Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) Grant Program 2025–2026

The Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) Grant Program 2025–2026 is now accepting applications. This program supports Indigenous, Black, and other racialized entrepreneurs who live and operate their businesses in Ontario.

📝 About the RAISE Grant Program

The RAISE Grant Program is designed to empower entrepreneurs by providing financial support, training, and networking opportunities. It is sponsored by Invest Ontario and aims to foster business growth among underrepresented communities.

Opportunity Details

• Date Published: September 17, 2025
• Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
• Category: Entrepreneurs, Fully Funded, Grants
• Opportunity Location: Ontario, Canada

🎁 Benefits of the RAISE Grant Program

Participants in the program will receive:

• Business development training
• Culturally responsive and tailored business coaching
• Networking opportunities
• A one-time grant of $10,000

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Business Requirements

To be eligible, businesses must:

• Be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.
• Employ 1 to 5 full-time equivalent employees, or up to 10 employees for businesses in the Accommodation and Food Services sector.
• Operate in Ontario as of September 10, 2025, and throughout the program.
• Have an annual gross revenue not exceeding $750,000.
• Be in the market with demonstrated sales/revenue (business ideas or unproven products/services are not eligible).
• Have commercial general liability insurance with a limit of at least $2,000,000.
• Demonstrate the need for and intended use of the grant funding.
• Operate a business that is legal under Ontario and Canadian laws.
• Be compliant with federal Income Tax Act requirements and Canada Revenue Agency regulations.
• Attest compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and hate-related laws under the Criminal Code.

Ineligible Businesses

The following are not eligible:

• Businesses or applicants that participated in the RAISE program in previous years.
• Early development businesses (i.e., business ideas not yet registered).
• Mature businesses planning for exit through sale.
• Franchises, not-for-profit organizations, or charities.
• Crown corporations, government agencies, or political organizations.
• Businesses involved in illegal, harmful, or sexually exploitative activities.
• Businesses processing or selling tobacco, firearms, or other weapons (except for traditional Indigenous purposes).
• Property rental businesses, cryptocurrency businesses, collection agencies, and quasi-financial institutions.
• Businesses with public shares or those raising investment capital for others.
• Businesses with social media or other activity inconsistent with the program's mandate.

Owner Requirements

The business owner must:

• Be Indigenous, Black, or other racialized individual (self-identification required).
• Be 18 years or older.
• Be legally permitted to operate a business in Canada.
• Live and operate their business in Ontario.
• Be the sole proprietor, hold at least 50% ownership in a corporation, or have at least 50% entitlement in a partnership.
• Commit to participating in training, coaching, and networking (minimum of 10 hours) and develop a Business Action Plan to scale their business.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Deadline: Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST.
• Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the program's capacity is reached.
• Business owners who participated in previous years are not eligible, but those who applied and were not accepted are encouraged to reapply.

🔗 Application Portal

• View details of the program on the RAISE Grant Program Website.
• Apply directly via the RAISE Grant Application Portal.

This is a fantastic opportunity for racialized and Indigenous entrepreneurs in Ontario to grow their businesses with financial support and tailored resources. Don't miss the chance to apply!

• Business development training
• Culturally responsive and tailored business coaching
• Networking opportunities
• A one-time grant of $10,000