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OCLF — Small Business Loans

Q: How much funding can be received?

OCLF — Small Business Loans Funds up to 15000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the OCLF — Small Business Loans a grant, loan, or tax credit?

OCLF — Small Business Loans is a Loans and Capital investments

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the OCLF — Small Business Loans?

OCLF — Small Business Loans is funded by Ottawa Community Loan Fund (OCLF)

Q: Who is eligible for the OCLF — Small Business Loans program?

Eligibility criteria are not specified.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the OCLF — Small Business Loans?

You can contact Ottawa Community Loan Fund (OCLF).

Q: Where is the OCLF — Small Business Loans available?

The OCLF — Small Business Loans program is available the province of Ontario.

Q: Are startups eligible for the OCLF — Small Business Loans program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the OCLF — Small Business Loans program.

Last Update: October 27, 2025

Ottawa, ON

Offers loans for small business startup or expansion

Loans and Capital investments

Ottawa Community Loan Fund

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

No objectives are currently available

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 15,000 $

Timeline

Unspecified

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Ottawa

Legal structures

Non-profit
Public or Parapublic institution
For-profit business
Sole proprietorship
Non-financial cooperative

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Canadians
Startups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Economic, Social and Community Development
Business Associations

Target group

Business owners / entrepreneurs

Revenue structure

All structures

Scope

Local
Municipal
Regional

Overview

The OCLF Small Business Loans program offers funding up to a maximum of $15,000 to support individuals in starting or expanding their businesses. Eligible activities include business establishment or growth within Ottawa, excluding debt consolidation.

Activities funded

Starting a new business in the City of Ottawa.
Expanding an existing business in the City of Ottawa.
Investing in business operations where the applicant owns at least 51% of the business or has the necessary co-signers.

Eligibility

Who is not eligible

Businesses planning to use funds for debt consolidation.

Eligible geographic areas

City of Ottawa

How to apply

Gather Required Documentation

Ensure you have proof of identity such as a driver's license or passport.
Prepare a comprehensive business plan with a two-year cash-flow projection.
Collect two references from business or academic contacts.
Update your current resume.
If needed, obtain business registration documents.

Verify Eligibility Criteria

Confirm you are 18 years or older and have permanent legal status in Canada.
Ensure the business is located in or around Ottawa.
Verify ownership requirements for your business structure.
Check that you agree for OCLF to be the first secured party for pledged assets.
Make sure there are no outstanding debts with payment defaults.

Application Submission

Compile all necessary documents organized and completed according to OCLF's requirements.
Submit the application package directly to the OCLF.
Await feedback regarding loan approval and due diligence fee payment.

Additional information

OCLF's lending partners may have additional terms or requirements as part of their assessment process.
The due diligence fee is non-refundable and is applicable only upon the approval of the loan.
Interest rates on the loans will vary depending on the applicant's creditworthiness and market conditions.
Securing a loan may enhance or improve the applicant's credit history if repayments are made regularly.
The loan can be used for business operations but not for the repayment of existing debts.
OCLF's review process includes a credit check, which may impact the applicant's credit score.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the OCLF — Small Business Loans Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the OCLF — Small Business Loans. 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.