Cornwall, ON – The Ontario government is protecting workers and small businesses by investing $5 million to provide free business development training, coaching, networking support and a $10,000 grant to racialized and Indigenous entrepreneurs. The 2025-26 Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program will help more than 400 entrepreneurs get the resources they need to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses, creating local jobs and long-term economic growth.

“At a time of economic uncertainty, our government is protecting the next generation of entrepreneurs, ensuring they get the financial and technical support they need to bring made-in-Ontario businesses to life,” said Graham McGregor, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. “Since launching in 2022, the RAISE program is part of our plan to empower racialized and Indigenous leaders to reach their potential, make a difference in their community and fuel our economy in the process.”

Applications are now open for the 2025-26 RAISE program, where participants will receive free online business development training from DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University — one of Canada’s leading business incubators — and a one-time grant of $10,000 upon successful completion. Funding is part of the government’s $15 million investment over three years to ensure entrepreneurs and small business owners have the necessary training and support needed to launch and grow their businesses across the province.

Interested entrepreneurs can learn more at Ontario.ca/RAISE and submit applications until October 1, 2025.

Who is eligible?

  • The business owner must be an indigenous, Black or other racialized individual who lives and operates their business in Ontario.
  • The business must be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency
  • The business must employ 1 to 5 full-time equivalent employees or up to 10 full-time equivalent employees for businesses in the Accommodation and Food Services sector, including the business owner.

How does it work?

  • The program is self-paced and runs for approximately 8 weeks. Participants may continue to operate their business while participating in the program.
  • Once admitted into the program, participants must complete the following activities within the program timelines to receive a $10,000 grant:
    • Online business development training – minimum of 5 hours
    • Business coaching including networking – 5 to 10 hours
    • Develop a Business Action Plan

How to apply?

  • Visit the RAISE grant program web portal for a full list of program requirements, eligible expenses and what you need to apply.
  • Applications must be submitted on or before October 1, 2025, at 5:00PM ET.
  • Complete applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the program budget is reached.

Quick Facts

  • Ontario launched the RAISE program in 2022 with an initial investment of $5 million to support over 400 entrepreneurs.
  • To be eligible for the RAISE program, businesses must be registered/incorporated, based in Ontario and owned by an Indigenous, Black or other racialized individual.
  • Black youth and professionals can receive further support through the Black Youth Action Plan (BYAP)’s Economic Empowerment stream, which focuses on career development, entrepreneurship and employment support.