Rise — Small Business Lending ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Sole proprietors launching or growing a small business - Individual entrepreneurs with lived experience of mental health and/or addiction challenges - Canadian residents who meet the program's eligibility criteria - Applicants must demonstrate a genuine business plan or existing business operation - Personal credit history and traditional lending rejection are not disqualifying factors ### 💰 Funding Details - Loan Amount: Up to $10,000 per applicant - Interest Rate: Low-interest (exact rate varies by lender/program administrator) - Repayment Structure: Installment-based repayment terms (specific terms determined at time of approval) - Matching Requirements: None specified - Nature: This is a loan, not a grant—funds must be repaid - Collateral: Typically unsecured or minimal collateral requirements given target demographic ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Business launch costs (equipment, inventory, licensing, setup) - Working capital and operational expenses - Business growth initiatives - Technology and tools for business operations - Marketing and customer acquisition - Professional services (accounting, legal advice) - Business skills training and development resources (included with loan) ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Disclosure Requirement: Applicants must disclose lived experience of mental health and/or addiction challenges - Business Plan: A viable business plan or demonstrable existing business is required - Skills Support: Access to business skills resources and mentoring is a condition of the program - Repayment Obligation: Borrower must commit to loan repayment schedule - Ongoing Support: Program typically includes financial literacy and business coaching resources - Documentation: Standard business loan documentation and personal financial information required - Use of Funds: Money must be used for approved business purposes only - No Timeline Limits Specified: Repayment terms established at loan approval stage