Community Futures Ontario — Access to Capital
Overview
Get repayable financing of $150,000 or more for your SME or social enterprise, in the form of a loan, loan guarantee or equity investment, when financing from other sources is insufficient.
At a glance
Funding available
- Increasing community impact
- Minimum amount : 150,000 $
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
- All industries
- Ontario
- Non-profit
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- Startups
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- All structures
- Local
- Regional
Activities funded
The Community Futures Program provides financial assistance for projects that aim to foster economic growth and community development through loans or equity investments. Eligible projects focus on supporting small and medium-sized businesses and social enterprises.
- Start-up and expansion projects for small businesses.
- Stabilization plans to help maintain existing jobs in the community.
- Social enterprise initiatives that create or save jobs.
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is based on specific criteria that ensure the alignment of the applicant's business plans and community impact.
- The applicant must be a small business or social enterprise.
- The business must be planning for start-up, expansion, or stabilization of operations.
- The plans must aim to maintain or create jobs within the community.
- Financing must be unavailable or insufficient from other sources to qualify for CFDC support.
- All decisions are made at the community level by local boards of directors.
Who is eligible?
The Community Futures Program's Access to Capital initiative is designed to support small and medium-sized businesses and social enterprises that are seeking financing for start-up, expansion, or stabilization projects with the objective of job creation or retention. This program targets companies that have difficulties obtaining financing from other sources.
Who is not eligible
There are certain types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:
- Companies involved in illegal activities.
- Businesses that do not have a viable business plan.
Eligible expenses
This program provides financial assistance to small and medium-sized businesses and social enterprises for start-up, expansion, or stabilization, specifically to help maintain or create jobs.
- Financing new or existing small businesses.
- Support for social enterprises' start-up activities.
- Expansion projects for growth and development.
- Stabilization plans to sustain operations and employment.
- Local decision-making for financing eligibility.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is designed for businesses and social enterprises that are located in specific regions under the Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in Canada. The eligible geographical areas are those served by the local CFDC offices, ensuring support is provided to regions that align with community economic development goals.
- Communities served by the Community Futures Development Corporations in Canada.
Selection criteria
The Community Futures Program provides repayable financing for small businesses and social enterprises through local investment funds. The financing decisions are made at the community level by local boards of directors.
- Business viability and potential for job creation or retention
- Demonstrated need for financing when other sources are insufficient
- Clear business plan outlining the use of funds
- Positive impact on the community or region
- Ability to repay the financing on commercial terms
How to apply
Identify Nearest CFDC
- Go to the "Find a Local CFDC" section of the Community Futures Network of Canada website.
- Use the area maps or search function to find the CFDC office nearest to your location.
Contact CFDC
- Contact the nearest CFDC for guidance on the specific application process and requirements.
- Reach out via the provided email address or phone number (1-888-633-2326) for further assistance.
Application Preparation
- Gather necessary documents including business plans, financial statements, and project details.
- Develop a comprehensive application that outlines the purpose of the funding request, the business plan, and expected job creation or stabilization outcomes.
Submit Application
- Submit your application to the CFDC board directly through the method specified by the local office.
- Ensure all required documents and information are included with your application.
Await Decision
- Wait for the CFDC board to review your application and make a financing decision.
- Be available to furnish any additional information if requested by the CFDC.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Financing options include loans, loan guarantees, and equity investments.
- The local boards of directors make all financing decisions at the community level.
- Projects must focus on maintaining or creating jobs in the local community.
- CFDCs provide support to small and medium-sized businesses when financing from other sources is insufficient.
- CFDCs offer repayable financing of $150,000 or more on commercial terms.
- Interested applicants should contact the nearest CFDC office for more details and assistance with the application process.
