Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE)

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Who is eligible for the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program?

To be eligible for the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program, you must: • Registered small business with the Canada Revenue Agency • Operates in Ontario with annual revenue up to $750,000 • Employs 1-5 full-time equivalent employees (up to 10 in Accommodation and Food Services)

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE)?

You can contact Government of Ontario by email at raise@ontario.ca or by phone at 1-888-975-5502.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program.

Q: Are Black Canadians eligible for the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program?

Yes, Black Canadians are eligible to apply for the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Support for racialized and Indigenous entrepreneurs in Ontario

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

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

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.

Activities funded

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

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

Selection criteria

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

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.

Access Application Form

Locate and click on the 'RAISE' menu card to access the online application form.

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'.

Submit Application

Review the completed application for accuracy.
Submit the application once all required information is filled out.

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.

Documents and links

Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE)

Contacts

raise@ontario.ca

1-888-975-5502

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.