The Ontario government is investing $5 million in the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program for 2024-25 to provide free access to business coaching, training and $10,000 grants for more than 400 Indigenous, Black and other racialized entrepreneurs.
Applications are now open. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Applications will be processed in the order they are received. Eligible applicants will be accepted into the program until the program’s capacity is reached.
The RAISE program helps eliminate barriers faced by Indigenous, Black and other racialized entrepreneurs who want to start or grow their businesses. RAISE will provide eligible entrepreneurs with free online business development training, culturally responsive coaching, networking supports and a one-time grant of $10,000. To be eligible for the RAISE program, businesses must be registered/incorporated, based in Ontario and owned by an Indigenous, Black or other racialized individual.
The online training includes modules on business financials, cash flow management, business operations, marketing and public relations strategies and digital transformation. In partnership with DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University, the program also provides one-on-one and small group business coaching, as well as networking opportunities to assist entrepreneurs in developing and achieving their business action plans, building networks, connecting to market opportunities and accessing information and services.
Since its initial launch in 2022, the RAISE program has supported more than 900 Indigenous, Black and racialized entrepreneurs in building the skills they need to succeed.
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