Business Loans

Introduction to CFPL Loan Program

Community Futures plays a vital role in supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening local businesses, and promoting economic growth throughout British Columbia. Through its lending programs, Community Futures helps entrepreneurs turn business ideas into reality, supports existing businesses in achieving their goals, and creates opportunities for long-term economic success in our communities.

The Community Futures Peace Liard (CFPL) Loan Program is designed to improve access to financing for entrepreneurs and business owners who may face challenges obtaining funding through traditional financial institutions. By offering flexible financing solutions and taking a personalized approach to lending, CFPL helps bridge the financing gap while supporting business development, job creation, and economic diversification throughout the region.

Recognizing that every business has unique needs and circumstances, CFPL considers more than just traditional lending criteria. Our approach focuses on understanding the business, evaluating its potential for success, and working with entrepreneurs to identify practical financing solutions.

In addition to providing individualized business counselling, guidance, and ongoing support, Community Futures Peace Liard offers business loans to assist new and existing businesses with:

capital purchases
operating capital
inventory
start-up costs
top-up financing
expansion

Loans received from a Community Futures are fully repayable and are offered at a competitive interest rate. In over ten years of lending to entrepreneurs in British Columbia, Community Futures' loans, on average, have recorded an unprecedented financial institution repayment rate of 96%.

Arranging Financing:

Community Futures can provide business development loans from their own funds, as well as by accessing specialized loans programs that target segments of the BC population that may face additional obstacles in securing business financing.

In addition, Community Futures can help you arrange financing for your business through regular channels.

Do I Qualify for a Loan?

Community Futures Peace Liard may help finance viable business ventures with both expansion and startup financing, including businesses that might not otherwise be eligible for financing from other institutions.

We are happy to accept applications for financing for businesses within the Peace Liard Region.

Loan Eligibility:

The applicant must be of legal age and a resident of Canada
The business must be located within the Peace Liard region
inventory
Employment created or maintained in the region
Ability to repay
Future economic viability of the business
Competent management and relevant operational skills
Adequate security for the venture

Unless there are unusual or extenuating circumstances, applications will not be considered in any of the following situations:

The applicant is in bankruptcy
The applicant has an outstanding court judgment
The applicant is unable to provide proof of residency

How Do I Apply for a CF Loan?

Complete the forms in the Loan Application package, as well as the Business Plan template (if you do not already have a Business Plan). Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you need any assistance in completing the application package.

Your completed Loan Application package can be emailed to our Business Analyst at hkaur@communityfuturespeaceliard.com, or dropped off at our office at 1212 – 103rd Avenue in Dawson Creek.

The complete Loan Application package consists of:

  1. Due Diligence Check List
  2. Pre-Loan Checklist
  3. Loan Application
  4. Personal Overview
  5. Guarantor Overview
  6. Business Plan

Other documents that may be required in order to complete the loan application process:

Financial statements – last three fiscal years (for existing businesses)
Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable listing (for existing businesses)
Any outstanding amounts owed to CRA for GST/HST, taxes, PST, wages
Any outstanding amounts owed to WCB
Personal investment towards the project
Appraisal (or certified realtor’s opinion) – if purchasing a property
BC Assessment Notice – if purchasing a property or using a property as security
Statement on personal mortgage from bank with current balance owing – if using personal property as security
Vehicle registrations numbers – if purchasing a vehicle or if using a vehicle as security
Environmental Assessment – if purchasing or refinancing industrial property
Quotes on building you plan to construct
Letters of Intent or Support
Incorporation Information

When all of the necessary documents have been received, the Business Analyst will present the Loan Application, Business Plan, and supporting documentation to the Loans Committee, who will then discuss the information and make recommendations on the information provided.

If declined, the client will be advised by phone. If approved, the client will be called and an appointment with the Business Analyst is set to review the Letter of Offer. When all security documentation and proof of registration is in place and all documents are signed by all parties, an authorization for the funds to be disbursed to the client will be issued.

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program

This fund was established in 1997 by Western Economic Diversification Canada to make it easier for entrepreneurs with disabilities to pursue their business goals. Please see the link below for more information. This website is a resource for people with disabilities who may be exploring the option of self-employment and need access to some basic tools and information on the initial steps for starting a small business. This site features web accessibility features for people with disabilities and provides straightforward information on self-employment, creating a business plan, and how to apply for an EDP loan.

https://www.communityfutures.ca/edp

Loans