Community Futures Alberta — Financial Supports
Cochrane, AB, Canada
Funding for rural SMEs in Alberta
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Loans and Capital investments
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Prairies Economic Development Canada (PRAIRIESCAN)
- Community Futures Alberta
- Government of Canada
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
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If you're a small business owner or entrepreneur, you could get a loan of up to $150,000 to start or grow your business
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This grant is available to companies in areas supported by the Community Futures Network of Alberta. Eligible locations are primarily in rural Alberta, as covered by their local offices.
- Rural communities across Alberta, Canada.
- Areas serviced by the 27 Community Futures offices in Alberta.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$150,000
Opening a second bakery storefront with modernized equipment
$150,000
Expanding an organic beverage line into new markets
$75,000
Renovating a local coffee shop for a modern look
$150,000
Investing in smart farming technology for UrbanVeg
$150,000
Purchasing an existing bookshop to expand business
$120,000
Starting a new eco-friendly cleaning service
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for financial support through Community Futures is guided by specific criteria designed to assist small businesses in rural Alberta.
- The applicant must be a small business or entrepreneur located in rural Alberta.
- The business may be starting up, buying an existing business, expanding into new markets, opening a franchise, investing in technology, or renovating.
- Applicants must be willing to engage with a local Community Futures office for guidance and support.
- Loan requests can be made for amounts up to $150,000.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Community Futures Network of Alberta provides flexible business loans specifically for small business owners and entrepreneurs in rural Alberta. These loans are available for starting or buying a business, expanding into new markets, opening a franchise, investing in technology, or refreshing a business's appearance. The program is designed for those who need financial support to grow their business, with a particular focus on helping businesses that might not qualify for traditional loans. Therefore, eligible applicants must be small business owners or entrepreneurs operating or planning to operate in rural Alberta.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant focuses on providing financial support for various business activities, particularly for small businesses in rural Alberta. Eligible projects and activities under this grant include initiating new business ventures or enhancing existing operations.
- Starting a new business.
- Buying an existing business.
- Expanding into new markets.
- Opening a franchise.
- Investing in technology upgrades.
- Giving your business a facelift through renovations or updates.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The financial support program covers expenses related to business development and growth.
- Starting a new business.
- Buying an existing business.
- Expanding into new markets.
- Opening a franchise.
- Investing in technology.
- Giving your business a facelift.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.
- Flexible loan criteria
- Wide variety of loan options
- No hidden fees or penalties
- Competitive interest rate
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for financial support through Community Futures:
- Step 1: Find Local Office
- Locate your nearest Community Futures office in rural Alberta.
- Contact the office to schedule a consultation or meeting with an advisor.
- Step 2: Consultation with Advisor
- Attend the scheduled meeting to discuss your business needs and goals.
- Gather information on available loan options and support services tailored to your situation.
- Step 3: Application Preparation
- Complete your business loan application with guidance from the advisor.
- Compile necessary documentation, such as business plans and financial statements, as required for the application.
- Step 4: Application Submission
- Submit your completed application and any supporting documents to your local Community Futures office.
- Ensure all forms are signed and properly filled out.
- Step 5: Follow Up
- Maintain contact with your advisor for updates on the status of your application.
- Be prepared to provide additional information if requested during the review process.
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Here are additional relevant details for this financial support program:
- Community Futures has over 30 years of experience in guiding entrepreneurs in rural Alberta.
- Offers free resources alongside loan and financial support.
- Access to training sessions and one-on-one business mentoring is provided.
grant_single_labels|contact
403-851-9995
Apply to this program
Accessibility and Financial Support for Small Businesses in Rural Alberta
The Community Futures Network of Alberta provides comprehensive financial support to small businesses in rural areas through flexible loan options, making it easier for entrepreneurs to access the capital they need. With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, the organization also offers tools and resources that cater to the diverse needs of business owners, including those requiring accessibility tools and services.
Detailed Information on the Community Futures Network of Alberta Loan Program
The Community Futures Network of Alberta is dedicated to bolstering the economic landscape of rural communities by providing small business owners with the financial support necessary to thrive. Their program is specifically designed to be flexible and accommodating, offering loans up to $150,000 with competitive interest rates and minimal barriers to entry. This initiative is particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs who have faced challenges in securing funding through traditional banks, as the program's flexible criteria often make it possible to say "yes" where others might decline.
In addition to financial loans, the network offers a myriad of resources to support business growth and development. Among these are training sessions, one-on-one mentoring, and advisory services tailored to each business's unique needs and goals. The emphasis on personalized support reflects the network’s commitment to not only providing financial capital but also equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly competitive market.
Accessibility is another cornerstone of the program, underscored by the availability of several tools designed to ensure no entrepreneur is left behind. These tools include features such as color inversion, monochrome settings, dark and light contrast options, as well as tools that highlight links and headings for easier navigation for visually impaired users. For those who require auditory assistance, a screen reader and read mode options are available, ensuring all aspects of the Community Futures services are accessible to everyone.
Moreover, the network understands the uniqueness of each business's journey and offers solutions that are scalable and adaptable. Whether the capital is needed to start a new venture, acquire an existing business, or expand into new territories, the loans provided can facilitate diverse business goals. The intention is to create a thriving local economy in rural Alberta by empowering entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need right from their local Community Futures office.
The application process is straightforward and begins by contacting a local office to arrange a consultation. Here, advisors assess the business’s needs and provide guidance on the types of support available. The process includes filling out an application for financial assistance, attending relevant training, and, if necessary, engaging in one-on-one mentoring sessions to hone business strategies and skills. Each of the 27 locations across rural Alberta is equipped to provide this holistic support.
The grant embodies a strategic effort to foster a robust entrepreneurial spirit within rural communities while addressing financial accessibility. Recipients can expect not only fiscal aid but a partnership aimed at long-term success and community improvement. By focusing on both financial and accessibility aspects, the Community Futures Network of Alberta transcends traditional lending by blending monetary support with extensive developmental resources and inclusive digital tools.
In summary, the Community Futures Network of Alberta stands as a beacon of support for entrepreneurs in rural areas, offering an all-encompassing suite of services that include flexible financing solutions, business development resources, and accessibility tools to cater to a diverse range of business needs. This program not only facilitates immediate business goals but also lays the groundwork for sustained economic development, contributing to the prosperity and vitality of Alberta's rural communities.
