Small Business Services

 

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Small Business Loans

Community Futures offers eight different loans products, each designed to meet a particular business need. Whether you require a quick influx of cash to respond to an unexpected opportunity, or are looking for a larger investment for expansion into global markets, we have a product that can help. And as a developmental lender, Community Futures can be flexible in finding a loan solution tailored to your needs. Applying is fast and easy, and can be done right from our website.

Community Economic Development

For rural communities to compete in our fast changing world full of economic uncertainties, there is an increased need to adopt new, intentional and focused economic development strategies. Successful rural communities will identify, inventory and access economic opportunities, and will look for unique ways to build upon what they already have. Using existing community assets, the resilient community of tomorrow will also look for new and efficient ways to produce and then market products or services to new customers in a marketplace infinitely larger than it was two decades ago. At the local or regional level, Community Futures organizations play a key role in working alongside community leaders and other key stakeholders for the development of a strategic vision for our community's future. Along with our communities and community partners, Community Futures organizations invest in activities and projects designed to allow our rural communities to be resilient.

Self Employment Program

Community Futures Lloydminster and Region delivers the Self Employment (SE) Program to Saskatchewan residents. This program provides business training and financial assistance to new entrepreneurs while they get their business up and running. The SE program is designed to reduce some of the financial concerns of self-support for new entrepreneurs who are taking their first steps toward self employment. The SE Program is delivered through a variety of workshops, courses and one-on-one mentoring. For more information, please contact Community Futures Lloydminster and Region.

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) was established to make it easier for entrepreneurs with disabilities to pursue their business goals and contribute to economic growth within their rural community. In addition to offering business training and mentoring, the EDP can also provide business loans, through the BusinessAble loan product. For more information on the EDP please contact the Community Futures Lloydminster and Region office.

Rural Diversification Initiative

We want to build communities that have long-term sustainability, resiliency in the face of change, and a broad economic base with a variety of types of businesses and jobs. The Rural Diversification Initiative (RDI) provides funds to Community Futures organizations and their partners for economic diversification projects in Alberta. Rural diversification projects can include those that help improve productivity, replace imports in a region, develop new markets, provide innovative access to capital, or help develop business clusters.

RDI is targeted at rural diversification projects: minimum size $100,000, with clear measurable economic outcomes, partnerships with other organizations, and strong private sector support. The total amount available for project funding is $3.48 million over 3 years from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2011. RDI funding will cover a maximum of 60% of eligible project costs. This initiative is funded through Western Economic Diversification Canada and is administered by Community Futures Alberta.

For more information on the CF - RDI Program click here.

To discuss your community’s idea for a rural diversification project, please contact the Community Futures Lloydminster and Region office.