Important COVID-19

Community Futures is taking every precaution to safeguard the health and safety of our team members, clients and communities. At this time, we are not facilitating any in-person meetings, training and/or workshops until further notice.

We are available by phone or email (during regular business hours). Please see contact information at the bottom of this page.

Business loans

Great loans and terms from great people

Community Futures provides a variety of customized, affordable loan options for small business owners and entrepreneurs in rural Alberta, ranging from $500 to $150,000. We are known for saying “yes” when other lenders say “no”, and for having flexible qualification criteria. Our goal is to help you succeed so that our community becomes a better place to live and work.

Get in touch today to find out more about our loans and other services, including free business advice and counselling, low-cost business coaching and business development programs and exceptional tips and tools.

Community Futures loan products – something for everyone:

Want to start a business? Our NewBiz business loan can help
NewBiz Loan

“I really want to start a business, but everything feels overwhelming. What is my first step?”

A great place to start is by getting in touch with one of our experienced rural Business Analysts. We love hearing about your business dreams and helping turn them into reality. Make an appointment at your local Community Futures office to take advantage of free business advice and counselling and begin the loan application process. We also provide fee-based services such as business coaching, financial planning and training.

Our NewBiz business loan is designed with you in mind:

  • 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.

Need more information before you get in touch with us? Check out these frequently asked questions.
Found a business to buy? Our BizBuyout business loan can help
BizBuyout

“I just found out about a great business I’d love to buy. But how?”

Whether you are a first-time business owner or experienced entrepreneur, buying an existing business can be a smart investment. Our experienced rural Business Analysts can quickly help you access the information and financing you need. Make an appointment at your local Community Futures office today to start the loan application and business acquisition processes.

Our BizBuyout business loan is designed with you in mind:

  • 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.

Need more information before you get in touch with us? Check out these frequently asked questions.
Thinking of franchising? Our FranchiseRoute business loan can help
FranchaiseRoute Loan

“I’m ready to expand my business into new markets. What are my options?”

If you need to grow your customer base and/or expand into new markets, we’re here for you. Our experienced rural Business Analyst can quickly help you access financing to broaden your reach. Make an appointment at your local Community Futures office to start the loan application process, and while you’re there take advantage of free business advice and counselling. We also provide fee-based services such as business coaching, financial planning and training.

Our GlobalReach business loan is designed with you in mind:

  • 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 more information before you get in touch with us? Check out these frequently asked questions.
Ready to expand into new markets? Our GlobalReach business loan can help
GlobalReach Loan

“I’m ready to expand my business into new markets. What are my options?”

If you need to grow your customer base and/or expand into new markets, we’re here for you. Our experienced rural Business Analyst can quickly help you access financing to broaden your reach. Make an appointment at your local Community Futures office to start the loan application process, and while you’re there take advantage of free business advice and counselling. We also provide fee-based services such as business coaching, financial planning and training.

Our GlobalReach business loan is designed with you in mind:

  • 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 more information before you get in touch with us? Check out these frequently asked questions.
Need to invest in technology? Our TechBlazer business loan can help
TechBlazer Loan

“I need to integrate some emerging technology into my systems and operations. Can you help?”

You bet. Investing in innovation can be more important than ever for businesses wanting to stay competitive and cater to today’s clientele. Integrating new hardware and software, developing new products and markets, and/or training staff in new techniques or equipment can give you the edge you need to thrive. Our experienced rural business advisors can quickly help you access the financing you need. Make an appointment at your local Community Futures office today to start the loan application process.

Our TechBlazer business loan is designed with you in mind:

  • Borrow up to $150,000 to invest in technology for 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 more information before you get in touch with us? Check out these frequently asked questions.
Need cash to seize an opportunity? Our Opportunity business loan can help
Opportunity Loan

“I need cash to buy more inventory and capital to take my business to the next level of growth.”

We offer working capital solutions that keep your business moving forward. The Opportunity business loan is designed to protect your cash flow and help you innovate and grow. Our experienced rural business analysts can also assist with financial management and business expansion coaching. Make an appointment at your local Community Futures office today to start the loan application process.

Our Opportunity business loan is designed with you in mind:

  • 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.

