Rise — Small Business Lending
Get $500 to $10,000 to launch or validate your business if traditional banks said no. This is a repayable loan at prime +2.5% interest, designed for entrepreneurs facing mental health or addiction challenges. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
“Rise’s Small Business Lending Program provides access to flexible micro-financing ($500 to $10,000) alongside practical support that’s designed to help you move forward with confidence—even when traditional lenders say no.”
Before you spend a dollar
Repayment begins 30 days after the loan is disbursed so plan your cash flow accordingly.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 16+ who self-identifies with mental health or addiction challenges.
- You have been denied by traditional banks and need between $500 and $10,000 for startup costs or market validation.
- You are not in active bankruptcy and are current on your child support and government tax payments.
Probably not the right fit if
- You can already secure financing from a traditional bank or credit union.
- You are currently in active bankruptcy or have outstanding arrears on child support or government taxes.
- You are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada.
How much you'd realistically get
Loans range from $500 to $10,000 with an average award of $4,000.
What may be supported
- Market validation activities
- Starting to sell at local markets and events
- Larger business startup or enterprise costs
What's excluded or restricted
- Applicants in active bankruptcy
- Applicants behind on child support payments
- Applicants behind on government taxes
- Applicants who can access traditional bank financing
How applying works
Effort: involvedYou must attend a virtual session and work with an advisor to build a full loan package including a business plan and credit report before applying.
- 01Submit the online program application form at the provided link.
- 02Attend a virtual information session to understand the process.
- 03Work with a Rise Helps business advisor to prepare your loan package including a business plan cash flow projection Notice of Assessment and Equifax credit report.
- 04Submit the formal loan application once your package is ready.
- 05Wait for approval and receive funds within 15 days if approved.
Who to ask: Phone: 647.232.RISE (7473); Email: info@risehelps.ca; Address: 2 Carlton Street, Suite 1806, Toronto, ON M5B 1J3
Documents commonly required
- Business plan
- Cash flow projection
- Notice of Assessment
- Equifax credit report
- Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your business website and online store using the loan, giving your venture a credible digital home to capture sales from market visitors.
- BBN sets up Local SEO and Google Business Profile with the loan, helping you appear in local searches when customers look for your services.
- BBN designs your storefront signage and vehicle wraps through qualified partners, boosting your brand visibility at local markets and events.
- BBN guides you through the application and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a loan that must be repaid with interest at prime +2.5% over an average term of three years.
- The application process is not instant and requires 4 weeks to 6 months of preparation with a business advisor.
- You must prove you cannot access traditional bank financing to qualify.
- Repayment starts quickly at 30 days after you receive the funds.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on your ability to demonstrate business viability and your specific financial history since traditional bank financing is excluded.
Frequently asked questions
Is this money taxable?
Loan proceeds are generally not taxable income but the interest paid may be tax deductible. Confirm with a tax professional.
How long does it take to get the money?
Preparation takes 4 weeks to 6 months but once approved the loan is disbursed within 15 days.
Are there hidden fees?
The program states there are no hidden fees but the interest rate is prime +2.5%.
Do I need to be a certain age?
Yes you must be at least 16 years old.
What you can combine it with
This program is designed for those who cannot access traditional financing so it likely cannot be stacked with other bank loans but may complement non-debt grants if eligible.
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated June 20, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.