Innovation

Canvergence started over ten years ago in Canada, and was founded by John and his wife, who used their real estate experience to connect with people who cannot get a home loan from major Canadian banks. Their primary goal is to help achieve win-win outcomes for investors, partners, and clients by carefully balancing the needs of all parties involved and prioritizing people over profit. They offer a “Rent-to-Own” program, allowing the rent paid to work towards owning the home, thereby helping renters build equity. Canvergence works alongside private investors who care about making money in a way that uplifts their community and benefits others. Canvergence offers a flexible, human-driven approach to helping Canadians find housing that helps create more sustainable cities and communities, improves the quality of life for those involved, and reduces inequality through meaningful financial education. This directly connects with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 4, and 11.

At their core, Canvergence operates based on its values, which John describes as the Three E’s: Ethics, Empathy, and Excellence. They strive to treat everyone involved fairly, communicate openly and honestly with all parties, and continually seek to ensure that the housing they provide is safe, comfortable, and affordable. Their commitment to Excellence is reflected by their 100% investor retention rate, a rare and notable accomplishment for any investment firm, let alone one that prioritizes people over profits.

Inspiration

John was inspired by his own lived experience, as well as witnessing how housing was a significant source of financial and emotional stress for Canadians. With a background in both education and real estate investment, John and his wife have firsthand knowledge of the challenges involved in achieving mutually beneficial outcomes in the real estate market. In one case, an asset they shared was actually costing them almost $1,000 CAD per month, highlighting the difficulty of navigating the Canadian real estate market, even for well-educated professionals like themselves. John and his wife developed the skill set they needed to make Canvergence a reality by leveraging the knowledge they had acquired during their careers, alongside the “Trust Your Talent Academy,” a program that teaches about money and property investing. What they learned there completely changed how they thought about wealth and helped them achieve the win-win outcomes they sought successfully. Recently, John has combined Canvergence with his passion for education and has been developing a series of workshops for Vancouver and Toronto to help Canadians build their financial literacy and learn about the tools they can use to make housing affordable, stress-free, and wealth-building. His classes not only teach this but also help people understand how to use their resources to create wealth. 

Overall impact

Since its inception, Canvergence has generated remarkable social value, having successfully helped many families who were unable to secure traditional mortgages and loans achieve their dream of homeownership through their “Rent-to-Own” program. Additionally, all private investors involved have been able to build their wealth without compromising on their social ethics and values. Canvergence can turn a profit, keep investors happy, and all the while help vulnerable groups build wealth, financial literacy, and reduce stress in their lives, which is no small feat. Witnessing the emotional moments when these families received their new house keys provides the most direct evidence of the project’s social benefits. These cases demonstrate that an investment model guided by ethical principles can both support vulnerable groups and maintain commercial sustainability. The company has maintained a 100% investor retention rate, confirming that integrity-based business principles possess enduring vitality. With the growing number of families waiting to participate in the program, this innovative model demonstrates substantial exemplary value and expansion potential across Canada.

While providing real estate solutions most obviously aligns with the SDGs for improving overall health and well-being, as well as creating sustainable communities, this innovation also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal of providing quality education. The people-driven approach of Canvergence means that everyone involved, from those seeking housing to private investors, relies on honest, clear communication and a willingness to educate and explain so that all parties clearly understand what they are agreeing to. In addition to this, John and his wife have also established several scholarship/student award programs throughout the Metro Vancouver area, creating opportunities for students in need to receive a quality education, regardless of their financial standing. In any case, these measures align with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. Canvergence’s influence is also reflected in how it has reshaped the social role of business organizations. Practice has proven that real estate investment can not only generate profits but also benefit the most vulnerable members of our communities by providing stable housing and promoting social equity through educational empowerment.

Business benefit

John’s personal motto of “people over profits” is at the core of achieving long-term financial stability and strong trust from all stakeholders. Their approach strikes a balance between creating positive social change and achieving sustainable profit and growth. It takes a long-sighted and holistic approach to defining success in a short-sighted and profit-centric setting. Canvergence has attracted a dedicated group of investors who believe not only in the values and change that Canvergence promotes, but also in its long-term viability in a rapidly evolving world. Their 100% retention rate most clearly reflects this dedication and trust from private investors. “When people see that we put safety, doing what’s right, and respect for people first,” he said, “they believe in us—and that belief is what allows us to keep growing for the long term.” Their impact is scaling throughout Canada, from Vancouver to New Brunswick. Their diverse portfolio of assets reflects their tenacity in the face of increasingly volatile markets. Canvergence’s alignment with the UN SDGs is not simply a means to create positive change, but a competitive edge. Their dedication to community and trust make them a uniquely resilient firm that attracts investors for reasons beyond immediate monetary gain. Their achievements demonstrate that investing in line with strong ethics is not a barrier—it is an edge that not only enhances their earnings but also creates meaningful change in society.

Canvergence doesn’t just treat their partners well; however, they make a point to create a respectful, honest, and safe environment for all stakeholders and partners, from accountants to property managers. John understands that sustainability extends beyond contributing towards the UNSDGs, but also by cultivating a respectful culture. From seasonal thank-you gifts for partners, investors, and all other stakeholders, to a commitment to treating others with the empathy they deserve, Canvergence demonstrates that sustainability can impact the work environment just as much as our cities and communities.

Social and environmental benefit

The most significant contribution of this innovation to society lies in promoting housing equity and financial inclusion. As many families are unable to enter the market due to damaged credit scores, the inability to make the first down payment on a mortgage, or one of the many other barriers of the traditional financial system, Canvergence provides them with the opportunity to access housing through unorthodox, yet effective programs. From private lending to their rent-to-own program, Canvergence fills the gaps left by the rigid practices of large financial institutions, helping more Canadians put their money to work for their future. Through Canvergence, individuals who were previously excluded from the traditional system can now achieve housing stability, reach their financial goals, and alleviate economic anxiety. This not only meets their immediate need for housing but also allows participants to take other steps to improve the quality of their lives, whether that means engaging more with their community or simply being able to afford nutritious and high-quality food. Housing stability not only enhances the sense of security in life but also helps improve mental health and family relationships, bringing greater cohesion and security to the community.

In addition to housing support, the company also enhances social financial literacy through education and consultation. During the cooperation process, the company emphasizes transparent communication, explaining to customers and investment partners different financing methods, risks and return paths, and assisting those facing cash flow pressure or debt difficulties in formulating solutions. This empowerment model helps individuals transition from a “survival” to a “growth” mindset. The innovation’s most significant contribution lies in promoting housing equity and financial inclusiveness. Canvergence provides stakeholders with opportunities to enter the housing ladder through private lending, rental purchase schemes and multi-family housing investments, allowing more Canadians to obtain stable housing and financial development opportunities.

Furthermore, the company attaches great importance to social contributions, with a particular focus on promoting equal access to education. Every year, funds are allocated from the company’s profits to support scholarship programs. Currently, they are establishing long-term financial reward programs at SFU, BCIT and KPU in the Metro Vancouver area. It can provide continuous support to students who need it. The company firmly prioritizes education because it can change life trajectories, enhance the overall well-being of society, and promote sustainable community development. This has enhanced the company’s social influence and promoted a long-term social ecosystem.

Interview

John Grant, President & CEO