R.A.I.S.E. is a program focused on assisting Indigenous, Black and other racialized entrepreneurs to start and scale their business. The program will provide coaching, mentorship, advisory services and grants to entrepreneurs looking to increase their capacity and scale their business.
$10,000 Grant for Entrepreneurs in Ontario
Eligible businesses will receive a grant of up to $10,000 to help with the costs related to adopting digital technologies. Grants will be available through local and regional service providers across Canada. The service providers will also support a network of e-commerce advisors who will advise and help small businesses adopt e-commerce.
Applicant Eligibility
- Is a registered business in Ontario and/or is incorporated
- Employing 1-10 full time equivalent employees equivalent including sole proprietorship, and up to 25 employees for businesses in the hospitality sector
- Is NOT a franchise, including those individually owned and operated
- Is NOT a wholesaler or manufacturer
- Is NOT a not-for-profit or charitable organization
Owned by:
- Indigenous, Black or racialized individual (mandatory self-identification is required in the application)
- 18 years of age or older
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents currently living and operating their business in Ontario
Has completed the application process which includes:
- Initial application
- Online training
- 2 to 10 hours of Business Coaching
- Completed Business Transformation Plan
Eligible Costs
- Fees for expertise/professional services (excluding owner/staff wages and salaries)
- Marketing and communications costs (e.g. print media, signage, promotional ads etc.)
- Costs related to digital transformation (e.g. website, digital marketing, software etc.).
- Travel costs necessary to attain business transformation plan objectives
- Capital costs including POS systems, small equipment and tools
- Business related materials and supplies
- Knowledge development activities (e.g. training, certifications etc.)
- Costs related to attaining disability supports
Ineligible Costs
- Ongoing operational costs such as but not limited to regular maintenance and insurance.
- Computers, cell phones, printers, or any generic electronics (some exceptions could be allowed)
- Acquisition of land, buildings, or vehicle purchase.
- Cost incurred prior to the Recipient’s approval date.
- Refinancing, depreciation, or amortization expenses (payments to existing loans).
- Costs of intangible assets such as goodwill, whether capitalized or expensed. Hospitality or entertainment costs.
- Membership fees in a professional body.
- Any part of a lease agreements (monthly rent or first and last to secure a location) Inventory
- Items not fully paid for or not yet shipped.
- Non-incremental wages, owner(s) wages
- HST remittance.
