Community Futures is an alternate source of business funding offering loans to businesses for start-up or expansion. Funding is available up to $150,000 to be used for capital expenditures or operating requirements.

Make an appointment with our Loan Manager or attend an Information Session to find out more. Call   (250) 868-2132  .

Frequently Asked Questions for Community Futures Business Loans:

Who can apply?

What type of Loans are Available?

How do I apply?

Terms & Conditions

What happens if I want to take part in the Self Employment Program?

Who can apply for Funding?

• Applicants who are looking to start or already own a business in the Central Okanagan area.

• Individuals or businesses who require funding for start-up costs, working capital purposes, capital acquisitions, or expansion of a small business.

• Residents or businesses of the Central Okanagan who are unable to access funding from traditional sources (i.e.. Chartered Banks, Business Development Bank of Canada, Credit Unions, etc.). CFDC can often partner with traditional lenders in order to meet the borrowers full lending requirements.

• Application forms must be completed and must be supplemented with a BUSINESS PLAN.

Loan programs are funded by Federal Department of Western Economic Diversification Canada: Province of British Columbia and the Canadian Youth Business Foundation.

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What type of Loans are Available?

Community Futures offers small business financing from several government funds. Make an appointment with our Loan Manager or attend an Information Session to find out more. Call   (250) 868-2132  .

General Loan Fund

• Small business loans for start-up or expansion.
• Maximum loan $150,000.
• Maximum term of 5 years.

Youth Loan Fund

If you are between the ages of 19 and 29 and have a creative business idea, this program may be able to help:

• Maximum loan $25,000.
• Maximum term of 5 years.

Forest Community Business Fund

Loan fund to assist small businesses involved in the forestry/value added sector.

• Maximum loan $150,000.
• Maximum term of 5 years.

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Fund

If you consider yourself to be restricted in the ability to perform at least one of the basic activities of Entrepreneurship, this program may be of interest.

• Maximum loan $150,000.
• Maximum term of 5 years.

How do I apply?

There are two ways to apply:

1. You may opt to sit in on a weekly information session which outlines the criteria and application process of the loans and self employment programs. Reservations required. Call   (250) 868-2132  .


2. Arrange a meeting with the Loan Manager to receive a Community Futures Program Application and begin your Business Plan. Call   (250) 868-2132  .

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Terms & Conditions.

1. • Applicants must be residents of the Central Okanagan (Oyama to Peachland).
   • The business must operate and continue to operate during the term of the loan in the Central Okanagan. Applicants must not be in a position to access traditional sources of financing.
   • All loans are repayable in full. If your loan is approved you will meet with staff to arrange security requirements and the terms and conditions of your loan.
   • Community Futures is an alternative source of business capital. The interest rate is a set rate for the full term of the loan. Processing fees of 2% of the total amount will be applied (minimum of $350.00) upon approval and draw down of funds.
   • All loans over $15,000 must be life insured.

For more information about any of our programs, contact Community Futures or sign up for our weekly information session. Call   (250) 868-2132  .

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