Small Business Lending Program
Ready to finance your business with flexible terms and custom support? We can help.
Starting or growing a small business takes courage, creativity, and capital. 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.
Whether you’re launching something new or strengthening an existing business, Rise offers a supportive, judgment-free path to capital that meets you where you are.
To be eligible for a Rise loan, you must:
Image
- Self-identify as someone who has experienced mental health and/or addiction challenges
- Be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident and live in Canada
- Be at least 16 years old
- Not be able to access traditional bank financing for your small business
- Not be in active bankruptcy, or behind on child support payments or government taxes
About the program
The Small Business Lending Program is designed for entrepreneurs with a business they are ready to launch and/or grow.
But working with Rise is about much more than a loan. It’s about understanding your entrepreneurial journey, strengthening your business plan, and getting personalized guidance to help you secure the financing – or other supports – necessary to thrive.
Here are some ideas of how different loan amounts can support you:
Image
$1,000 can help you take critical early steps, such as market validation.
$2,500 can enable you to start selling at local markets and events.
$4,000+ can support your larger business start-up or enterprise costs.
As a Rise lending client, you’ll gain access to additional support, including:
The opportunity for transformative, one-on-one mentorship: Once your loan is approved, you may have the option to apply for a year of one-on-one mentorship.
Meaningful, ongoing connection in the Rise Community: You’ll be invited to join the Rise Community—a dynamic online platform where you can connect with other entrepreneurs, access exclusive events, and seek advice from dedicated subject matter experts.
Learn more about mentorship & supports
Image
“Traditional one-size-fits-all solutions often don’t work for small businesses.
Especially when unique personal or financial circumstances come into play. Rise understands this. They evaluate the individual, not just the numbers, and offer tailored support that traditional financial institutions can’t.”
- Jonathan Gillingham, Yellowknife, NT
Ready to get started?
Complete and submit your Rise Small Business Lending Program application today to get started.
This is not a loan application—it's the first step on your journey to determine if a Rise loan is right for you.
Image
1. Submit a program application
Submit an online application form to help us learn more about you, your business, and where you are on your entrepreneurial journey.
2. Attend an information session
After you submit your application, you’ll be invited to a virtual information session to learn more about the Small Business Lending Program. We’ll explain the full loan application process, share realistic timelines, discuss loan amounts and interest rates, explain how loan applications are reviewed, and explore next steps.
3. Work with a business advisor to get loan-ready
When you’re ready to move forward, you’ll be connected with one of our business advisors to help you clarify your goals and complete your loan application package. This includes:
- Business plan
- One-year cash flow projection
- Notice of Assessment
- Equifax credit report
- Other supporting documentation as required
This process looks different for everyone. Preparing your loan application could take anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months—it all depends on your personal circumstances. While some clients are loan-ready, others may need to work on their business plan, credit or personal finances before they're ready to apply.
Regardless, we’ll work with you every step of the way to make sure a loan is the right move for you and your business.
4. Apply for a loan!
Once you and your loan package are ready, you’ll apply for your loan! If approved, the loan will be disbursed into your account within 15 days.
Ours are compassionate, character-based loans
Rise is a character-based lender. That means we won’t turn you away just because you have a low credit score—we look at you, your experiences and your business plan as a whole. What matters most is your behaviour and how you manage debt. We look at your ability to make responsible financial decisions, your commitment to paying off debt, and your overall approach to managing your business and personal finances. These factors help us understand your potential for success and your ability to repay the loan.
We offer:
- Individual loans up to $10,000 (our average loan is $4,000)
- An interest rate of prime +2.5% with an average three-year loan term
- Flexible, personalized repayment support (repayment starts 30 days after your loan is disbursed)
- There are absolutely no hidden fees
