Business Loans
Community Futures Lesser Slave Lake provides a variety of customized, affordable, loan options for small business owners and entrepreneurs, ranging from $500 to $150,000.
We are known for saying “yes” when other lenders say “no.” Community Futures offices apply flexible loan criteria and options to help you start a new business, buy a business, open a franchise, expand into new markets, invest in technology, give your business a face-lift and help young entrepreneurs get their first loan.
Our goal is to help you succeed so that our community becomes a better place to live and work. Connect with a business advisor today by calling 780-849-3232.
We take the time to really understand your business dreams and goals, and then help you work out a plan to turn them into reality. These success stories showcase businesses in our region and what they are achieving with our support!
How to Get Started
To get started today, please download the three PDFs below. Start with your Business Plan and Loan Application and the Application Checklist. We are happy to help with these forms and the planning process. Call today and we will connect you with your own business advisor at 780-849-3232.
BUSINESS LOANS: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out if I am eligible for a Community Futures loan?
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Your business must be located in our region -
You must be involved in the day-to-day operations of the business -
You must be of legal age and a resident of Canada -
You must contact a bank first. If you are unable to secure appropriate financing under reasonable terms elsewhere, contact your local Community Futures Office.
Can I combine Community Futures financing with other borrowing?
Do I need to have a certain amount of money, assets and/or resources before applying for a business loan?
Will my credit rating be considered before applying for a business loan?
Am I required to provide a business plan to apply?
Typically, how long does it take to receive a decision on a loan application?
Does the business need to be located in my community?
How do I appeal a declined loan application?
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Investment Review Committee meets and review the loan application -
Committee analyzes the loan application and makes their final decision. -
Client is advised by authorized personnel within 24 hours of the decision. -
Only one appeal permitted per proposal, with the Board’s decision being final
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If the appeal is declined, the appellant may again appeal the decision in writing. The appeal should include reasons and new information supporting that appeal (redress.) For this appeal, a Redress or Appeals Committee consisting of not less than three (3) not more than seven (7) members representing two (2) or more Community Futures Corporations shall review the amended appeal application. This Adhoc Committee representative of Community Futures Corporations shall be the highest level of authority.
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Accordingly, the decision will be considered final and binding on behalf of the Corporation that assessed, reviewed and declined the original and the initial appeal applications. If this joint Ad Hoc Appeals Committee, representing two or more CF Corporations, upholds the appeal and grants approval to the investment (loan) request as amended, the standard lending processes of the original CF Corporation will be undertaken and completed.
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A fee plus all expenses associated with the Ad Hoc Committee shall be the responsibility of the appellant
LOAN PRODUCTS – We Have Something For Every Business
Want to start a new business? Our NewBiz business loan can help:
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Borrow up to $150,000 to start a business in rural Alberta -
Borrow only what you need, when you need it. Many Community Futures clients start with one kind of loan product and over the years take advantage of our other great loans and programs. -
Loan qualification and repayment terms are affordable and flexible. We take a broader view of your assets, income and skills than traditional lenders such as banks. -
Get access to a wide range of business supports from Analysts who know rural business like no one else, including free business advice and counselling usually up to 4 hours. Afterwards, hourly low-cost fees may apply for additional business coaching, business plan help, training programs and technical assistance.
Found a business to buy? Our BizBuyOut business loan can help:
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Borrow up to $150,000 to buy an existing rural Alberta business -
Borrow only what you need, when you need it. Many Community Futures clients start with one kind of loan product and over the years take advantage of our other great loans and programs. -
Loan qualification and repayment terms are affordable and flexible. We take a broader view of your assets, income and skills than traditional lenders such as banks. -
Get access to a wide range of business supports from analysts who know rural business like no one else, including free business advice and counselling usually up to 4 hours. Afterwards, hourly low-cost fees may apply for additional business coaching, business plan help, training programs and technical assistance.
Ready to expand into new markets? Our GlobalReach Business Loan can help:
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Borrow up to $150,000 to expand your existing rural Alberta business -
Borrow only what you need, when you need it. Many Community Futures clients start with one kind of loan product and over the years take advantage of our other great loans and programs. -
Loan qualification and repayment terms are affordable and flexible. We take a broader view of your assets, income and skills than traditional lenders such as banks. -
Get access to a wide range of business supports from advisors who know rural business like no one else, including free business advice and counselling usually up to 4 hours. Afterwards, hourly low-cost fees may apply for additional business coaching, business plan help, training programs and technical assistance.
Need cash to seize an opportunity? Our Opportunity Business Loan can help:
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Borrow up to normal maximum of $25,000 (but our range is $150,000) to enhance an existing rural Alberta business -
Borrow only what you need, when you need it. Many Community Futures clients start with one kind of loan product and over the years take advantage of our other great loans and programs. -
Loan qualification and repayment terms are affordable and flexible. We take a broader view of your assets, income and skills than traditional lenders such as banks. -
Get access to a wide range of business supports from analysts who know rural business like no one else, including free business advice and counselling usually up to 4 hours. Afterwards, hourly low-cost fees may apply for additional business coaching, business plan help, training programs and technical assistance.
Young and business minded? Our NextGen Business Loan can help:
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Borrow up to normal maximum of $25,000 (but our range is $150,000) to start a rural Alberta business -
Borrow only what you need, when you need it. Many Community Futures clients start with one kind of loan product and over the years take advantage of our other great loans and programs. -
Loan qualification and repayment terms are affordable and flexible. We take a broader view of your assets, income and skills than traditional lenders such as banks. -
Get access to a wide range of business supports from analysts who know rural business like no one else, including free business advice and counselling usually up to 4 hours. Afterwards, hourly low-cost fees may apply for additional business coaching, business plan help, training programs and technical assistance.
Have a disability and a business idea? Our BizAble Business Loan can help:
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Borrow up to $150,000 to start a rural Alberta business -
Borrow only what you need, when you need it. Many Community Futures clients start with one kind of loan product and over the years take advantage of our other great loans and programs. -
Loan qualification and repayment terms are affordable and flexible. We take a broader view of your assets, income and skills than traditional lenders such as banks. -
Ask us about our enhanced support service program for persons with disabilities