RISE Initiative – Terms and Conditions

Afro Commerce Connect > RISE Initiative – Terms and Conditions

RISE Initiative – Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions govern participation in the RISE Initiative (“the Program”), a small business pitch competition organized under the Afro Commerce Connect platform (“the Organizer”). By submitting an application and participating in the competition, applicants agree to the following terms:

  1. Eligibility
  • Applicants must own or operate a small business that has been in operation for at least 12 months.
  • The business must be based in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
  • Only one application per business is permitted.
  • The applicant must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry.
  1. Application Process
  • All applications must be submitted through the official website: www.afrocommerce.org.
  • The application must include accurate information about the business, including its mission, operations, and impact.
  • Incomplete or falsified applications will result in disqualification.
  1. Selection Process
  • Top 20 applicants will be selected to attend the Afro Commerce Connect event.
  • From these, Top 10 finalists will be chosen to pitch live at the event on August 8, 2025 before a panel of judges.
  • Finalists will be judged based on:
    • Business viability and sustainability
    • Innovation and impact
    • Scalability and market potential
    • Presentation and pitch quality
  1. Prizes
  • The following grants will be awarded:
    • Winner: $2,500
    • 1st Runner-up: $1,500
    • 2nd Runner-up: $1,000
  • Winners will be announced live at the event.
  1. Prize Redemption
  • Winners must submit all required post-event documentation (e.g., valid ID, proof of business registration, banking details, and any follow-up information requested by the Organizer).
  • All cash prizes are redeemable within 3 months of the conclusion of the event.
  • Failure to comply with redemption requirements may result in forfeiture of the prize.
  1. Use of Information
  • By entering, participants consent to the use of their business name, images, and pitch content for promotional purposes related to Afro Commerce Connect and the RISE Initiative.
  • All finalists will automatically become members of the RISE Fellows Network, granting access to future mentorship, funding opportunities, and collaborations.
  1. Disqualification

The Organizer reserves the right to disqualify any applicant or finalist who:

  • Provides false information
  • Violates competition rules
  • Engages in unethical conduct or misrepresentation
  • Fails to attend the live pitch without valid reason
  1. Liability Disclaimer
  • The Organizer is not responsible for any technical errors, delays, or interruptions in the application or judging process.
  • Participation in the program is at the applicant’s own risk, and the Organizer assumes no liability for any loss or damages.
  1. Modifications
  • The Organizer reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice.