The Ontario government is investing $5 million to boost training and support for racialized and Indigenous entrepreneurs through the 2025-26 Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) program.
The initiative provides free business development training, coaching, networking support and a $10,000 grant to help more than 400 participants turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses that create jobs and strengthen local economies.
Participants receive online training from DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University, one of Canada’s top business incubators, and gain access to expert coaching and peer networking. Funding is part of the province’s three-year, $15 million investment to ensure small business owners have the tools and support they need to launch and grow across Ontario.
Since launching in 2022, RAISE has helped hundreds of racialized and Indigenous founders access training and capital to scale their businesses. Entrepreneurs like Crafty Ramen’s co-founder Miki Ferrall say the grant gave them the resources to grow sustainably, create jobs and expand their reach.
To be eligible for the RAISE program, businesses must be registered or incorporated, based in Ontario and owned by an Indigenous, Black or other racialized individual. Applications are open now and will be accepted until October 1, 2025, at Ontario.ca/RAISE.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
