Rise — Youth Small Business Program

📋 Eligible Entities - Young entrepreneurs aged 18-34 years old - Canadian residents - First-time business owners or those in early-stage ventures - Individuals with business ideas or newly established small businesses - Sole proprietors and entrepreneurs planning to start a business - Note: Program focus is on youth-led initiatives; incorporation status (sole proprietor vs. corporation) may vary by stream ### 💰 Funding Details - Program Cost: Free to participate - Duration: 8-10 weeks virtual delivery - Direct Funding: No direct grant disbursement through the program itself - Access to Financing: Participants gain introductions to potential lenders, investors, and financing programs (not guaranteed capital) - Equipment Access: Tools and resources provided during program; ownership depends on specific partnerships - No Repayment Required: The skill-building program is non-repayable; any financing accessed separately would follow individual lender terms ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses The program itself is free, but participants develop business plans for expenses including: - Business development and planning costs - Technology adoption and digital tools - Startup equipment and resources - Operational infrastructure setup - Marketing and branding initiatives - Access to mentoring and advisory services - Participant-defined business expenses (subject to linked financing programs' criteria) ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Application Requirements: Participants must apply and be accepted into the cohort - Commitment: Full participation in 8-10 week virtual program required - Deliverables: Completion of business plan development during program - Mentorship Participation: Active engagement with assigned mentors expected - Progress Milestones: Weekly modules, assignments, and business plan refinements - Post-Program Access: Graduates gain access to financing resources and equipment partnerships - No Guarantee: Program participation does not guarantee funding approval from external lenders or investors - Cohort-Based: Enrollment limited by program intake capacity; rolling or seasonal applications