How to Apply for the RAISE Grant in Ontario

If you’re a racialized or Indigenous entrepreneur in Ontario, finding early-stage funding can be a challenge. The RAISE Grant in Ontario—short for Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs—was designed to help close that gap with targeted financial support, coaching, and training to help your business grow. The program offers up to $10,000 in repayable funding, plus business development resources.

What Is the RAISE Grant and Who Is It For?

The Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program is funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered through the Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC). It supports small businesses owned by Indigenous, Black, and other racialized entrepreneurs with repayable financing and business support.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the RAISE Grant in Ontario, your business must meet all of the following criteria:

You are an Indigenous, Black, or racialized business owner
Your business is located in Ontario
You employ 1–10 full-time employees
- Up to 25 employees if you operate in the hospitality sector
Your business is not a franchise
You agree to participate in mandatory training and coaching
You are applying for eligible business expenses only

This program is best suited for early-stage and growing small businesses that need modest capital and practical support.

How Much Funding Can You Get?

The RAISE program provides:

Up to $10,000 in repayable funding
0% interest during the approved term

Note: Funding amounts and repayment terms may vary based on the applicant and program guidelines. Not all approved applicants will receive the full $10,000. The specific repayment period is explained during onboarding and training, and is designed to be manageable for small businesses.

While often called a “grant,” RAISE funding is actually repayable. It works more like a no-interest loan than a traditional grant.

What Expenses Are Eligible Under RAISE?

RAISE funding can be used for specific business-related costs, including:

Marketing and communications
- Branding, advertising, promotional materials
Business-related materials and supplies
Digital transformation costs
- Website development, e-commerce tools, software
Knowledge development
- Training, coaching, and skill-building activities

The funding cannot be used for personal expenses, franchise fees, or certain capital purchases.

For a broader view, see also:
What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the RAISE Grant in Ontario

Follow these steps when applying for the RAISE Grant:

Confirm eligibility
Review the RAISE criteria carefully before starting. Employee count and ownership requirements are common reasons for rejection.
Submit an online application
Applications are submitted through the official RAISE program portal managed by TBDC.
Complete required training and coaching
Approved applicants must participate in structured business training. This is not optional and is tied to receiving funding.
Receive funding and use it as approved
Funds are released for eligible expenses only, based on your approved plan.

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter Ontario programs by ownership group, industry, and business size before you apply, making it easier to find the right fit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking RAISE is a traditional grant
RAISE funding must be repaid. Treat it like a zero-interest loan when planning your cash flow.
Applying with too many employees
Businesses over the employee limit are not eligible, except for hospitality businesses with up to 25 staff.
Skipping the training requirement
Training and coaching are mandatory. Opting out can disqualify you from funding.
Listing ineligible expenses
Personal costs or franchise-related expenses can lead to rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is eligible for the RAISE Grant in Ontario?
You must be an Indigenous, Black, or racialized entrepreneur operating a small business in Ontario with 1–10 employees (up to 25 in hospitality). Franchises are not eligible.

Q: Is the RAISE grant repayable?
Yes. RAISE provides up to $10,000 in repayable funding with no interest. Repayment terms and amounts may vary, and details are explained during program onboarding.

Q: What can RAISE funding be used for?
Eligible costs include marketing, digital tools, business supplies, and knowledge development like training and coaching.

Q: Do I need to complete training to receive funding?
Yes. Participation in structured training and coaching is a required part of the program.

Q: Is RAISE funding taxable?
Repayable funding is generally not treated the same as income, but tax treatment can vary. Speak with your accountant for advice specific to your business.

Next Steps

The RAISE Grant in Ontario is a good option if you’re a racialized or Indigenous entrepreneur looking for funding and practical business support. It can be combined with other provincial or federal programs to help your business grow.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and funding programs across Canada—including options for underrepresented founders. Use GrantHub to check which programs match your business profile and timelines, and plan your next application with confidence.

How to Apply for the RAISE Grant in Ontario