Open
Source verified March 4, 2026
Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services
Business loans for Treaty Seven Members (Alberta)
Funding available
$ 25,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
Loans of up to $25,000 to start or grow a business with a viable business plan.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
- Up to 10% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
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).
Official resources
Eligibility
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
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Western Economic Diversification Loan Fund:
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: 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.
- Step 5: Approval Process
- The Business Analyst will make recommendations to the Investment Review Committee and Board for approval.
- Await decision notification from the Committee.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services Program
What is the Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services?
Loans of up to $25,000 to start or grow a business with a viable business plan.
How much funding can be received?
Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services Funds up to 10% of admissible expenses, capped at $25,000 per project.
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.
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).
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.
Where is the Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services available?
The Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services program is available the province of Alberta.
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