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Source verified July 11, 2026
Rise — Small Business Lending
Low-interest loans and mentorship for small businesses
Latest source updateLast Update: July 11, 2026Latest change: Rise’s Small Business Lending Program now shows new eligibility, a multi-step application process, and updated loan terms including a $500 minimum and prime + 2.5% interest.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 11, 2026
Latest change: Rise’s Small Business Lending Program now shows new eligibility, a multi-step application process, and updated loan terms including a $500 minimum and prime + 2.5% interest.
Small Business Lending Program Updated
Rise’s Small Business Lending Program now shows updated eligibility and application details on the main program page. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, live in Canada, be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident, and be unable to access traditional bank financing; the application also now starts with a program application, then an information session, advisor review, and a later loan application. The loan terms shown on the page have also changed to micro-financing from $500 to $10,000, with interest at prime + 2.5%, repayment support, and disbursement within 15 days after approval. The required loan package now includes a business plan, one-year cash flow projection, Notice of Assessment, Equifax credit report, and other supporting documentation as required.
Funding available
$ 500 - $ 10,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Rise’s Small Business Lending Program offers flexible financing of up to $10,000 to Canadian entrepreneurs living in Canada who self-identify as having experienced mental health or addiction challenges. It supports launching or growing small businesses with mentorship, business plan review, and resources to improve financial management.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Minimum amount : 500 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Launching a small business.
- Growing an existing small business.
Documents Needed
- Rise application form.
- Business plan and 1-year cash flow projection.
- Resume.
- Equifax credit report and credit score, dated no more than three months prior to review.
- Prior year CRA Notice of Assessment and other supporting documentation as required, including business registration, legal Canadian status, photo ID, and confirmation of home address.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Motivated entrepreneurs.
- Individuals aged 16 and over who are Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents living in Canada.
- Individuals who self-identify as having experienced mental health and/or addiction challenges.
Who is not eligible
- People who are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.
- Individuals who do not self-identify as having experienced mental health and/or addiction challenges.
- Applicants in active bankruptcy, behind on child support payments, or owing government taxes.
Selection criteria
- Stage of business development.
- Viability of the business concept.
- Capacity to repay the loan.
- Behaviour and how the applicant manages debt.
- Ability to make responsible financial decisions and manage business and personal finances.
How to apply
- Submit an online application form.
- Attend the virtual information session after submitting the application.
- Work with a business advisor to get loan-ready and complete the loan application package.
- Apply for the loan once the package is ready.
Processing and Agreement
- During the lending process, Rise may contact two personal references who are not family members.
- A recent Credit Report and Credit Score dated no more than three months prior to review is required, and Rise will pull your credit file from Equifax with your consent.
- If approved, the loan will be disbursed into your account within 15 days.
- After approval and disbursement, you may have the option to apply for one year of mentorship.
Additional information
- Once a Rise loan is approved, clients may apply for one year of one-on-one mentorship.
- Rise mentorship, the Rise Community, and other wrap-around supports are only available to Rise lending and training program clients.
- The Rise Community is an online client-support platform for lending clients and graduates of training programs.
- Rise can also review business plans and provide resources to improve business skills and financial management.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rise — Small Business Lending Program
What is the Rise — Small Business Lending?
Rise’s Small Business Lending Program offers flexible financing of up to $10,000 to Canadian entrepreneurs living in Canada who self-identify as having experienced mental health or addiction challenges. It supports launching or growing small businesses with mentorship, business plan review, and resources to improve financial management.
How much funding can be received?
Rise — Small Business Lending Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Rise — Small Business Lending program?
To be eligible for the Rise — Small Business Lending program, you must:
Must be at least 16 years old and a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident living in Canada.
Must self-identify as having experienced mental health and/or addiction challenges.
Must be unable to access traditional bank financing for the small business.
What expenses are eligible under Rise — Small Business Lending?
Launching a small business.
Growing an existing small business.
Who can I contact for more information about the Rise — Small Business Lending?
You can contact Rise by email at loans@risehelps.ca or by phone at 647-232-7473.
Where is the Rise — Small Business Lending available?
The Rise — Small Business Lending program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Rise — Small Business Lending a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Rise — Small Business Lending is a Loans and Capital investments