teens with autism and their families, negotiating the system is extremely challenging. Not to mention the financial strain it places on many.

December 7, 2015 – TORONTO, ON – From today until December 18, 2015, when Canadians #givealatte (forgoing their morning latte in favour of making a small donation) they’ll be making really big difference to Canadian families who are trying to access autism support.

Small business lender iCapital has launched its second annual #givealatte campaign with the promise of matching every dollar donated up to $10,000. This year the funds raised will be given to Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND), a Toronto-based organization rare in its offering of multiple research-based autism services and programs under one roof. iCapital is aiming to surpass the $20,100 raised through #givealatte in 2015.

While most Canadians are aware of autism and know families affected by it, the difficulty to access services is lesser known. Healthcare coverage varies from province to province and there are months-long queues to access programs. For kids and teens with autism and their families, negotiating the system is extremely challenging. Not to mention the financial strain it places on many.

"iCapital’s #givealatte could result in the most funds ever raised for ISAND through a single initiative," says ISAND's Executive Director David Gray. "The funds will help pay for ISAND therapy, camps, programs that help young adult transition into the working world, family support and basic infrastructure and centre supplies. What’s really special about our organization is we offer a continuity of services, so families have all their health providers working collectively to support not only their children’s needs, but the families’ wellbeing as well."

This campaign is inspired by Anthony, the gentle, affectionate, happy 17-year-old nephew of Diane Capobianco from iCapital. Earlier this year Anthony and his family discovered ISAND and have been inspired by the organization. Over the past two months, Anthony has been working with his health worker to learn how to manage everyday activities such as riding the subway. What seems a simple task, paying a TTC fare, standing behind the yellow line and traveling a longer distance, are often learned skills for people with autism.

Anthony and iCapital want to help other families experience the phenomenal ISAND programs that have helped Anthony build his social skills and engage with the world around him.

“Available programs decrease the older a child gets. Once Anthony graduates from high school there are very few programs available for him. But with support and training, Anthony and many people like him, can be an active, contributing member of our community and workforce,” says Anthony’s mother Tina. “That is what brought us to ISAND. Initially we were intrigued by the young adult programming, but as we have become familiar with the centre we have been inspired by the full spectrum of services and integrated care tat everyone receives.  It really is an inspirational place.”

The #givealatte campaign is important for raising funds, but it’s also valuable for boosting awareness of autism and ISAND. People’s knowledge about children with autism is great thanks to the efforts of a number of wonderful organizations. But fewer people know about what life is like for young people leaving the school system and entering adulthood. And rarely do people consider the strain autism puts on families. iCapital is hoping their effort will inspire people to learn more, talk with their friends about autism, and spread the word on social media.

To learn more about Anthony and iCapital’s #givealatte campaign, please visit:

About iCapital

iCapital is the best small business loan alternative in Canada. The “i” stands for “intelligent” and it really is the smartest and easiest way for entrepreneurs to get access to the money they need. The funds are repaid over time and there are no restrictions on how the funds are used – it can go to anything from purchasing equipment and advertising to buying out a partner, expanding, and solving cash flow challenges. The customer care team work directly with business owner to determine which of the two funding options is best for the client. Unlike applying for a bank loan, iCapital’s program is hassle free and stress free.

To show their gratitude, iCapital makes yearly donations to help make their community a better place. They proudly support World Vision, local groups like the Warren Park kids' hockey league – and have now partnered with ISAND to help fund scholarships for young adults with ASD.

About ISAND

The ISAND team of medical, psycho-social, educational and vocational experts is committed to a model of integrated service delivery, as an alternative to the costly, fragmented, ad hoc system that leaves individuals and family members searching for professionals and programs and facing untenable wait lists and sequential gaps in services over time. ISAND is a coalition of highly trained and experienced professionals dedicated to offering comprehensive, coordinated, innovative and evidence-based approaches to treating and managing Autism Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

For more information #givealatte, please contact:

Tania Stadnik
Principal, Hop Skip Marketing
416.457.7718
Tania@hopskipmarketing.com

Read Also

iCapital raises record amount for autism

June 28, 2018 – TORONTO, ON – Small business lender iCapital achieved another milestone this quarter: their community fundraising campaign in support of autism surpassed every other campaign they’ve undertaken to date, totaling $24,379.28. The company presented the cheque to Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND), a Canadian organization rare in its offering of multiple research-based autism services and programs under one roof. 

This is the fourth year that iCapital has made a donation in support of autism; the third year supporting ISAND. In recognition of the impact the funds have had on ISAND, Executive Director David Gray surprised the iCapital team by revealing that the centre is naming a therapy room to recognize their generosity. “We were completely taken off guard and overwhelmed by the gesture,” said iCapital representative Diane Capobianco. “We run this campaign because we feel it’s important to be charitable and support the community that supports us. This gesture ISAND made is incredibly thoughtful. It’s really meaningful too all of us.”

