
Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE)
Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
Support for racialized and Indigenous entrepreneurs in Ontario
Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $10,000
Timeline
- Closing date : October 30, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
- Accommodation and food services
Grant Providers
- Government of Ontario
Program status
Closed
Overview of the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program
The Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) Grant Program provides eligible Indigenous, Black, and other racialized entrepreneurs in Ontario with a one-time grant of $10,000. The program aims to support business development through training, culturally tailored coaching, and networking opportunities, with the funds required to be used for activities outlined in an approved Business Action Plan.
Financing terms and conditions
- One-time grant of $10,000 per eligible business owner.
- Funds are provided via Electronic Fund Transfer to a designated business bank account upon completion of program requirements, including business development training, coaching, and a validated Business Action Plan.
- Recipients must submit a final report with summary of receipts for eligible expenses by September 30, 2025.
Eligible projects & activities
- Business development training and capacity building for racialized and Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Business coaching tailored to the cultural and operational needs of participants.
- Networking initiatives to connect entrepreneurs with mentors and industry peers.
- Execution of a Business Action Plan designed to support business growth and sustainability.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 10,000
Launch of a digital marketing campaign for a social enterprise promoting recycled products
$ 10,000
Design a responsive website for a non-profit organization to facilitate community donations
$ 10,000
Development of a new e-commerce website to increase online sales of local crafts
$ 10,000
Upgrade to digital inventory management system for local sole proprietorship grocery store
$ 10,000
Implementation of digital tools for a more efficient financial management cooperative
$ 10,000
Creation of a digital platform for a local food cooperative to improve member engagement
Eligibility criteria of the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program
- The business must be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.
- The business must operate in Ontario as of October 2, 2024.
- The business must employ 1 to 5 full-time equivalent employees (or up to 10 for the Accommodation and Food Services sector), including the owner.
- The business must have annual revenue of up to $750,000 and demonstrate active sales/revenue (not just an idea or unproven product/service).
- The business owner must self-identify as Indigenous, Black, or another racialized individual, be 18 years or older, legally allowed to operate a business in Canada, live in Ontario, and have at least 50% ownership or entitlement to 50% of the business's proceeds.
Who is eligible?
- Small businesses owned by Indigenous, Black, or other racialized individuals operating in Ontario
- Businesses in the Accommodation and Food Services sector (with specific employee limits)
Who is not eligible
- Franchises, including those individually owned and operated.
- Not-for-profit organizations or charities.
- Crown corporations, government agencies, public administrations, or political organizations.
- Businesses primarily involved in tobacco, firearms, weapons (except traditional Indigenous purposes), or sexually exploitative activities.
- Property rental businesses, including residential, commercial, and student housing.
Eligible expenses
- Fees for professional third-party services and expertise.
- Marketing and communications costs (e.g., print media, signage, promotional ads).
- Digital transformation costs (e.g., website, digital marketing, software).
- Travel costs necessary to attain Business Action Plan objectives.
- Capital costs including point-of-sale (POS) systems, small equipment and tools.
- Business-related materials and supplies.
- Knowledge development activities (e.g., training, certifications).
- Costs related to attaining disability or accommodation supports.
Eligible geographic areas
- Businesses operating in Ontario
Eligibility criteria of the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program
- Completeness and accuracy of the application and the required documents.
- Clear justification of the need and intended use of the funding.
- Commitment of the applicant to participate in training and support, as well as to develop a business action plan.
- Speed of submission of the application, with applications processed in the order received until capacity is reached.
How to apply to the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program
1
Start Application Process
- Click the 'Apply now' button at the top of the grant webpage.
- Log in to the Transfer Payment Ontario system with MyOntario account credentials, or create a new MyOntario account if one does not exist.
2
Access Application Form
Locate and click on the 'RAISE' menu card to access the online application form.
3
Fill Out Application
Complete all required fields in the application form, which can be saved as a draft at any time using 'Save as draft'.
4
Submit Application
- Review the completed application for accuracy.
- Submit the application once all required information is filled out.
5
Alternative Submission for Indigenous-owned Businesses
- If applicable, request access to the fillable Adobe PDF Application Form by emailing raise@ontario.ca.
- Complete the PDF form and email it back to raise@ontario.ca, or mail it to the address specified for the RAISE Grant Program.
Additional information
- Applicants unable to use the online application may request a fillable PDF form, particularly intended for First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Indigenous-owned businesses with connectivity issues.
- Approved applicants will be required to provide a business bank account in the same legal or operating name as the CRA business number for payment purposes; personal accounts are not permitted.
- Applicants must attest to having commercial general liability insurance with coverage of at least $2 million, listing the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism as additional insured, with specific conditions for the insurance certificate.
- Applicants missing information after review will be contacted and have 5 business days to provide outstanding details, during which time other complete applications may be approved.
Contact Government of Ontario
raise@ontario.ca
1-888-975-5502
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