**This program is now closed for applications as of Oct. 31, 2022.
"Empowering women entrepreneurs to start or grow a business in Alberta."
Offering flexible low-interest small business loans, ongoing support and advice for women entrepreneurs in rural Alberta.
Start or Grow Your Rural Small Business
Whether you're just starting out, or looking for support to take your business to the next level, there are many challenges along the way and sometimes it feels like you're on your own.
Flexible Small Business Loans for Women Entrepreneurs Starting at $10,000
Access low-interest loans designed specifically for women entrepreneurs, and offering flexible repayments options and forgivable loan portions if conditions are met.
Apply for personalized financing from $10,000 up to $75,000, giving you the freedom you need to reach your goals.
Grow your skills as a small business owner and receive ongoing support from local business experts in your community.
Community Futures small business supports are tailored to fit your needs and schedule. Get access to trusted advisors that can help you gain the skills and training you need to start and grow your small business.
How we support you:
Connect with other local business owners and build your network.
Access and explore resources and meet with a Business Advisor you can trust to talk about your business goals.
Receive ongoing small business support and opportunities to develop your skills, manage your business and plan for the future.
We are the first stop for new entrepreneurs and existing small businesses in rural Alberta.
Find Out If You Are Eligible
Our loan application process is broken down into 3 stages:
Step 1: Submit an Eligibility Assessment
Step 2: Complete the Loan Application*
Step 3: Loan Application Review*
Ready to start your eligibility assessment?
Submit Your Completed Eligibility Assessment to balsl@albertacf.com
Notice:
*Loan applications are subject to an Application Fee of $200.00. Approved loans are subject to an Administration Fee of $500.00.
There is no fee to submit an Eligibility Assessment.
What Makes This Loan Unique?
Women entrepreneurs can apply for an unsecured conditionally repayable loan of 10,000.
General Details
Loans from $10,000+
Interest Rate of Prime + 2% for a 5-year term
6 months interest-only payments at the start of loan
Forgivable 25% portion of loan amount if 75% is repaid within the 5-year loan term
Flexible opportunities to manage loan repayments
No penalties for early repayment and/or lump-sum payments
Eligible Uses of Funding
Operating capital, equipment, leasehold improvements, inventory, non-owner salaries & professional fees. Loan funds can not be used for debt repayment.
Eligibility Criteria
Be a 50.1% women-owned small or medium-sized business that is registered and located in Alberta
Identify as a female entrepreneur
Reside in the province of Alberta
Be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
Have been unable to secure reasonable financing elsewhere.
As per the Terms and Conditions of the Community Futures Program, SMEs are defined as having less than 500 employees and annual sales revenue of less than $20 million, and produce goods and services for the market economy, regardless of their business structure (e.g. sole proprietorships, social enterprises, cooperatives, etc.)
If your business is located in the urban or metropolitan areas of Calgary, Edmonton, St. Albert or Fort Saskatchewan, please visit our partner organization: Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
Alberta Women’s Economic Recovery – Capital Growth Initiative:
Funded by the Government of Alberta, this initiative will provide $3 million in grant funding to the Community Futures Network of Alberta (CFNA) to increase access to capital through flexible low-interest small business loans and offer business advisory supports to women entrepreneurs in rural Alberta through a network of Community Futures locations.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to our Business Analyst Robin-Lee Vance by phone or email. You can also book a meeting directly with the links below:
Phone: 1-780-849-3232
E-mail: balsl@albertacf.com
New Client: Book A Meeting
Existing Client: Book A Meeting