The ISAND room has been donned “Anthony’s room” after the teenager who has been the face of iCapital’s campaigns. At 19 years old, Anthony has been an ISAND client for the past four years. This year he addressed the 130 people at iCapital’s sold-out fundraising event. All eyes were on him as he described his experience at ISAND, and the skills they have been teaching them.

Anthony’s aunt Diane Capobianco works at iCapital. Six years ago when the iCapital team was discussing which charitable organization they would donate to that year, Diane told Anthony’s story. “There are so many worthwhile causes, but this one really resonated with the team. Almost everyone here has a connection to someone with autism. We decided to put our money toward small organizations where $10,000 or $20,000 would make a big difference.

“iCapital was our very first corporate donor,” recounts David Gray. Gray recounts that when iCapital approached them about their plans to run a private fundraising event back in 2015, ISAND was in need of donations to help pay for operating expenses and keep the doors open. Since that time, other organizations have started their own campaigns for ISAND, helping it to grow.

iCapital has already started planning their 2019 event, which will be a “bigger, better version of this year’s cook-off,” says Capobianco. Their fundraising goal is bigger too: $25,000. This would bring their five-year total raised for autism to over $100,000.

About iCapital

iCapital is a leading small business loan alternative in Canada. The “i” stands for “intelligent” and it really is the smartest and easiest way for entrepreneurs to get access to the money they need. The funds are repaid over time and there are no restrictions on how the funds are used–it can go to anything from purchasing equipment and advertising to buying out a partner, expanding, and solving cash flow challenges. The customer care team work directly with business owner to determine which of the two funding options is best for the client.

To show their gratitude, iCapital makes yearly donations to help make their community a better place. They proudly support World Vision, local groups like the Warren Park kids' hockey league – and have now partnered with ISAND to help fund scholarships for young adults with ASD.

About ISAND

The ISAND team of medical, psycho-social, educational and vocational experts is committed to a model of integrated service delivery, as an alternative to the costly, fragmented, ad hoc system that leaves individuals and family members searching for professionals and programs and facing untenable wait lists and sequential gaps in services over time. ISAND is a coalition of highly trained and experienced professionals dedicated to offering comprehensive, coordinated, innovative and evidence-based approaches to treating and managing Autism Spectrum and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. 

For more information, please contact:
Liz Teodorini
Principal, Hop Skip Marketing
416.996.4554
liz@hopskipmarketing.com

Media advisory and photo op – Cheque presentation to groundbreaking Toronto-based autism organization ISAND

January 14, 2016 – TORONTO, ON – In December, small business lender iCapital launched its second annual #givealatte, with the promise of matching every dollar donated up to $10,000. The funds raised are being given to Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ISAND), a Toronto-based organization rare in its offering of multiple research-based autism services and programs under one roof.

#givealatte surpassed the amount raised through #givealatte last year raising $10,582. With the additional matching donation of $10,000 from iCapital, ISAND will be receiving a cheque for $22,582 that will help pay for ISAND therapy, camps, programs that help young adult transition into the working world, family support, and basic infrastructure and centre supplies.

“We at ISAND are thrilled by the overwhelming response to the 2015 Give-A-Latte campaign, sponsored by iCapital,” says ISAND's Executive Director David Gray. “In just two weeks, we were able to raise a total of $22,585. The proceeds from Give-A-Latte will benefit a number of children and youth with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders who require professional services and programs. We are particularly appreciative of Anthony and his wonderful idea that inspired generosity from so many.”

This campaign is inspired by Anthony, the gentle, affectionate, happy 17-year-old nephew of Diane Capobianco from iCapital. Earlier this year Anthony and his family discovered ISAND and have been inspired by the organization. Anthony and iCapital want to help other families experience the phenomenal ISAND programs that have helped Anthony build his social skills and engage with the world around him.

“I know from personal experience what a difference this money will make to people with autism,” says Diane Capobianco of iCaptial. “Anthony has been working with ISAND to learn skills to manage everyday activities such as riding the subway—paying a TTC fare, standing behind the yellow line and traveling a longer distance. It is amazing to see his progress and to have an organization like ISAND available to work with people like Anthony. The programs that ISAND offer, and the continuity of services, are rare to find. When you do find them, you want to do everything you can to ensure their longevity and accessibility for other families. It’s so gratifying to be involved with such a worthwhile cause—especially one that is so near to my own heart.” 

Not only did the #givealatte campaign raise funds, it was also instrumental in boosting much-needed awareness about autism and ISAND. People’s knowledge about children with autism is great thanks to the efforts of a number of wonderful organizations. But fewer people know about what life is like for young people leaving the school system and entering adulthood. And rarely do people consider the strain autism puts on families. iCapital is thankful their effort inspired people to learn more, talk with their friends about autism, and spread the word on social media.

What: iCapital will be presenting the cheque to ISAND in a ceremony
Who:   iCapital representatives, campaign champion and ISAND client Anthony Capobianco and his family, iCapital executive director David Gray and iCapital staff

When: Friday, January 15th at 10:00 am
Where: ISAND offices at 5734 Yonge St #500, North York

iCapital named to best business loans list for 2020

The iCapital team is thrilled to announced that we’ve been named one of Canada’s best business loan providers in 2020 by Smarter Loans! Being recognized as one the best, particularly in a crowded industry, takes hard work. Our team has been working at this for a long time, so it’s a great feeling to be recognized for our effort. 

