Open
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The program offers low-interest loans of up to $10,000 to help entrepreneurs launch or grow a small business. It also includes mentorship and business support, including help with business planning and financial management.
/100
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 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
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.
- Receiving business mentorship and support.
Documents Needed
- Financing application
- Business plan
- 1-year cash flow projection
- Resume
- Credit report
- Supporting documentation, if required
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Motivated entrepreneurs.
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Who is not eligible
- Individuals in active bankruptcy.
- Applicants behind on child support payments.
- Applicants owing government taxes.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Viability of the business concept.
- Capacity to repay the loan.
- Entrepreneur’s commitment to improving financial stability.
- Stage of business development.
- Assessment based on character as well as business factors (not solely on credit score).
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare the application
- Complete the financing application.
- Prepare a business plan and 1-year cash flow projection.
- Prepare your resume, credit report, and supporting documents.
- Step 2: Complete the online form
- Access the Rise Small Business Lending Program application online.
- Fill in the required applicant, business, financial, and consent information.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Review the form and submit it through the online application portal.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed as part of the lending process, including credit history and supporting information.
- Rise may contact two personal references who are not family members.
- If approved and disbursed, the borrower receives an introduction to a mentor.
- The mentorship relationship is monitored periodically by Rise through email check-ins.
- The mentorship period formally closes after one year, with an exit survey.
Additional information
- Rise offers a mentorship program connecting entrepreneurs with experienced business professionals for guidance and support.
- Business plan and cash flow templates are available for download to assist applicants in preparing necessary documentation.
- Rise’s lending decisions are character-based, considering both personal and business aspects, not solely credit score.
- Entrepreneurs receive support in developing business skills and financial management through additional resources.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rise — Small Business Lending Program
What is the Rise — Small Business Lending?
The program offers low-interest loans of up to $10,000 to help entrepreneurs launch or grow a small business. It also includes mentorship and business support, including help with business planning and 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 a motivated entrepreneur.
Self-identify as experiencing mental health and/or addiction challenges.
Unable to access traditional bank financing for their business.
What expenses are eligible under Rise — Small Business Lending?
Launching a small business.
Growing an existing small business.
Receiving business mentorship and support.
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
Who are the financial supporters of the Rise — Small Business Lending?
Rise — Small Business Lending is funded by Rise