Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (R.A.I.S.E.) is a service and grant program developed and administered by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA), the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) and in partnership with the Parkdale Centre for Innovation (PCI) to support Indigenous, Black and other Racialized entrepreneurs in Ontario to start and scale a business. R.A.I.S.E. will provide access to business development training, culturally responsive support services and access to grant funding. The program is funded by the Government of Ontario.

WHAT IS R.A.I.S.E.?

Thank you for your interest in the R.A.I.S.E. program. The program has been a great success, reaching the maximum number of grants to be awarded. At this time the portal is closed and only will reopen if further funding is available.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE R.A.I.S.E. PROGRAM ARE TO:

Provide non-repayable grants of up to $10,000 to eligible racialized small businesses and entrepreneurs upon the completion of a structured coaching program.

To deliver a coaching program that will provide individual business advice and coaching to applicants as part of the program to support implementation of the required business transformation plan.

Partners

Applicant Eligibility

RAISE is open to applicants that meet the following requirements:

	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

	Additional Notes May be a home-based business Owners with multiple businesses and/or locations may only apply for one grant French translation assistance will be available for applicants upon request

Please review the frequently asked questions for additional information.

Please review the notice of collection for additional information on collecting race-based data.

Eligible / Ineligible Costs

Eligible Costs Ineligible 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

Digital Main Street reserves the right to determine what is deemed eligible / ineligible on an as needed basis. These are merely an outline and represent best practices.

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WHAT IS R.A.I.S.E.?

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE R.A.I.S.E. PROGRAM ARE TO:

Partners

Applicant Eligibility

Eligible / Ineligible Costs

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