Community Futures British Columbia
Community Futures offices in BC lend up to $1 million to start, grow or buy a business. This is a loan you repay. Terms and rates vary by local office, so contact your nearest Community Futures office to apply.
Before you spend any money
Get your loan approved before you spend any money.
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 a startup, existing business, or non-profit operating in British Columbia.
- You need up to $1 million for standard projects, or up to $10,000 if you are an eligible client of Accessible Entrepreneurship Services.
- You can demonstrate strong character, capacity, conditions, capital, and collateral to support your loan application.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside British Columbia or outside the service area of a Community Futures office.
- You are looking for a grant or free money, since this is a repayable loan.
- You cannot provide collateral or prove you have the cash flow to repay the debt.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $1 million for standard loans; up to $10,000 for Micro Loans for eligible clients from Accessible Entrepreneurship Services.
What may be supported
- Business startup expenses
- Business growth expenses
- Launching a social enterprise
- Purchasing a business
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must prepare a business plan and cash flow projections and submit them for assessment by local staff and volunteer board.
- 01Contact your nearest Community Futures office directly to access loans and financing.
- 02Prepare a business plan (template available) and cash flow projections.
- 03Submit application for assessment by local staff and volunteer board based on the 5 C's of Lending.
- 04Wait for approval before you spend any money.
Who to ask: 1-604-289-4222 (Mon-Fri: 8:30am to 4:30pm); Contact page: https://www.communityfutures.ca/contact-cfbc; Office Finder: https://www.communityfutures.ca/office-finder
Documents commonly required
- Business plan (template available)
- Cash flow projections
- Proof of eligibility for Micro Loans if applicable (e.g., enrollment in Entrepreneurs With Disabilities Program)
- Documentation supporting the 5 C's of Lending (credit history, training, work history, business experience, net worth/equity, collateral details)
What to know before you count on it
- This is a repayable loan, not a grant, and terms and rates vary by Community Futures office.
- You must meet the 5 C's of Lending criteria, including aiming for a 1:1 security to loan principal ratio for collateral.
- Intake is ongoing, but you must contact your nearest Community Futures office directly to apply.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on meeting the 5 C's of Lending criteria and the assessment by your local Community Futures office.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an application fee?
The official page does not mention an application fee. Ask your local office before you apply.
What are the 5 C's of Lending?
Character (credit history, training, work history, business experience), Capacity (ability to repay debt based on cash flow/earning potential), Conditions (viability of market/industry), Capital (adequate net worth/equity/sweat equity), and Collateral (aiming for 1:1 security to loan principal ratio).
How do I apply?
Contact your nearest Community Futures office directly to access loans and financing.
Are Micro Loans available?
Yes, up to $10,000 for eligible clients from Accessible Entrepreneurship Services.
What you can combine it with
Related programs include the Entrepreneurs With Disabilities Program for Micro Loans, PacifiCan Business Service Network, Province of BC Funding Search Tool, and Grants and Funding from the Government of Canada.
Worth reading before you apply
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.