
A Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporation (LSVCC) is a unique investment opportunity that allows individuals to invest in small and medium-sized businesses.
LSVCCs were created to provide a way for individuals to invest in Canadian businesses, with the goal of generating both financial returns and social benefits.
These corporations are sponsored by labour organizations, such as unions and professional associations, which provide a significant portion of the initial investment capital.
In exchange for their investment, LSVCC shareholders receive a share of the profits and losses of the businesses in which the corporation invests.
What is LSVCC?
LSVCC stands for Labour-sponsored venture capital corporation.
It's a type of investment fund that allows individuals to invest in small businesses and start-ups.
The Canadian government introduced the Labour-sponsored venture capital program in 1982 to encourage investments in small businesses.
This program allows individuals to invest in LSVCCs, which in turn invest in small businesses, providing them with the necessary capital to grow and expand.
LSVCCs are typically sponsored by labour unions, professional associations, and other organizations that want to support entrepreneurship.
These organizations often provide matching funds to the investments made by their members, increasing the overall impact of the investments.
Benefits and Risks
Labour-sponsored venture capital corporations offer several benefits, including tax credits to investors, which can be up to 20% of their investment.
This can be a significant incentive for individuals to invest in these corporations, especially those who are looking for a way to reduce their tax liability.
The tax credits are available to investors who hold shares in the corporation for at least two years, providing a clear timeline for investors to plan around.
However, there are also risks associated with investing in labour-sponsored venture capital corporations, including the potential for significant losses if the investments do not perform well.
Investors should be aware that the value of their shares can fluctuate, and there is a risk that they may not get back their initial investment.
LSVCC Benefits
The LSVCC offers several benefits to investors, businesses, and the economy as a whole. By investing in the LSVCC, investors can diversify their portfolios and potentially earn a solid return on their investment.

Investors receive tax incentives for investing in the LSVCC, which can significantly enhance their returns. This can be a game-changer for those looking to maximize their investment earnings.
The LSVCC provides much-needed venture capital for businesses, allowing them to grow and expand. This can lead to the creation of new jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Businesses also gain access to a network of experienced business professionals who can provide valuable advice and guidance.
LSVCC Risks
LSVCCs come with their own set of risks and rewards, and they're not for every investor.
The holding period for LSVCCs is eight years, and if sold before then, you'll have to pay taxes and/or penalties.
You'll need to consider your risk tolerance and overall investment goals when buying shares in an LSVCC, just like you would with company stock or mutual funds.
Academics and financial experts have criticized LSVCCs, saying they're an ineffective way to stimulate a healthy venture capital sector.
Returns for many LSVCC investments have been less than impressive, especially following the dot-com bubble.
Investment Strategy and Governance

The LSVCC's investment strategy is guided by strict government regulations, ensuring that investments are sound and in the best interests of investors and the businesses they support. The government's oversight provides a level of security for investors.
To qualify for government tax incentives, investors must adhere to specific guidelines. This encourages individuals to invest in LSVCCs, which in turn provides much-needed venture capital to businesses.
Government regulation is crucial to the LSVCC's operation, providing a framework for sound management and investment decisions.
LSVC Investment Strategy
The LSVCC's investment strategy is a unique approach that sets it apart from traditional venture capital funds. Unlike these funds, the LSVCC invests in a wide range of industries, reducing risk and ensuring a steady return on investment.
This diversification is a key factor in the LSVCC's success, allowing it to spread its investments across multiple sectors and minimize its exposure to any one particular market.
The LSVCC takes a long-term approach to its investments, often providing capital and support to businesses for several years. This approach enables the LSVCC to build strong relationships with the businesses it invests in and reap the benefits of their growth and success over time.
Governance and Reporting

Governance and reporting are crucial aspects of a well-structured investment strategy. A clear and transparent reporting framework is essential to ensure that investors have access to accurate and timely information about their investments.
Regular reporting can help to build trust with investors and stakeholders, and is a key component of good governance. This can include quarterly or annual reports, as well as regular updates on investment performance.
Effective governance involves setting clear goals and objectives, and establishing a framework for decision-making and accountability. This can include establishing a board of directors or investment committee to oversee investment decisions.
A well-designed reporting framework can also help to identify and mitigate potential risks, and to ensure that investments are aligned with the organization's overall strategy and goals. By providing regular and transparent reporting, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to good governance and accountability.
Purpose of Proposed Transactions
The purpose of the proposed transactions is to achieve significant cost savings by combining the management, administration, marketing, and back office functions of the involved companies, resulting in increased economies of scale.