Need more information before you get in touch with us? Check out these frequently asked questions.
Young and business-minded? Our NextGen business loan can help
NextGen Loan

“I am a young entrepreneur with a totally cool business idea. How do I get going?”

Today’s young people brings fresh thinking and out-of-the-box solutions to the world of business. If you’re 18- 39, the NextGen business loan can help turn your ideas, energy and drive into reality. Our experienced rural Business Analysts are ready to get you going on your business and financing plan, and to begin the loan application process. A smart first step is to make an appointment at your local Community Futures office and start taking advantage of our free business advice and counselling.

Our NextGen business loan is designed with you in mind:

  • 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.

Need more information before you get in touch with us? Check out these frequently asked questions.
Have a disability and a business idea? Our BizAble business loan can help
BizAble Loan

“Living with a disability is so much easier now that I am my own boss.”

The Alberta Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) offers people with disabilities an opportunity to be a business owner on their own terms. With business support from our experienced rural business analysts, and flexible BizAble business loans, we can help you start, expand and develop a viable business that is a perfect fit for your abilities and talents. Make an appointment at your local Community Futures office today to learn more about the EDP program and BizAble loan.

Our BizAble business loan is designed with you in mind:

  • 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

Need more information before you get in touch with us? Check out these frequently asked questions.

Business Loans FAQs

How do I find out if I am eligible for a Community Futures loan?

The best place to start is to schedule an appointment with the Business Analyst at your local Community Futures Office.

General eligibility criteria include:

  1. Your business must be located in a rural community of Alberta
  2. You must be involved in the day-to-day operations of the business
  3. You must be of legal age and a resident of Canada
  4. 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?

If you are looking for a loan for your business, you must contact a bank first. If you are unable to secure appropriate financing under reasonable terms elsewhere, then you may be able to get financing through your local Community Futures office.

Do I need to have a certain amount of money, assets and/or resources before applying for a business loan?

If you are interested in applying for a Community Futures business loan, you must be prepared to make a personal investment. We ask that you provide cash plus security (such as vehicles, equipment, land, buildings, etc.) to back the loan. This shows that you are committed to making your business work.

For more information, contact your local Community Futures office.

Will my credit rating be considered before applying for a business loan?

Yes. All financial institutions including Community Futures will run a credit check on you or your incorporated company to see if you have dealt responsibly with past loans and debt. A bad credit rating is a concern to most lenders, including Community Futures. More information can be found on Industry Canada's website: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca. There are a number of things you can do to improve your credit rating. Feel free to contact us to discuss options.

Am I required to provide a business plan to apply?

Yes. A business plan provides important information about your company's management expertise and viability. Almost all financial institutions, including Community Futures, requires that you prepare a business plan – and we can help you write it, or provide you with useful tips and tools.

A good place to start is look at this Quick Test video to see if your business idea and plan are solid and workable. If the answer is yes, then check out these helpful free tools that walk you through every step of the business planning process.

Learn more from the helpful experts at your local Community Futures office.

Typically, how long does it take to receive a decision on a loan application?

Community Futures strives to provide a decision for each loan application within 10 business days from the date the completed loan application (including all required support information and documents) is received by the Community Futures office.

Contact your local Community Futures office to discuss loan products and to obtain a Loan Application package.

Does the business need to be located in my community?

Community Futures loans and services are available for businesses in rural areas. Your business must be located outside of the metropolitan areas of Edmonton (including St Albert and other communities within the Edmonton Capital Region) and Calgary.

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Get in Touch

Community Futures St. Paul - Smoky Lake
Box 1484
4802 - 50 Avenue
St. Paul, AB T0A 3A0

780-645-5782

Message Us

Communities Served

Abilene, 
Ashmont, 
Bellis, 
Boyne Lake, 
Brosseau, 
Elk Point, 
Foisy, 
Goodfish Lake, 
Goodridge, 
Heinsburg, 
Horseshoe Bay, 
Lafond, 
Lindbergh, 
Mallaig, 
McRae, 
Saddle Lake, 
Smoky Lake, 
Spedden, 
St Brides, 
St Edouard, 
St Lina, 
St Paul, 
St Vincent, 
Vilna, 
Warspite, 
Waskatenau, 

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