
Rise — Small Business Lending
Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
Business loans for entrepreneurs
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $10,000
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Loans and Capital investments
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
If you have experienced mental health and/or addiction challenges, you could get a low-interest loan up to $10,000 to launch or grow your small business and access resources to improve your business skills.
Financing terms and conditions
- Low-interest business loans available up to $10,000 per project.
- Average initial loan size is $4,000.
- Average loan term is 3 years.
- Repayment commences 30 days after loan disbursement.
- No hidden fees associated with the loan.
Activities funded
- Launching a new small business.
- Expanding or growing an existing small business.
- Participating in events or trade shows to support business development.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 10,000
Starting an online platform for addiction recovery resources
$ 10,000
Launching a wellness center providing mental health support and therapy services
$ 10,000
Opening a coffee shop that employs individuals in recovery from addiction
$ 10,000
Expanding a peer support group for individuals with mental health issues
$ 8,000
Creating a handmade soap business to promote mental wellness
$ 10,000
Establishing a sustainable fashion line that supports mental health advocacy
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a motivated entrepreneur.
- The applicant must self-identify as an individual who has experienced mental health and/or addiction challenges.
- The applicant must be unable to access traditional bank financing for their small business.
- The applicant must reside in Canada and be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
- The applicant must not be in active bankruptcy, or behind on child support payments or 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
1
Review Eligibility Criteria
- Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements, including self-identifying as having experienced mental health or addiction challenges, and not being able to access traditional bank financing.
- Confirm you are a motivated entrepreneur residing in Canada and are a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
2
Prepare Required Documents
- Complete the financing application form.
- Draft a comprehensive business plan outlining your business vision and structure.
- Prepare a one-year cash flow projection to exhibit your financial planning.
- Update your resume to reflect relevant experience and skills.
- Obtain a recent credit report to include with your application.
- Gather any additional supporting documentation that may help your application.
3
Submit Application
- Gather all prepared documents into a complete application package.
- Submit the application through the Rise online portal or mail to the designated address as directed on their site.
4
Confirmation and Follow-up
- Receive confirmation of application submission via email or portal notification.
- Keep in touch with Rise for any updates or further requests for information regarding your application.
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?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Rise — Small Business Lending a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Rise — Small Business Lending?
Who is eligible for the Rise — Small Business Lending program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Rise — Small Business Lending?
Where is the Rise — Small Business Lending available?
Are startups eligible for the Rise — Small Business Lending program?

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