Rise — Small Business Lending

Accessing start-up or growth capital can be one of the biggest hurdles for entrepreneurs who don’t fit the traditional banking mold. Rise — Small Business Lending was created to address that gap, offering a supportive financing option for small business owners across Canada who are ready to move forward but have been turned away elsewhere. Rather than focusing solely on credit scores, Rise takes a character-based approach that looks at both the individual and the business idea behind the loan.

Through this program, eligible small business owners can access low-interest, repayable financing of up to around $10,000, with many entrepreneurs starting with smaller initial amounts and room to grow over time. Loans are structured with manageable repayment terms and a short grace period before payments begin, helping businesses ease into cash flow management. Beyond financing, Rise places strong emphasis on long-term success by pairing entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and offering hands-on support, including business plan review and guidance on financial management.

Rise — Small Business Lending is available nationwide and is particularly well-suited for motivated entrepreneurs who have experienced mental health or addiction challenges and are rebuilding their financial footing through business ownership. For those seeking more than just capital, this program offers a combination of funding, mentorship, and belief in the entrepreneur behind the business, making it worth a closer look to see how it could support your next step.