How much funding can be received?

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.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The RAISE grant provides financial support and training to eligible entrepreneurs, aiming to foster growth and sustainability. The funding follows specific conditions to ensure compliance and impactful utilization of the grant.

Recipients receive a one-time grant of $10,000.
Funds are distributed via Electronic Fund Transfer into the recipient's business account.
Grant payment is contingent upon completing required business development training and a Business Action Plan.
Report back is required by September 30, 2025, detailing how the funds were spent, with a summary of receipts related to eligible expenses.
Failure to comply with the reporting requirements may impact the eligibility for future funding.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports entrepreneurial activities for Indigenous, Black, and other racialized entrepreneurs in Ontario. The eligible projects are designed to advance business development and growth through targeted investments.

Professional services and expertise to enhance business operations.
Marketing and communications initiatives such as promotional ads and signage.
Digital transformation efforts including website development and digital marketing.
Travel expenses essential to achieving business objectives as part of the Business Action Plan.
Purchase of capital assets like point-of-sale systems, and necessary equipment and tools.
Procurement of business-related materials and supplies.
Knowledge development activities, such as obtaining training and certifications.
Acquisition of disability/accommodation supports as needed for the business.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 10,000

Development of a new e-commerce website to increase online sales of local crafts

$ 10,000

Launch of a digital marketing campaign for a social enterprise promoting recycled products

$ 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

Design a responsive website for a non-profit organization to facilitate community donations

$ 10,000

Creation of a digital platform for a local food cooperative to improve member engagement

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the RAISE grant program requires that businesses meet specific criteria and conditions related to the nature of the business and the ownership requirements.

Businesses must be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Employ 1 to 5 full-time equivalent employees, including the business owner, or up to 10 employees for businesses in the Accommodation and Food Services sector.
Operate in Ontario as of October 2, 2024.
Have an annual revenue of up to $750,000.
Be in the market demonstrating sales/revenue; businesses with ideas only or unproven products/services are not eligible.
Demonstrate need for and intended use of the grant funding.
The nature of the business must be legal under applicable laws in Ontario and Canada.
Attest to compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and hate-related laws under the Criminal Code.
The business must not be a franchise, not-for-profit organization, charity, crown corporation, government agency, political organization, or involve illegal or harmful activities, among other exclusions.
Business owners must be Indigenous, Black, or other racialized individuals aged 18 or older.
Owners must legally be permitted to operate a business in Canada and currently live and operate their business in Ontario.
Business owners must be the sole proprietor, own at least 50% of the business, or have an entitlement to at least 50% of proceeds if the business is a partnership.
Committed to participating in the program's training and coaching components, including networking, and developing a Business Action Plan.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) Grant is available to small business owners in Ontario who self-identify as Indigenous, Black, or other racialized individuals. To be eligible, the applicant's business must be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency, operate in Ontario, employ between 1 and 5 full-time equivalent employees (or up to 10 in the Accommodation and Food Services sector), have an annual revenue of up to $750,000, and demonstrate sales or revenue. The business must not have participated in the RAISE grant program in previous years, and it must comply with relevant legal requirements under Canadian and Ontario law.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant has specific exclusions to ensure funds are directed toward eligible businesses that meet the program's objectives. Several types of businesses, based on their status or main activities, are not eligible for the RAISE grant.

Businesses or applicants that participated in the RAISE grant program in previous years.
Mature businesses planning for exit through sale.
Franchises, including those individually owned and operated.
Not-for-profit organizations or charities.
Crown corporations, government agencies, public administrations or political organizations.
Businesses involved in illegal, harmful or sexually exploitive activities.
Businesses that process or sell firearms, other weapons and related equipment, except for traditional Indigenous cultural or spiritual purposes.
Property rental businesses, including residential, commercial and student housing.
Quasi-financial institutions or money service and money transfer businesses, including insurance companies and financial services companies.
Cryptocurrency businesses and traders.
Businesses involved in brokering funds or taking on fiduciary duties handling funds for clients, including investment, insurance, and real estate brokers handling funds in trust for clients.
Collection agencies.
Businesses that raise investment capital for other businesses.
Businesses with shares offered for public sale.
Businesses that limit memberships for purposes other than capacity or regulations.
Early development businesses, specifically those only at the idea stage and not yet registered with the CRA.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for the grant must be related to the Business Action Plan created as part of the program.

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/accommodation supports.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas within Ontario, Canada. It is aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs who are Indigenous, Black, or other racialized individuals.

Businesses operating in Ontario, Canada.

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Business location within eligible area
Eligibility of the applicant based on program requirements
Demonstrated need for funding/support
Viability and impact of proposed project
Economic benefits to the community

grant_single_labels|register

Step 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.
Step 2: Access Application Form
Locate and click on the 'RAISE' menu card to access the online application form.
Step 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'.
Step 4: Submit Application
Review the completed application for accuracy.
Submit the application once all required information is filled out.
Step 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.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until program capacity is reached.
Participants are required to engage in training and coaching for a minimum of 10 hours.
Participants must complete a Business Action Plan to be eligible for funding.
Recipients will be required to submit a report confirming grant usage by September 30, 2025.
Funds are delivered through direct deposit after approval and completion of program requirements.
For Indigenous-owned businesses facing connectivity issues, a PDF application is available upon request.