Rise

Hello October, it's Small Business Month.

So beyond just getting through this month, the orders, the invoices, the long days, what are you intentionally building for the long term?

A stronger brand? A better system? A team that can run without you? A business that will still matter in five years?

At Rise, we exist to help you turn ideas into action. This month, we are celebrating the Canadian entrepreneurs who are not just surviving the month, but building for the future.

What are you building? Let us talk about it below.

📢 Office Closure Announcement

Rise will be closed on Wednesday, September 30 in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Regular office hours will resume on Thursday, October 1 at 9:00 a.m. (local time).

Not everyone thrives in the same kind of work.

Some people need more flexibility. More ownership. More room to build around the life they actually have.

That does not make entrepreneurship easy, but for the right person, it can make a lot more sense.

📢 We’re hiring!

Rise is looking for a Programs Administrative Assistant to support the day-to-day delivery of our programs and help create a smooth experience for the entrepreneurs we serve.

This part-time contract role is a great fit for someone who is organized, detail-oriented, comfortable with systems and data, and enjoys supporting people and a busy team.

In this role, you will:
• Support client inquiries and program communications
• Coordinate information sessions, workshops and bootcamps
• Maintain accurate records in Salesforce
• Support loan administration and repayment follow-ups
• Provide administrative and operational support to the Programs team

📍 Hybrid in the GTA | 2 days/week in office
🗓️ Part-time contract role
📅 Apply by October 7, 2026

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with “Programs Administrative Assistant” and your name in the subject line.

Learn more and view the full posting:https://www.risehelps.ca/sites/default/files/2026-09/021%20-%20Programs%20Administrative%20Assistant-%20September%202026.pdf

Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share!

Meet Tia Upshaw, a familiar face at Rise stepping into a new role as a Rise Brand Ambassador.

Over the next few months, Tia will be sharing real conversations, helpful resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to start, grow and move their businesses forward. You’ll be seeing a lot more of her across our channels and in the community.

Please join us in celebrating Jean Barrett, a dedicated Rise volunteer and long-time member of our Loan Review Committee (LRC).

After nine years of service, Jean has completed three full terms with the LRC, and we’re incredibly grateful for the time, expertise and care she has shared with Rise and our clients.

Jean joined the LRC in August 2017. Since May 2020 alone, she has participated in 33 review meetings and helped review applications that ultimately supported 83 businesses and more than $570,000 in financing.

Throughout her time with Rise, Jean brought valuable expertise in financial literacy, business planning and credit to every discussion, helping the committee make thoughtful lending decisions and supporting entrepreneurs as they worked to grow their businesses.

Her commitment to this work extends well beyond Rise. As Manager of Alterna Savings’ community microfinance program, Jean continues to support small business owners and community microloan programs across the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa Region.

Thank you, Jean, for nine years of dedicated service, thoughtful leadership and commitment to Rise entrepreneurs. We’re so grateful for everything you’ve contributed to our community. 💛

Too many people with real ideas and real potential are still shut out of the support they need.

Rise exists to change that.

Your support helps more entrepreneurs access the training, financing and tailored supports they need to move their businesses forward. Donate today.

https://www.risehelps.ca/donate

📢 We’re hiring!

Rise is seeking a Director, Client Service & Impact to lead and strengthen how we deliver, measure, and scale our programs across Canada.

This is a senior leadership role for someone who is analytical, process-driven, collaborative, and deeply committed to building client-centred systems that create measurable impact. Reporting to the CEO, this role will oversee Rise’s client service delivery model across lending, training, and wraparound supports.

In this role, you will:
• Lead and continuously improve the end-to-end client service journey
• Oversee lending operations, portfolio performance, and risk management
• Build dashboards, reporting systems, and impact measurement frameworks
• Use program and client data to strengthen decision-making and outcomes
• Manage program budgets and support organizational planning
• Lead and develop program managers while helping shape Rise’s broader strategic direction

📍 Hybrid in the GTA | 2 days/week in office
💰 Salary: $95,000–$120,000 + benefits
📅 Apply by October 9, 2026

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with “Director of Client Service & Impact” and your name in the subject line.

Know an experienced leader who would be a great fit? Please share!
https://www.risehelps.ca/sites/default/files/2026-09/DIRECTOR%20OF%20Client%20Service%20%26%20Impact-%20September%202026.docx.pdf

You’ve started something real, now it’s time to shape it with intention.

The Women+ Entrepreneurship Program is for women+ individuals who’ve launched a business or are almost there. Come get the tools, coaching, and community to grow what you’ve already begun. 📦✨

This FREE 6-week intensive program includes:
👩🏽‍🏫 Live virtual business training led by expert facilitators
💬 Group coaching that meets you where you are
🌐 Ongoing peer support from people who understand your journey
🧰 Access to exclusive tools, resources, and Subject Matter Experts after the program ends
💰Graduates will receive a $350 startup grant!

This is a space built for women, trans women, and non-binary folks who want to explore entrepreneurship in a way that feels safe, supported, and doable.

We kick off in October 2026. Sessions run twice a week.
Spots are limited — apply now and start building what’s next. 💼💡