Rise
I didn’t want to talk about my mental health before because of the stigma. I think working with Rise has taken away that fear. I’ve found a place where I’m respected and appreciated and seen as a whole, not just a diagnosis. I want people to know that there’s always the possibility of movement. It’s so important not to remain stagnant because you feel like you have no options. There are always options – you just have to find them.
“Not only has Bell Let’s Talk funding allowed us to increase our capacity, and the nationalization of what we do, but it’s literally supporting new businesses in this country. Bell Let’s Talk funding supports Rise growth in an ongoing way; growth in terms of new locations and growth in terms of new loans being disbursed – all of which allows Rise to increase our capacity and provide programs and services to more people across Canada.”
“My Rise loan gave me the boost I needed to expand without financial stress. It also gave me confidence, because it showed me that people believed in my potential and were willing to support me. Feeling unworthy has always had an effect on my mental health. But owning my own business has shown me that I am valuable and have skills to offer the world.”
