Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services

Q: How much funding can be received?

Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services Funds up to 10% of admissible expenses, capped at $25000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services is a Loans and Capital investments

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services?

Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services is funded by Community Futures Treaty Seven

Q: Who is eligible for the Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services program?

To be eligible for the Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services program, you must: • Business must be at least 51% owned by Treaty Seven Members. • All loans require equity of 10% (or proof of sweat equity). • Must provide proof of decline from traditional financial institution.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services?

You can contact Community Futures Treaty Seven or by phone at 403-251-9242.

Q: Where is the Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services available?

The Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services program is available the province of Alberta.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

AB, Canada

Business loans for Treaty Seven Members (Alberta)

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $25,000
Up to 10% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Community Futures Treaty Seven

Program status

Open

Overview

Loans of up to $25,000 to start or grow a business with a viable business plan.

Financing terms and conditions

This lending service provides tailored financing modalities to support the financial needs of businesses owned by Treaty Seven Members. The offerings are designed to ensure business growth and sustainability within the Treaty Seven communities.

Loans are capped at a maximum of $25,000 per business.
A required equity contribution of 10% of the loan amount, which can be in the form of monetary investment or sweat equity.
All loans necessitate community support via a Band Council Resolution for on-reserve businesses.
Applicants must present proof of a loan decline from a traditional financial institution.

Activities funded

Establishment of new businesses that facilitate employment growth among Treaty Seven Members.
Expansion of existing businesses that demonstrate potential for increased revenue and employment.
Businesses with community support as demonstrated by a Band Council Resolution (for on-reserve businesses).

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 25,000

Launch a coffee shop offering ethically sourced, single-origin coffees

$ 25,000

Expand a digital literacy program for senior citizens

$ 25,000

Create an eco-friendly clothing line focusing on sustainable materials

$ 25,000

Initiate a recycling and waste management program for better environmental practices

$ 25,000

Establish a local farmers' market to support organic farming

$ 25,000

Develop a mobile app to streamline healthcare services

Eligibility

Eligibility for the Western Economic Diversification General Loan Fund is determined by several specific criteria that applicants must meet.

The business must be at least 51% owned by Treaty Seven Members.
The maximum loan that can be provided is $25,000.00 per business.
Applicants must provide equity of 10% or proof of sweat equity.
Agriculture loans for ranching and farming are not eligible.
The business can be located on or off reserve.
All loans require community support through a Band Council Resolution for businesses on reserve.
The business plan must be viable and demonstrate capacity to generate sufficient revenue for loan repayment.
The business must have a mandate to increase long-term, full-time employment for Treaty Seven Members.
Applicants must provide proof of decline from a traditional financial institution.
All necessary documents must be submitted for the loan application process.

Who is not eligible

This grant program has specific restrictions for ineligible businesses and industries. The ineligibility is primarily focused on ensuring alignment with community and economic objectives.

Agriculture loans, specifically in ranching and farming, are not eligible.

Eligible expenses

This loan fund targets the development and expansion of businesses that are owned by Treaty Seven Members, with an emphasis on fostering long-term employment opportunities for those members. Eligible activities focus on various business projects except for agriculture-related ones.

Establishment of new businesses owned by at least 51% Treaty Seven Members.
Expansion projects for existing businesses owned by Treaty Seven Members.
Business projects that can demonstrate community support and potential for long-term employment creation.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant supports businesses located on and off reserve to cater to Treaty Seven Members. It focuses on providing financial support to those within the Treaty Seven area.

Businesses located on reserve within the Treaty Seven area.
Businesses located off reserve but still within the Treaty Seven jurisdiction.

How to apply

Initial Eligibility Check

Ensure that your business is at least 51% owned by Treaty Seven Members.
Confirm the business is not an agricultural venture related to ranching or farming.
Ensure the business is located on or off reserve, meeting the requirement for community support.

Document Preparation

Prepare a viable business plan showing potential for revenue generation to repay the loan.
Gather proof of decline from a traditional financial institution.
Compile evidence of equity or sweat equity totaling at least 10% of the loan amount.
Obtain a Band Council Resolution if the business is located on reserve.

Contact Business Analyst

Reach out to the Business Analyst using the contact details provided (403.251.9242 for Branch Office or 403.238.2062 for Head Office).
Submit all necessary documents to the Business Analyst for review.

Loan Application and Review

The Business Analyst will complete the loan application upon receipt of all documents.
Undergo a review process for viability, which includes credit checks and a ratio analysis.

Approval Process

The Business Analyst will make recommendations to the Investment Review Committee and Board for approval.
Await decision notification from the Committee.

Contacts

403-251-9242

AB, Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services?

This grant supports businesses owned by Treaty Seven Members to establish or expand their operations, ultimately aiming to increase employment within their communities. Eligible projects include those that have viable business plans and have been declined by traditional financial institutions. Establishment of new businesses that facilitate employment growth among Treaty Seven Members. Expansion of existing businesses that demonstrate potential for increased revenue and employment. Businesses with community support as demonstrated by a Band Council Resolution (for on-reserve businesses).