Meet Our Clients

Rise clients are men and women with a history of mental health and addictions challenges who seek entrepreneurship as a means of creating meaningful self-employment.

Craftsperson

Choose to practice their crafts independently.

Freedom Fighter

Motivated by independence. They do not want to grow an empire – just a business that works.

Mountain Climber

Motivated by growth and achievement, view entrepreneurship as being about achieving the impossible.

Professional

Having achieved training and expertise in a profession, they want to practice as an independent consultant.

The Diversity of Rise Client Businesses

fresh juice business

baker

sports equipment maker

photographer

textile designer

hot dog vendor

online marketer

landscaping

various kinds of artist

graphic designer

vintage clothing retailer

restaurant

cleaning service

construction

legal and accounting services

artisanal tile maker

Hear from our Clients

Allison Moyer

Tommy Ye

Naomi Muise

Find more success profiles here!

What our Volunteers Say

I admire Rise’s dedication to empower individuals and their ideas. Supporting Rise’s courageous and creative participants in turning their dreams into reality has been an extremely rewarding experience.

Basak Yanar, Ph.D.

The passion with which the members of Rise give to their projects is truly amazing. Creative, hard working and an amazing example of how will & determination can overcome any obstacle. Rise was more of an educational experience for me, than for those I was helping. Anyone looking to give back and get back, Rise is the place to do so!

Stewart Hayes TD Bank, Social (Media) Strategy & Digital Communications

Why I am involved in Rise: I liked the idea of working with people, facing special challenges, following a dream of starting a new business. Rise experience: experiencing the enthusiasm of the participants in the youth program is very rewarding.

Bernard Lewis Retired, Ontario Power Generation

I became involved with Rise because of personal experiences with mental health challenges in my family and with friends. Rise has provided a wonderful experience to see both people and ideas grow.

Franklin Hall Hall, Martin & Associates Ltd.

Providing assistance to achieve success has been rewarding for us both – the mentee and the mentor!