Columbia Basin Trust: Impact Investment Fund
A Columbia Basin fund for business projects that are higher-risk than a bank would normally back, delivered through Community Futures and Heritage Credit Union. It is repayable financing with no published per-business maximum, so confirm amounts and terms with the local delivery office.
Before you spend any money
Confirm the current intake status and application deadlines with Jon Beaulac before preparing your materials.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You are an established business owner in the Columbia Basin ready to expand or buy new equipment.
- You are an aspiring entrepreneur looking to acquire an existing business in the region.
- You need financing for a commercial mortgage or a construction project within the Columbia Basin.
Probably not the right fit if
- Your business is located outside the Columbia Basin region.
- You are looking for a grant or non-repayable funding, as this program provides loans that must be repaid.
- You are a new startup without an existing business to acquire or expand, as the program targets established owners or acquirers.
How much you'd realistically get
The official page does not list loan amounts or a maximum. Ask the program office before you apply.
What may be supported
- Business expansion or growth initiatives.
- Acquisition of an existing business.
- Commercial mortgages.
- Purchase of equipment.
- Construction projects.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou will need to prepare a business case for growth, acquisition, or construction and contact the manager directly to discuss terms and eligibility.
- 01Contact Jon Beaulac at the Columbia Basin Trust to confirm current eligibility and loan terms.
- 02Prepare documentation for your growth, acquisition, or construction project.
- 03Submit your application materials as directed by the manager.
- 04Await review and confirmation of loan approval and disbursement timing.
Who to ask: Jon Beaulac, Manager, Commercial Business; jbeaulac@ourtrust.org; 250.304.1636
Documents commonly required
- Business registration or incorporation documents.
- Financial statements or tax returns to demonstrate ability to repay.
- A detailed proposal for the growth, acquisition, or construction project.
- Proof of location within the Columbia Basin.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a loan, not a grant, meaning you must repay the principal plus any applicable interest.
- The official page does not list the interest rate, fees or repayment schedule. Ask Jon Beaulac at the Columbia Basin Trust before you apply.
- Eligibility is strictly limited to businesses located in the Columbia Basin.
- The official page does not say how or when the loan money is paid out. Ask the program office before you sign.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on the viability of your project and your ability to repay the loan; there is no guarantee of funding.
Frequently asked questions
Is this funding a grant or a loan?
It is a direct commercial loan that must be repaid.
What is the interest rate?
The interest rate is not published; confirm this detail with Jon Beaulac at the Columbia Basin Trust.
Can I use this loan to buy a new business?
Yes, the program supports aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to acquire an existing business.
How do I apply?
Contact Jon Beaulac, Manager, Commercial Business, at jbeaulac@ourtrust.org or 250.304.1636.
What you can combine it with
Check with the Columbia Basin Trust to see if this loan can be combined with other provincial or federal grants.
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.