Volunteer With Us
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Rise.
When you give your time, skills, and energy as a Rise volunteer, you’re not just filling a role. You’re helping people living with mental health and addiction challenges to build businesses, improve their lives, and strengthen communities across Canada.
You also become part of a national community of professionals who believe in resilience, bold ideas, and the power of entrepreneurship. Volunteering with Rise is not only about giving; it’s about growing alongside the entrepreneurs you support.
All Rise volunteer opportunities are remote/virtual. We welcome volunteers who are compassionate, curious, and ready to share their knowledge. You don’t need to know everything—what matters most is your willingness to contribute your skills and support our clients on their journeys.
Who we’re looking for
We're seeking entrepreneurs and other business professionals who are:
- Experienced in supporting entrepreneurs in practical ways—whether you’ve run your own company, built a side-hustle, supported microbusinesses through your work, or have hands-on experience helping small businesses grow, your skills can benefit a Rise client.
- Deep listeners who lead with curiosity, empathy and respect, and who create a space where entrepreneurs feel understood and empowered.
- Motivated by community and impact, with a genuine desire to share what you know and help others move forward.
- Patient, grounded and steady, especially when entrepreneurship feels uncertain, overwhelming, or full of learning curves.
- Able to show up with compassion and dignity for entrepreneurs who may be navigating mental health or addiction-related challenges. You can meet people where they are at, without judgment or assumptions.
Here is how you can make an impact:
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As a mentor
Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change. As a one-on-one mentor in our Small Business Lending Program, you will be matched with a Rise client in need of your expertise and commit to 1 year (12 months) of monthly virtual meetings and ad hoc support (2-4 hours per month). You will provide guidance, encouragement, and practical advice to help them grow their business and their confidence.
As a Subject Matter Expert
Entrepreneurs often need targeted expertise at key moments. As a Subject Matter Expert, you will commit to a 6-month term (up to 7 hours per month) of support through the online Rise Community. You'll share your specialized knowledge in areas like finance, marketing, operations, law, or wellness through online discussions, panel events, and virtual office hours, supporting clients to solve real challenges and create new opportunities for themselves and their businesses.
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“To support somebody who is going through something and let them know that they’re not alone…
That is important to me because it allows people to go ‘hey, there is support out there’.”
- Stephanie Markakis-Plouffe, Edmonton, AB
Want to learn more? Watch:
Ready to take the next step towards becoming a Rise volunteer?
Step 1: Apply - It takes just 10-15 minutes to complete a short online form.
Step 2: Meet with the Rise team - We'll book a 15-minute virtual call to get to know you and answer any questions.
Step 3: Complete onboarding - It's a self-paced process that takes about 3 hours to kick-start your volunteer journey.
Step 4: Get matched - Once your onboarding is complete, you'll be matched with a client based on your skills and availability. This can take a few weeks to a few months.
