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We’ve been lending to Shuswap businesses since 1985 and have approved hundreds of loans. If you want to start, buy or grow a business here, talk to us.

What we lend

Maximum amounts by loan type:

4-H Youth Loan: up to $5,000

Emergency Small Business Loan: up to $10,000

Micro Business Loan: up to $25,000

Small Business Loan: up to $150,000

Syndicated loans with other Community Futures offices: $1 million+

You can borrow for start-up costs, expansion, working capital, equipment or property. We also lend to eligible not-for-profits and social enterprises.

What we look for

Every business is different, but we weigh up:

• Whether there’s a market, and whether the business can last

• Jobs created or kept, mostly for local people

• That the business is in the Shuswap region

• That you’ve put a fair amount of your own money in

• Whether you can repay the loan and still cover day-to-day costs

• Whether you could put more in later if needed

• Enough security for the loan

• Your personal credit

• Your experience, training or track record in the industry

• How the business has performed so far, if it’s already trading

Not sure whether you’d qualify? Send us a Loan Application anyway and we’ll look at it.

What it costs

• $150 application fee, paid when you apply. Covers credit checks and security searches.

• Processing fee if you reach Phase 2 — 2% of the loan, minimum $500. Non-refundable.

• Legal costs, if any, come on top and are taken off the money we advance.

Interest is set at prime plus a margin, depending on risk.

You can repay over up to 5 years, or 15 years if the loan is secured by a mortgage. There’s no penalty for paying early. You should have 20–25% of your own money in the business, and we’ll need security.

How to apply

1. Call us, or open the Business Toolkit to get started.

2. Write your business plan and cash flow forecast. We’ll help you with both.

3. Send in your application with the $150 fee. We’ll check your credit and the details you’ve given us, and may come back for more.

4. Our Business Development Committee reviews it. Most decisions take 2–4 weeks once we have everything. Bigger or more complicated deals take longer.

5. If we approve it, you’ll get a letter of offer setting out the terms. Accept it, and we’ll sign the loan and security documents.

What to send

• Your details and photo ID

• A business plan

• Cash flow projections

• Your resume

• Financial statements, if the business already trades

• Personal tax returns for the last three years

• The full minute book, if you’re incorporated

• Proof of registration and insurance for any vehicle or recreational item used as security

• Business registration documents and Business Identification Number

We may also ask for a guarantor application. Forms, templates and guides are in the Business Toolkit, or call the office.

If we say no

We’ll write to you and tell you which criteria weren’t met. You’re welcome to apply again once they are.

If you’re unhappy with us

Tell us. See our Client Resolution page or our Loans Appeal Process.

Call 250.803.0156 or 1.877.803.0156, or drop into the office.