For Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
Community Futures Cowichan financing is available for the start-up, acquisition or expansion of a business. Our flexible loans can assist with projects, capital expenses, start-up costs, inventory and working capital. We work with businesses to learn the nature of their financing needs and create custom loan products to help them reach their goals.
How is Community Futures Cowichan Different Than a Bank?
Community Futures is a non-profit business-financing organization that is federally funded to support small and medium sized enterprises throughout rural BC, paving the way for diversified local economies and job creation.
- We can offer longer repayment/amortization periods that helps free up cash flow;
- We try to customize repayment schedules to suit cash flow of businesses, this can match principal payments to the seasonal cash flow patterns of their business;
- We are more flexible in deferring payments on the loan, this helps owners react to unexpected issues and keep the business operating with minimal impacts; and
- We have no prepayment penalties - up to 100% of the balance without penalty at any time during the term of the loan pay down debt when their business has surplus cash. This helps move clients to conventional financial institution funding.
- They reach their limit with their primary lender;
- They are looking for financing with few fixed assets for collateral;
- They present a strong business plan and character but lack financial history;
- They have personal assets that we can leverage to a greater degree than a Financial Institution; and
- They also require technical business advice.
If you are interested in submitting an application or learning about our loans process, please follow the 6 steps below to compile required information and prepare for a discussion with our staff.
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Client Redress Policy
If an applicant feels they have been wronged or mistreated, our Client Redress Policy outlines the steps of the process.
Please visit our FAQ section for additional information regarding the loan application process.
If you are ready to meet with one of our loans officers, contact us today!
Do you work with small business clients?
Maybe we can partner with you.
As a developmental lender, we can often lend money to businesses or individuals whom banks are unable to assist. Many financial institutions refer clients on to us as another potential source of financing. Or, we may work with financial institutions on joint financing for clients. Many entrepreneurs have had success using a combination of loans from both Community Futures and their financial institution.