Three entrepreneurs in North Bay are receiving $10,000 each from the province.
Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, announced the funding through the Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) grant program for 2024-25.
The money is helping them grow their businesses efficiently after completing an 8-week free training program.
“Our government is ensuring the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs in Nipissing are equipped with the tools, resources, and capital they need to transform their passions into successful and competitive businesses,” says Fedeli. “The province has doubled its investments in RAISE since it was created in 2021 to better support diverse communities and organizations doing incredible work in the space.”
Local funding includes:
- $10,000 for Northern Himalayan Café
- $10,000 for Tech Repair North
- $10,000 for Amritsari Bites
“The RAISE grant has been instrumental in empowering Northern Himalayan Cafe to refine our business strategies and strengthen our focus on authentic Himalayan cuisine and culture,” says Laxmi Konwar, Owner. “Through this program, we are gaining essential skills to expand our customer base with targeted marketing and community events, enhancing live cultural experiences with upgraded audio systems, and improving efficiency through technology. These initiatives are helping us sustainably grow our niche business while deepening connections with our community and celebrating Himalayan heritage.”
The Ontario government invested $5 million in the RAISE program for 2024-25 to provide free access to business coaching, training, and grants for more than 400 Indigenous, Black, and other racialized entrepreneurs.