This will create a larger, more efficient investment pool to improve the prospects for achieving positive returns for investors. The Merger structure seeks to very substantially reduce transaction costs compared to a statutory amalgamation.
By eliminating the need for a court process and reducing the volume of materials that must be printed and mailed to shareholders, the transaction costs are significantly minimized. The proposed transaction also aims to reduce unfunded risks associated with unknown claims that may arise after the Merger date.
LSVCC market consolidation and rationalization, where smaller, uneconomic funds merge to create larger, more efficient funds, should be encouraged. The proposed transaction seeks to implement an efficient structure to achieve this outcome.
Investments and Companies
LSVCCs offer a unique investment opportunity that's not typically accessible through conventional investment vehicles. This is because the money investors put into these firms is a form of venture capital, which is meant for start-up companies that aren't yet listed on a stock exchange.
These start-up companies are often too small or too young to secure conventional bank financing, making LSVCCs a viable option. They're also looking to further support the expansion of their business during a high growth cycle.
In an LSVCC, investors' money is distributed among a number of businesses, which can help reduce risk by diversifying the portfolio of assets.
Companies Invested In
Companies invested in LSVCCs are typically small to mid-sized businesses that are in a high growth cycle and looking to expand their operations. These companies are often too small or too young to secure conventional bank financing.
LSVCCs offer an asset class that is normally not accessible through conventional investment vehicles, making them an attractive option for investors seeking high returns.
Investors' money is distributed among a number of these businesses, which helps to reduce the risk associated with investing in individual companies.
These companies have potential for substantial growth and high returns down the line if they succeed, making them an exciting opportunity for investors.
LSVCC fund companies are able to provide sought-after strategic guidance and operational support to the companies they invest in.
The money investors put into these firms is a form of venture capital, which is a key factor in the growth and development of these businesses.
Investments

The LSVCC's investment strategy is a breath of fresh air in the world of venture capital. It diversifies its investments across a wide range of industries, reducing risk and ensuring a steady return on investment.
This approach allows the LSVCC to take a long-term view, investing in businesses for several years and providing them with the capital and support they need to grow and succeed.
Tax and Financial
Tax credits can be a significant incentive for investing in Labour-sponsored venture capital corporations (LSVCCs). The federal government offers a 5% tax credit for federally registered LSVCCs, while some provinces offer an additional 15% tax credit.
Some provinces, like Ontario, have phased out their labour-sponsored funds tax credit, eliminating it as of January 1, 2012. However, other provinces continue to offer this credit.
Investors who buy an LSVCC in their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) can receive both the tax credits and the usual tax deduction for their RRSP contributions.
LSVCC fund companies tend to use their investment in a company to buy an equity stake. They also negotiate to have members of their portfolio management team hold positions on the company's board of directors.
Here are some examples of LSVCC fund companies that offer tax credits:
- Fonds de solidarité FTQ
- Fondaction
- GrowthWorks Capital
Tax Credits
Tax credits can be a great incentive for Canadian retail investors to invest in Labour Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCCs).
The federal government and some provincial governments offer tax credits to encourage investment in LSVCCs.
Prior to 2015, the federal government offered a 15% tax credit on a maximum investment amount of $5,000 per year, worth up to $750.
The federal LSVCC credit was reduced to 10% for 2015, 5% for 2016, and was to be eliminated for 2017 and later years.
Some provinces offer a tax credit, often 15%, in addition to the federal credits.
The Ontario government has phased out the labour-sponsored funds tax credit, so no longer offers this tax credit to investors.
Here are some examples of provincial tax credits:
- Fonds de solidarité FTQ
- Fondaction
- GrowthWorks Capital
Realizing Gains

Realizing gains in a LSVCC investment can be a long-term process. It's not uncommon for LSVCC fund companies to hold onto their investments for an extended period of time, sometimes several years.
There are three main ways to realize gains in a LSVCC investment: selling the investment to a larger company, exiting through an initial public offering, or capital appreciation in the value of the investment.
LSVCC fund companies typically invest in small companies and negotiate for a seat on the board of directors to have a say in future decisions. This allows them to guide the company towards growth and eventual sale or IPO.
The holding period for LSVCC investments can be lengthy due to the time it takes for small companies to meet the criteria for sale or IPO. However, the primary goal of LSVCC fund managers is to achieve a superior rate of return through a timely disposition of each investment.
The three main ways to realize gains in a LSVCC investment can be summarized as follows:
- Selling the investment to a larger company
- Exiting through an initial public offering
- Capital appreciation in the value of the investment
Government Involvement and History

The Canadian government played a key role in the creation of the LSVCC in the 1980s. They collaborated with labour unions to address the perceived lack of venture capital for small and medium-sized businesses.
The LSVCC was designed to pool the resources of union members to invest in businesses that needed capital for growth and expansion. This innovative approach was a response to the economic needs of the time.
The LSVCC has since become an integral part of the Canadian financial system, and its model has been adopted in other countries as well.
History
The idea behind Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCCs) was first proposed in the Canadian province of Quebec in 1982.
The province was in the midst of a recession and the lack of capital in small and mid-sized companies had caused numerous bankruptcies.
The Quebec Federation of Labour proposed a Solidarity Fund at a provincial economic summit conference in 1982 to help the province create a locally controlled healthy and sustainable economy.

