Lending

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Financing to Help You Grow

At Community Futures South Georgian Bay, we understand that access to capital is one of the biggest challenges for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

That’s why we offer flexible financing designed to support businesses at every stage.

Whether you’re launching a new business, purchasing equipment, buying or selling or scaling operations, our team is here to help you move forward with confidence.

What We Offer

Small Business Loans

We provide affordable and accessible loans tailored to your business needs, especially in cases where traditional lenders may not be an option. We offer small business loans up to $300,000 to support startups, business purchases, and expansions across our region (View a map of our service area).

We offer:

  • Flexible financing options with tailored repayment terms
  • Funding for startups, acquisitions, and business growth
  • Access to additional funding through lending partnerships

Our financing can be used for:

  • Start-up costs and new business launches
  • Equipment and asset purchases
  • Leasehold improvements and renovations
  • Working capital and cash flow support
  • Business expansion and growth initiatives

All applications are reviewed by our local Board of Directors, ensuring personalized decisions that support business success and local economic development.

Browse our loan options below.

Start-Up Loan

Whether you are starting a new venture or expanding a current one it can feel like your business goals are miles away. We can help with financing and guidance.

  • Funding: Up to $15K
  • Less than one year
  • Unsecured with approved credit
Business Improvement Loan

Take the next step toward reaching your business goals. Whether it is equipment, increased cash flow, or a new space, we will help make it happen.

  • Funding: Up to $40K
  • At least one year in operation
  • Unsecured with approved credit
Business Investment Loan

Whether you are starting something new or expanding your current activities, this secured loan, typically backed by asset-based security, provides the capital needed to move your business forward.

  • Funding: Up to $300K
  • For new and existing businesses
  • Security required depending on the size of the loan
NextGen Loan

Our NextGen Loan is designed specifically for entrepreneurs under 40, giving you the support you need to launch, innovate, or scale your business. Plus, every loan includes essential financial literacy training so you.....

  • Funding: Up to $100K
  • For new and existing businesses
  • Secured Loans: Secured with Business / Personal Assets and or Guarantor.
  • No security required for loans under $30,000
Seasonal Loans

Apply through one of our existing loan products. You can make accelerated payments during the busy season and enjoy interest-only payments for up to four months during the slow season.

Expert Business Support & Guidance

Connect with a CF Business Advisor for expert help with your business plan and cash flow projections before applying. Get personalized guidance to strengthen your application—when your business succeeds, so do we.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use my loan?

Loans are available for business start up, purchase of an existing business, and expansion or maintenance of an established business.

We support all types of small to medium-sized industry and business. Our mission is to increase and maintain permanent jobs in our area of service.

Community Futures South Georgian Bay offers seminars and workshops throughout the year in partnership with other business support organizations and Economic Development departments throughout our service area. You can stay up-to-date on current business events by signing up to our newsletter.

The best place to start is to schedule an appointment with a CF Business Advisor -Book a FREE Consult General eligibility criteria include: – Your business must be located in the our catchment area – 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 have submitted a complete loan application with the outlined supporting documents.

We want you to succeed and will provide you with the resources, advice, guidelines and proper forms to make writing your plan as easy as possible (Business Plan Template CF SGB). 

Our volunteer Board Of Directors reviews and evaluates each loan application and business plan on its own merits. Members of the Board are local business people with an interest in developing and diversifying our local economy. Every application is unique. The process from application to approval depends on the complexity of the application and may take from 4 to 6 weeks.

Yes. Our office works collaboratively with other lenders.

The Community Futures South Georgian Bay is a not-for-profit Community Futures Development Corporation sponsored by Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and governed by a community-based volunteer Board of Directors.

Community Futures South Georgian Bay is committed to ensuring that our local business community has access to a fair and unbiased approval and appeals process regarding loan applications. All loan applications are reviewed and approved by the Investment Review Committee (IRC) and the Board of Directors. Clients will be informed of Board’s decision of approval or decline of a loan. If a client is not satisfied with the Committee’s decision, they can make an appeal according to the Loan Appeal Process.

Yes. We specialize in supporting businesses that may not meet traditional lending criteria.

Loan amounts vary depending on your business needs and eligibility. Our team will help determine the right fit.

Absolutely. We guide you through every step, including business plans and financial projections.

Timelines can vary, but our local decision-making process helps ensure faster turnaround times.