Rotman Family Entrepreneurship Awards 2026/2027

Application Form

2026-2027 Rotman Family Entrepreneurship Awards

Let us know how you'd like to be involved in this year’s Rotman Family Entrepreneurship Awards.
(You can choose one or both options below.)
How would you like to participate? Select all that apply.
Please confirm the following: I have received a loan from Rise or have graduated from a Rise training program before October 30, 2026.

contactid
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Media Consent

I consent and agree to allow Rise, their board, staff and/or authorized agents the exclusive right to take and use my name, my photographs, my video or sound recordings, my stories, my words, any comments made by me or as varied, edited, or excerpted (as written or told by me directly or indirectly to Rise staff/agents), audio visual reproductions of or including me, (all together referred to as the “Material”), to be used within Rise communication vehicles, publications, advertising, media activities including the internet and any other education/awareness/public relations endeavours.

I understand that Rise:

• Will use and disclose the “Material” only as authorized above

• Does not have to notify me when it does use and disclose the “Material”, and

• Is not responsible for the final copy and/or images used by media

I confirm that:

• I will not make any claim or compensation for use of the “Material”

• I waive any personal right I may have on the “Material”

• Rights title and interest in the “Material” including copyright, belongs to Rise

This consent is given in perpetuity and does not require my prior approval.
If I have signed on my own behalf, I have legal capacity to do so.
I provide my consent if I am selected as a finalist to the Awards.
Your Name

First NameLast Name
Your Email

Confirmation EmailPlease use the same email address as the one that received your invitation to apply.
Phone Number
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityProvince

Postal / Zip Code
Business Name
How many months have you been in business?
Please indicate the award/s for which you would like to apply. A detailed description of each award can be found below.
Rotman Family Entrepreneur of the Year Award

For the entrepreneur that best exhibits success and growth in their personal and professional lives. When it comes to business planning, you have made smart and sound decisions. Your story is one to be celebrated and can stand as an example for others to follow. To be eligible for this award, your business must be at least one (1) year old as of October 30, 2026 (based on the business registration date), generating stable or growing sales for at least one (1) year, and have at least one (1) achievement that exceeded your expectations.

Dr. Paul Garfinkel Resilience Award

For the entrepreneur that has overcome significant challenges (either personal or business). You have grit, perseverance, and don’t take “no” for an answer. While every Rise client experiences their challenges, the Resilience Award winner demonstrates exceptional determination in achieving their goals. To be eligible for this award, your business must be at least one (1) year old as of October 30, 2026 (based on business registration date), and you must demonstrate a clear example of overcoming at least one (1) significant personal or business challenge.

Rise Small Business Start-Up Award

For a first-time entrepreneur who is just getting started in small business ownership. You've done your homework, carefully planned your business launch, and are already seeing early signs of success. You have a clear vision for what’s next and are actively building momentum. To be eligible for this award, your business must be less than one (1) year old as of October 30, 2026 and show early traction (e.g., first clients, initial revenue, or community engagement).
If your business has a website, please share the URL:
If your business has any of the following social media accounts, please provide the address or handles:
Facebook:
Twitter/X:
Instagram:
Do you self-identify as an Indigenous person, defined as First Nation, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)?
Do you self-identify as being Black, a Person of Colour or a visible minority?
Do you self-identify as a member of any of these designated group(s)?
How do you self-identify your gender?
Please self-describe your gender
Gender Definitions

Cis Woman/Female & Cis Man/Male: A person whose gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth are the same.

Non-binary: A person whose gender identity does not align with a binary understanding of gender, such as man or woman.

Trans Woman & Trans Man: A person whose gender identity differs from what is typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth.

Two-Spirit: A term used by some Indigenous peoples to describe the experience of having multiple gendered roles or spirits - the term references the idea of a person having a male and female spirit.
Please answer the following questions. The Rise team may reach out to validate any of the information shared in this application.
1. Why did you start your business, and what does success look like to you?

Answer should be between 50 and 200 words.0/200
2. What are your top priorities in your business right now?

Answer should be between 50 and 200 words.0/200
3. Describe 2–3 accomplishments in your business that you’re most proud of. What has been the most fulfilling part of running your business so far?

Answer should be between 50 and 200 words.0/200
4. Describe 1–3 challenges you’ve faced as an entrepreneur. How has your business helped you overcome them or grow as a result?

Answer should be between 50 and 200 words.0/200
5. Describe how the support you’ve received from Rise has helped you with your personal and business growth. 

Answer should be between 50 and 200 words.0/200
6. Where would you like your business to be in the next 2–3 years? Please share some of your short-term and long-term goals.

Answer should be between 50 and 200 words.0/200
For how many consecutive months have you had revenue? (e.g. May $300, June $550, July $0, August $250, September $150 - 2 months OR May $300, June $600, July $150, August $400 - 3 months)
Earlier in this application, you indicated that you’d like to nominate a Rise volunteer mentor you were matched with for one-on-one support for the Scotiabank Volunteer of the Year Award.

Scotiabank Volunteer of the Year
This award recognizes exceptional service and meaningful client impact. It celebrates a Rise volunteer who has gone above and beyond to support clients and contribute to Rise’s mission through their time, guidance, and dedication.

Please note: your response may be shared with your mentor to acknowledge their support and contributions.
You indicated that you’d like to nominate a Rise volunteer mentor you were matched with for one-on-one support for the Scotiabank Volunteer of the Year Award.

Scotiabank Volunteer of the Year
This award recognizes exceptional service and meaningful client impact. It celebrates a Rise volunteer who has gone above and beyond to support clients and contribute to Rise’s mission through their time, guidance, and dedication.

Please note: your response may be shared with your mentor to acknowledge their support and contributions.
Please provide the mentor's name:

First NameLast Name
Briefly share how this mentor supported you and why you believe they deserve to be recognized:

Answer should be between 25 and 200 words.0/200
Is there anything else you would like to add?

Maximum of 200 words0/200
Should be Empty:

Application Form