This new type of fund slowly began to spread across the rest of Canada during the 1980s.
But it wasn't until the late 1990s that LSVCCs became truly noteworthy outside Quebec, thanks in equal part to generous tax breaks from federal and provincial governments and attractive returns to investors.
Returns for LSVCCs have generally been stagnant since the 2000s, due in part to the bursting of the technology bubble.
LSVCCs must be "sponsored" by a labour union, which is able to appoint members to the fund's board of directors.
Government Involvement in LSVCC
The government plays a crucial role in the operation of Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCCs). It provides oversight and regulation to ensure that the LSVCC is managed properly and that its investments are sound.
The government's involvement in LSVCCs is a result of their initial proposal in Quebec in 1982, as a response to the province's recession. This proposal led to the creation of the Solidarity Fund, which aimed to attract venture capital to smaller Quebec firms.

To encourage individuals to invest in LSVCCs, the government provides tax incentives. This is a key factor in the growth and adoption of LSVCCs outside of Quebec, particularly in the late 1990s.
The government's regulation ensures that LSVCCs operate in the best interests of their investors and the businesses they invest in. This includes strict rules and regulations, which are designed to provide a level of security for investors.
The government's oversight also ensures that LSVCCs fulfill their mandate of providing venture capital to businesses in need. This is crucial for the growth and development of small and medium-sized businesses.
Here are some key aspects of government involvement in LSVCCs:
- Government registration and regulation
- Strict rules and regulations
- Provision of tax incentives
- Oversight to ensure LSVCCs operate in the best interests of investors and businesses
Key Takeaways
A labor-sponsored venture capital corporation (LSVCC) is a unique way for labor unions to support Canadian businesses. They're organized to provide venture funding specifically to small and mid-sized Canadian companies.
Investors can easily get involved by purchasing shares in LSVCCs, just like they would with mutual funds.
LSVCCs are among the largest providers of venture capital to small and mid-sized Canadian businesses, making a significant impact on the economy.
These corporations were created to stimulate growth and boost the Canadian economy by investing in startups and other Canadian businesses.
Work and Special Considerations

Labour-sponsored venture capital corporations (LSVCCs) work by collecting money from multiple investors, pooling it together, and investing it in small and mid-sized Canadian businesses. These businesses are often high-risk and high-growth.
LSVCCs were created to help boost growth and stimulate the Canadian economy by investing in startups and other Canadian businesses. They are among the largest providers of venture capital in the country.
There are two types of LSVCCs: federally-regulated funds and those regulated by individual provinces or territories. The latter are subject to the rules and regulations of the jurisdiction in which they are registered.
Investors in LSVCCs can receive tax credits, but these are subject to change. For tax years before 2017, investors received a 5% tax credit for shares purchased in federal LSVCCs.
Here's a breakdown of the tax credits available for investors in LSVCCs:
Note that the tax credit program has undergone changes, and investors no longer receive credit for investments in federally registered LSVCCs for tax years 2017 and beyond.
Work

LSVCCs are sponsored by labor unions or other labor organizations, which is a key aspect of how they work. They collect money from multiple investors, pooling it together to invest in small and mid-sized Canadian businesses.
The first LSVCC was proposed in 1982 in Quebec, which was going through a recession at the time. This was a response to the province's need for capital in small businesses.
Labor unions must be the sponsors of these corporations, as the name Labor-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations suggests. They are similar to mutual fund companies, collecting money from investors to invest in high-risk and high-growth businesses.
LSVCCs were created to help boost growth and stimulate the Canadian economy, investing in startups and other Canadian businesses. This is a key goal of these entities.
They are among the largest providers of venture capital in the country, and were created to help boost growth and stimulate the Canadian economy.
Special Considerations

There are two types of Labour-Supported Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCCs) - federally-regulated funds and those regulated by individual provinces or territories.
Investors in provincially registered LSVCCs might receive a tax credit of up to 15% on their federal income tax returns.
These tax credits were capped at investments of up to $5,000 each year, with a maximum of $750 in tax relief.
Individuals were also able to hold shares of LSVCCs in their registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs), which also provide tax relief.
Canadian investors can no longer receive tax credits for federally-registered LSVCCs for the 2017 or future tax years.
Some provinces and territories provide their own tax credits, but Ontario scrapped its credit for the 2012 tax year and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Labour sponsored investment fund?
Labour Sponsored Investment Funds (LSIFs) are investment vehicles sponsored by labour organizations that support small to mid-size Canadian businesses with fewer than 500 employees and less than $50 million in assets. They offer a unique way for investors to support local businesses while potentially earning returns.
What is the tax credit for labor sponsored funds?
The tax credit for labor sponsored funds is 32.5% on the first $5,000 invested annually, comprised of 17.5% provincial and 15% federal credits.
What is a venture capital corporation?
Venture capital corporations provide financing to startup companies and small businesses with long-term growth potential. They invest in promising ventures to help them scale and achieve success.
Sources
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/lsvcc.asp
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labour-sponsored_venture_capital_corporation
- https://tiomarkets.com/article/labour-sponsored-venture-capital-corporation
- https://www.canlii.org/en/mb/laws/stat/ccsm-c-l12/latest/ccsm-c-l12.html
- https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/lsvcc
- https://taxinterpretations.com/cra/severed-letters/2005-0129801r3
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