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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
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
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
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
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Rise — Small Business Lending. 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.
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