Business Help - Community Futures Sun Country

Counselling and advisory services

Successful small businesses don't just happen; they grow out of careful research and planning. Community Futures Sun Country believes that entrepreneurs are key agents of diversification and sustainability – much-needed ingredients for maintaining rural economic health and prosperity. Our expert staff has a wealth of services to offer you, regardless of the stage you are at with your business idea.

We can help you with:

Obtaining a small business loan
Accessing small business seminars
Writing a business plan, cash flow sheet or marketing plan
Creating realistic financial projections
Improving your business plan for financing purposes
Finding other assistance programs which might work for you

For more information about what we do, or to set up an appointment, please contact us.

Check out our:

Client Privacy Policy

Loan Appeal Process

Business loans

Community Futures Sun Country provides secured, repayable loans from $500 - $500,000. We are a lender of vision working to enhance and expand existing business or to start new business in our region.

We maintain competitive interest rates, with flexible repayment terms and no repayment penalty.

Eligibility/Criteria:

Employment creation or maintenance for predominantly local residents
Business needs to be located in the Community Futures Sun Country area
Reasonable personal financial investment
Ability to repay
Future economic viability of the business
Competent management
Adequate security for the venture

Not sure if you are eligible for one of our loan programs? Fill out the Loan Application Pre-Screening Form and send to us. The Business Development Officer will review the form. Also, see What Community Futures Looks for in a Loan Application.

Our 5 Steps to Getting a Loan:

Fill out the Business Loan Application, available online or from the office, and return it with the applicable fee to our office (See costs below);
If the application looks feasible, an appointment with a Loan Account Manager will be made for an interview;
Research and Investigation is done, and the Loan Proposal written up;
A presentation of the completed Loan Application and Business Plan Overview is made to the Community Futures Sun Country Loans Committee;
If approved, documentation is drawn up and signed. Funds are made available to client (approximately 1 week).

Costs

In order for us to proceed with the Loan Application a $10.00 processing fee per applicant will be required when the application is submitted.

Applicants who are successful in moving into Phase 2 of the loan process will be responsible for a non-refundable Loan Processing Fee of:

1% of loan amount minimum $50.00
Legal costs, if applicable, will be deducted from the monies that are disbursed.

Independent Client Service Review

Commitment to Fair Client Service Decisions

At Community Futures Sun Country we are committed to providing the highest quality of client services. If you do not feel you were treated in a professional and fair manner we want to hear from you. Please contact our General Manager Debra Arnott by email at darnott@cfsun.ca or by phone at 250-453-9165 extension 102.

In an effort to support our commitment to client service, if you are unable to resolve your concerns through discussion with the General Manager we offer an "Independent Client Service Review" process. Contact the General Manager to learn more regarding Independent Client Service Review or for an application to request an Independent Review.

Independent Client Service Reviews are available to clients who feel they have not been treated fairly in regards to loan decisions, loan collection procedures or who feel there was conflict of interest in the decision making.

Submission Materials For Applications

Client Privacy Policy

BizAble - Business Loan

For people with disabilities – because entrepreneurship can be the best way to get back into the workforce.

“My disability doesn’t affect my business ability.”

If you’re a person with a disability, self-employment can be a great option.

In good times or bad, it can offer people with disabilities the opportunity to create a work situation adapted to their particular needs. If you’ve got the right commitment and attitude, starting a business could be the perfect way to get into the workforce.

If you’re a person with a disability with a great business idea come see us at Community Futures.

BizBuyout - Business Loan

Financing to buy an established business – sometimes, buying a successful business is the best way to go.

“There’s a great little business I’d love to buy. But how?”

Great little businesses can be great little investments.

And in times like these, with unemployment rates climbing, buying an established business can make a lot of sense. If you have the dedication, commitment and creativity to be your own boss, self-employment could be exactly what you’re looking for.

If you’re interested in buying a successful business, come see us at Community Futures. We’ve just launched an exciting new line-up of loan products — including BizBuyout — especially for the entrepreneur who sees opportunity waiting.

Franchise Route

Funding to franchise your business – we can help with financing and professional franchising advice.

“I think franchising is the best way to grow. Am I nuts?”

No more nuts than the thousands of other franchise owners in Canada.

If you’ve got the right kind of business, franchising is a proven way to achieve success. And in uncertain economic times, it can make sense to get support from an established corporation.

If you’re thinking of franchising your business, come see us at Community Futures. We’ve just launched an exciting new line-up of loans products – including FranchiseRoute – especially for entrepreneurs wanting to explore growth options

Global Reach

Access to funds to reach into new markets – nowadays, every business has the potential to go global.

“It's a great time to grow my business. Really?”

Guess what – now is exactly the time to grow your business!

An economic downturn can mean opportunity for those who are focused, persistent and creative. Maybe your competition is pulling back, making more space for you and creating the perfect opening for expansion into new markets.

If you need to grow, come see us at Community Futures. We’ve just launched an exciting new line-up of loan products — including GlobalReach — especially for the forward-thinking entrepreneur looking for new places to grow.

NewBiz

Funds for starting up a new business – if you've got what it takes to be an entrepreneur, we can help you get up and running.

“I'm thinking of starting a business. Am I crazy?”

