RFAs: Backing Canadian Small Businesses Grant Program

The Backing Canadian Small Businesses Grant provides $10,000 CAD to 100 small businesses across Canada, along with mentorship and coaching support. Funded by American Express Canada and delivered by DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University, the program targets independent businesses with strong community value. It offers financial support, structured mentorship, and business training to help entrepreneurs scale operations and increase community impact. Key objectives include supporting business growth, sustainability, and local economic development. Participants receive one-on-one mentoring, group coaching, and guidance from experienced mentors. Training covers sales strategies, marketing and branding, operations and management, and leadership development. The program aims to improve business performance, build long-term sustainability, and strengthen community-focused enterprises. Eligibility requires applicants to be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or legally authorized workers, at least 18 years old, and business owners who are independently owned, incorporated in Canada, and primarily operated within Canada. Selection involves evaluating business impact and potential, with 100 businesses chosen for the grant and mentorship. Expected outcomes include improved business capabilities, increased revenue, stronger leadership, operational efficiency, and greater community impact. Applicants should emphasize clear growth strategies, demonstrated community impact, and readiness to scale. Common mistakes include incomplete applications, weak growth strategies, lack of community impact, ineligible business types, and ignoring mentorship.