This “best of 2020” list recognizes financial companies with an established track record that consistently demonstrate a commitment to excellent product offerings, customer service, responsible lending practices, transparency and safety for all Canadians. 

“With all of the financing options available to small businesses, getting money for your business is straightforward – the tricky part is choosing a lender,” says Liz Teodorini, Customer Experience Team Leader, iCapital. “Having worked with hundreds of Canadian businesses, our advice is to choose a lender who’ll ensure you choose the best product for your needs, give you great service and help ensure you aren’t over-leveraging your business. Cost matters, but good service right from the start can save you more.”

At iCapital, for years we’ve placed a huge emphasis on offering our customers superior service in addition to competitive products. And every year we survey our customers to check that what we’re doing is making a difference. 

Smarter Loans is an online service that compares lenders and business loan rates. They wrote that they created this "best of" list "so you don’t have to look any further to find the best option for you and your business.” 

Read more about the award on Smarter Loans’ Best Business Loans for 2020 publication.

Read more about the award on Smarter Loans’ Best Business Loans for 2020 publication.

 

 

 

 

 

On January 27th, iCapital’s Give a Latte campaign gives $20,000 to Autism Ontario

January 20, 2015 – TORONTO, ON – In December, small business lender iCapital launched #givealatte, an Indiegogo-based campaign to fund Autism Ontario programs for youth and young adults living with autism. Participants were asked to forego their morning latte and donate the $5 instead. The initial goal of the campaign was $2,500, with iCapital pledging to match up to $10,000.

#givealatte ended up quadrupling its initial goal: through social media and word of mouth, it ended up raising $10,100! In fact, the campaign hit its $2,500 funding goal within a few hours of launch, doubled it by the end of the week, and ended up with 400% by the time it closed on December 28th, 2014. And, with the additional matching donation of $10,000 from iCapital (less handling fees for Indigogo and PayPal), Autism Ontario will be receiving a cheque for $20,000 to fund vital youth and adult programs.

iCapital will be presenting the cheque to Autism Ontario in a ceremony on Tuesday, January 27th at 10:00 am at the Autism Ontario offices at 1179 King Street West, Suite 004, Toronto.

“This is truly ‘the little campaign that could,’” says Maya Chendke, Marketing Director for iCapital. “We couldn’t be more pleased by its success. Crowdfunding is such a great tool for raising money for things that matter – and for getting the word out about issues that need our attention.”

Inspired by Anthony, the 16-year-old nephew of Diane Capobianco of iCaptial, the campaign focused on raising money to create scholarships for young adults with autism – a group that is chronically underfunded due to lack of awareness. These $500 scholarships cover programs to help with life skills, one-on-one learning, encouraging personal interests, and helping youth and adults engage with the world around them.

“I know from personal experience what a difference this money will make to young people with autism,” says Diane Capobianco of iCaptial. “There are so many expenses that go with having a child with autism, from programs to caregivers to requiring that a parent stay at home and forego an income. $500 doesn’t sound like a lot, but it can help with school tuition, pay for activities and care, and even help young adults with autism start their own businesses. It’s so gratifying to be involved with such a worthwhile cause – especially one that is so near to my own heart.” 

Not only did the #givealatte campaign raise funds, it was also instrumental in boosting much-needed awareness about a group that tends to get ignored. There’s plenty of information out there about children with autism, but fewer people know about what life is like for young people leaving the school system and entering adulthood. The campaign showed that autism doesn’t end with adulthood, although funding for it often does. By giving a latte, people gave a lot more than they realize.

About iCapital

iCapital is the best small business loan alternative in Canada. The “i” stands for “intelligent,” and it really is the smartest and easiest way for entrepreneurs to get access to the money they need. The funds are repaid over time through a small percentage of daily credit and debit card sales. There is no interest, no payment due dates and no restrictions on how the funds are used – it can go to anything from purchasing equipment and advertising to buying out a partner, expanding, and solving cash flow challenges.

To show their gratitude, iCapital makes yearly donations to help make their community a better place. They proudly support World Vision, local groups like the Warren Park kids' hockey league – and have now partnered with Autism Ontario to help fund scholarships for young adults with ASD.

About Autism Ontario

Autism Ontario’s mission is to ensure that each individual with ASD has the means achieve quality of life as a respected member of society. They are a province-wide source of information and referrals on autism and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. They focus on increasing awareness about the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, providing information and education, supporting families, driving research, and advocating for programs and services.

Do I Qualify?

Check Eligibility

Do I Qualify?

Unfortunately you are not eligible at this time, but things change! Let's stay in touch.
We will contact you if our requirements change and will keep you up to date with our latest services so you wont miss out.
ENTER YOUR INFORMATION BELOW