Crazy like a fox, maybe.

You’d be amazed how many successful businesses were started during a recession. If you plan carefully and work hard, this could be the perfect time to launch your dream. Supplies may be cheaper, good people more available and customers could be looking for change.

If you’ve got a dream, come see us at Community Futures. We’ve just launched an exciting new line-up of loan products — including NewBiz — especially for the start-up entrepreneur with a great idea and the drive to make it reality.

NextGen

Financing for young people who want to be entrepreneurs – we’re here to see that you get your first chance to try.

“Good jobs are drying up. Now what?”

Hey — sometimes necessity is the mother of invention.

If you think you have what it takes, maybe you can channel your ideas, energy and drive into becoming your own boss. An economic downturn is the perfect environment for fresh thinking, out-of-the-box solutions – and youthful perspectives.

If you’re a young person with a business idea, come see us at Community Futures. We’ve just launched an exciting new line-up of loan products — including NextGen — especially for the young entrepreneur who wants a chance to make a start.

Opportunity Business Loan

Fast access to capital – so you can make a decision to change, taking advantage of opportunities when they happen.

“I need cash fast to seize a great opportunity. Who can help?”

In business, there are times when you just need a bit of cash to be able to react to a great opportunity. And during an economic downturn, the businesses that survive are often the ones that continue to pursue opportunities and keep moving forward.

If you see an opportunity that could help your established business, come see us at Community Futures. We’ve just launched an exciting new line-up of loan products — including Opportunity Loan — especially for the quick-thinking entrepreneur ready to seize an opportunity.

Financing for key investments in technology – to help stay competitive in our world of change.

“Now’s not the time to invest in technology and training. Or is it?”

You bet it is. During these tough economic times, investing in innovation can be more important than ever for businesses wanting to stay competitive and cater to a shrinking clientele. Developing new products and markets, value-adding, or training staff to use new techniques or equipment could give you the edge you need to survive.

If you’re ready to take that extra step, come see us at Community Futures. We’ve just launched an exciting new line-up of loan products — including TechBlazer — especially for the innovative entrepreneur wanting to stay competitive.

Business programs

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program offers small business loans to people with disabilities who are interested in starting or growing their own business.

Loans are available to entrepreneurs with a viable business idea who have a disability or an ongoing health condition.

In house or on-line resources and training are available for supporting your goal of self-employment.

Who Can Apply

Entrepreneurs with a disability or an ongoing health condition.
Live in a rural community in British Columbia.
Have a viable business idea and suitable personal investment.

How are our loans geared to help you?

Flexible repayment options suited to your business needs.
Repayable Business Loans available from small amounts up to a maximum of $150,000

Services We Offer

Business Consultation.
Free assistance with Business Plan development.
Referral to Business Resources including training, other financing, and business contacts.

Established in 1986, the BC Community Futures Network consists of 34 Community Futures offices across the province, as well as a provincial association located in Vancouver.

Our newly expanded Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program assists individuals with disabilities to access small business loans in order to support their pursuit of self-employment. Self employment can offer people with disabilities flexible work arrangements and the opportunity to build on their existing skills and expertise while generating additional income.

Community Futures EDP Website: http://www.cf-edp.ca

Business succession

Succession Planning

We all know that the “baby boomers” are getting older and starting to retire – and some of them are small business owners. We call these individuals “Generation Exit” – a whole generation of business owners wanting to exit the small business world. Are you one of these people?

In 2006 it was estimated that more than 40% of small business owners planned to leave their businesses in the next five years, and more than 70% within the next ten years. Yet up to 71% of these business owners didn’t have a plan on how to exit their business.

It is anticipated that over the next 20 years there will be many more businesses than there are owners and employees – resulting in the potential closure of many small businesses throughout Sun Country Region. This will have an impact on employment, economic output, business formation and the availability of services in our region.

We at Community Futures Sun Country recognize the importance of succession planning – of the need for services and resources for business owners wanting to retire from their business.

For more information about the potential impacts of “Generation Exit” please contact us.

Community Futures and Venture Connect

Community Futures is taking a proactive approach to assist businesses owners that are wanting to sell their business. For more information please do not hesitate to call the office at 1-800-567-9911 to speak with Deb Arnott, General Manager.

For more information, please click here.

Business partnerships

Business Parnerships

Do you work with small business clients? Maybe we can partner with you.

Are you a lawyer, realtor, banking professional, or anyone else who has regular contact with local small business owners? Do they need small business loans or business training in order to grow? We may be able to work together to support rural entrepreneurs and small businesses in our region. We are sure you will agree that we all need to do as much as we can to support rural communities, strengthen rural economies, and ensure our region’s ongoing sustainability.

In the course of your work, you may become aware of entrepreneurs trying to start up or expand a business. They may well be eligible for one of our loans, and could benefit from being referred to our office.

As a developmental lender, we can often lend money to businesses or individuals whom banks are unable to assist. Many financial institutions refer clients on to us as another potential source of financing. Or, we may work with financial institutions on joint financing for clients. Many entrepreneurs have had success using a combination of loans from both Community Futures and their financial institution.

We invite you to peruse this website and find out more about Community Futures and our services, and to contact us with your partnering ideas.