Community Futures Network of Canada
Local Community Futures offices lend money to start or grow a business in a rural or remote community. You repay the loan with interest. Loan amounts vary by project, so confirm terms and interest rates with your local office.
“We operate 267 non-profit offices across Canada that provide small business services to people living in rural and remote communities.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
Approval is required before you spend any money; do not incur costs expecting reimbursement.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You operate a small or medium-sized business in a rural or remote community across Canada.
- You are looking to start, expand, franchise, or sell your business.
- You need financing that a standard bank might not fully cover, or you want local support alongside your loan.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located in an urban or suburban area outside the rural or remote definition.
- You are looking for a grant or non-repayable funding, since this is a loan you must repay.
- You need immediate cash without a formal approval process, as loans require approval before spending.
How much you'd realistically get
The official page does not list a maximum loan amount. Ask your local office before you apply.
What may be supported
- Starting a new business
- Expanding an existing business
- Franchising
- Selling a business
- Community Economic Development projects
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must contact your local office, prepare a business plan or financials, and undergo a credit and viability review.
- 01Visit the Community Futures Canada website to find your local office by province.
- 02Contact your local Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) or Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC).
- 03Discuss your project and confirm current loan amounts, interest rates, and eligibility criteria.
- 04Prepare your business plan and financial documents as requested by the local office.
- 05Submit your application for loan approval.
- 06Once approved, receive the money in the way you agreed with your local office.
Who to ask: T: 1-888-514-8080; Email: admin@communityfuturescanada.ca; Contact local office via website
Documents commonly required
- Business plan or project proposal
- Financial statements or projections
- Proof of location in a rural/remote community
- Personal and business credit information
What to know before you count on it
- This is financing, not a grant. You must repay the principal plus interest.
- Interest rates and exact loan caps aren't published; confirm them with your local Community Futures office.
- Commercial-style terms usually apply, and you may need to demonstrate that a regular bank would not fully cover your needs.
- Loan money is not taxable income, but you must keep making repayments until the loan is paid off.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on your ability to service the debt and the viability of your business plan, not on a competitive ranking.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a loan. You must repay the money with interest. It is not taxable income.
What are the interest rates?
Community Futures doesn't publish a set interest rate; confirm the current rate with your local office.
Can I use this for any business?
No. You must be located in a rural or remote community in Canada. Urban businesses are not eligible.
Do I need to spend the money before applying?
No. Approval is required before spending. Do not incur costs expecting reimbursement.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
Community Futures often works with other programs like the Business Elevation Loan or the Canada Small Business Financing Program. Ask your local office whether you can combine them.
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.