Become a 1:1 Business Mentor (Remote Across Canada)

Rise is a national organization dedicated to empowering people with mental health and addiction challenges to achieve greater social and economic inclusion through entrepreneurship. Rise provides training, mentorship, micro-financing and other customs supports to help individuals build the skills and access the capital they need to build small businesses that can create meaningful employment and improve quality of life.

Since 2010, Rise has disbursed more than $2.9 million in low-interest loans, led more than 1,000 hours of free in-class and online training, and supported 2,000+ Canadians to enrich their lives through self-employment.

At the heart of Rise's impact is the invaluable contribution of volunteers who work in varying capacities across all programs to help guide Rise clients on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Volunteering as a one-on-one mentor with the Rise Small Business Lending Program (lending program) is an opportunity to give personalized mentorship support to an entrepreneur in the process of building a small business.

Currently, Rise is looking for volunteers who have extensive skills and knowledge to share in critical business areas, such as e-commerce, digital marketing, online branding and communications, finance and accounting for small business, and/or general expertise in small business and entrepreneurship.

Lending program mentorship is our most in-depth and hands-on volunteer opportunity. As a mentor, you will be matched with a Rise client who has recently secured a Rise loan (up to $10k) and can benefit from your unique experience. Over a year of monthly meetings and ongoing communication, you will give professional guidance and personal support to help your mentee build their skills and make informed decisions to strengthen and grow their business. Throughout your mentoring relationship, you and your mentee will have ongoing support from Rise to help make your experience as productive and fulfilling as possible for both parties.

Volunteering with Rise is an opportunity help to empower individuals with mental health and addiction challenges to build small businesses that can improve their lives and help communities across Canada thrive.

"I really believe that the one-on-one time that I had with the volunteers who supported me has been such a game changer for me as an independent artist looking for ways to actually make my career something fulfilling and something long-lasting. And believe me when I tell you, it's been super impactful."

- Rise client

To volunteer as a mentor with the Rise Small Business Lending Program, candidates must:

Have a minimum five (5) years of professional working OR at least 2 years of entrepreneurial experience;

Be passionate about/interested in working with entrepreneurs who experience mental health or addiction challenges;

Have relevant skills and professional experience to advise on at least one area critical to building a small business (e.g., accounting, marketing, sales, business operations, e-commerce, etc.);

Be able to commit to mentoring an entrepreneur for one (1) year, which includes monthly one-hour meetings and additional time dedicated to ongoing communications as needed. (Minimum total commitment of 2-4 hours per month.)

Becoming a Rise Mentor is a way for talented professionals across Canada to use their knowledge and skills to benefit others, while fostering personal growth.

As a one-on-one volunteer mentor to the lending program, you will have the opportunity to:

Support new small businesses in critical growth stages;

Build meaningful relationships with driven and inspiring entrepreneurs;

Put your skills and experience to work to provide impactful, real-life support that will have a tangible impact in an individual's life;

Learn from entrepreneurs in various industries and with a variety of lived experiences to share;

Develop your communications skills and build your experience as a mentor;

Join the national Rise community of philanthropists, professionals, volunteers and clients!

"The learning that you'll experience [as a Rise Mentor] makes you - in your professional life - a better entrepreneur, a better business owner, a better colleague, and a better employer or employee, so there are real tangible benefits in you becoming a volunteer with Rise."

- Rise Mentor

1-year mentoring program
1-hour monthly meetings (x12)
Minimum 1-3 hours of additional monthly communications and support (as needed)
Days and times are flexible