Rise: Supporting Business Growth, Investing in People

Many studies on the effects of employment with positive outcome have confirmed these findings.

For a segment of the population that has been marginalized and suffers widespread unemployment, the idea of developing entrepreneurial sense is an important strategy in helping them find meaning and opportunity in their lives. In many ways because the “mentally ill” are generally not herd conformists or don’t fit into society’s general social models, they tend to think independently. Much like successful entrepreneurs.

The only problem is that most business resources and opportunities are not available to them due to criteria such as bad credit history, lack of funds or having gone through the criminal justice system.

Maria Paglieri is an entrepreneur and participant in the YSBP program. She is starting a management consulting practice to work independently with small retail operations to not only properly systematize their business, but improve marketing strategies, review business models and increase profits.

“My experience with the Youth Small Business Program thus far has been invaluable,” said Maria. “The curriculum is full of practical and useful tools that encourage critical innovative thinking. I am only one month into the program and have learned considerably more than I anticipated. I’m not necessarily in the program to solve business problems as much as I am to really sort out and organize my business ideas. Having only been in the course for a short period of time, a lot has already come into focus and I’ve gained a lot of inspiration from not only Mary, the instructor, but the mentorship sessions we’re provided through the program.”

Rise’s Youth Small Business Program helps people (between the ages of 16 and 29) by providing business training and a $500 start-up grant. Clients may be eligible for further financing upon the completion of the business training program.

In 2013, having proved that people with mental health challenges can run successful businesses, Rise committed over $200,000 to people with mental health and addictions challenges across Ontario, providing mentorship programs and support resources across the province.

Ryan Moore is an Algonquin College graduate, now studying at York University. He’s currently investigating the Canadian mental health system.