LOANS
AND SERVICES
We offer a variety of business loans and services tailored to support you at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey—whether you're launching a new venture or scaling up an existing one. From flexible financing options to expert guidance, we’ve got the tools and resources you need to elevate your business and make your vision a reality. Let’s make it happen together!
LOANS & SERVICES.
At the Bruce CFDC, we’re all about empowering local businesses! We offer a wide range of business loans and services designed to support your entrepreneurial journey, whether you're just starting out or looking to grow. From flexible loans to expert advice, we’ve got everything you need to take your business to the next level. Our goal is to see your dreams become reality, all while strengthening our vibrant community. Whatever your business needs, we’re here to help you succeed – because when you thrive, we all do! Let’s build something great together.
Loan Assistance
We are excited to offer small business loans to entrepreneurs and local businesses within our rural communities, helping to fuel growth and create jobs.
Business
Plans
Bruce CFDC will provide guidance for the preparation of a business plan that is tailored to your level of computer expertise.
Business
Counselling
Whether you're a local business owner, an individual exploring new ventures, or an industry looking to establish or expand in the area, we are your one-stop resource for all things business.
Tools for
Business
Check out these handy tools to help you get started!
Community Economic Dev.
Community Economic Development is the practice of identifying local issues, developing strategies and implementing local solutions to enhance community economic health and prosperity.
Loan
Assistance.
To begin the loan application process, perform the following actions:
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Prepare your business plan.
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Complete your financial statements and/or forecast.
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Contact our office for an initial interview
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For general questions on the loan process contact cschmidt@bruce.on.ca
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Find templates to complete your business plan and financial forecasts below.
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The Initial Interview
The initial interview is an information exchange where we provide you with an overview of our services and you provide us with an overview of your business plan and financing requirements. If you decide to proceed, the next step is to submit a loan application.
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Loan Application Requirements
At a minimum, your loan application must include the following documents and information:
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Business Loan Application document
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Business Plan including Projected Cash Flow, Balance Sheet, and Income Statements
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Personal Financial Statement for each partner/shareholder
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Copy of your Business Registration and/or Articles of Incorporation
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Copy of your Income Tax Return
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Copy of Birth Certificates for each partner/shareholder.
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Financial statement for business plan​
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Evaluation
Our General Manager will analyze your business loan application package and present it to our volunteer Board of Directors. All financing decisions are made by the Board of Directors at their monthly meeting based on the strength of your business plan, your ability to repay, available security, impact on job creation or maintenance, and the impact on long-term growth for the community.
Business
Counselling.
Loan clients are just one of the many groups who benefit from the business counselling services at Bruce CFDC. We also provide valuable advice, referrals, and connections to anyone seeking guidance on a wide range of business issues and opportunities. Whether you're a local business owner, an individual exploring new ventures, or an industry looking to establish or expand in the area, Bruce CFDC is your one-stop resource for all things business. We’re here to help you navigate every step of your entrepreneurial journey!
Business Services
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Access to Small Business Information, Mentoring, Counselling and Advisory Services
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Assistance to Entrepreneurs
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Business Financing
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Business Improvement Workshops and Seminars
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Small Business Self-help Resource
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Youth Entrepreneur
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On Line Learning Opportunities for Small Business Owners
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Bruce CFDC retains direct and active links through a range of associations to stay current on business issues, support programs as well as key contacts in industry & government.
Formal affiliations include:
FedDev Ontario - Small Business Services http://sbs-spe.feddevontario.canada.ca/en
Small Business Services (SBS) is part of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). We help Ontario entrepreneurs access government business information and services.
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Community Futures Ontario cfontario.ca- Member
In support of the 60 CFDC’s in Ontario, this association offers the opportunity to share ideas, experiences and best practices in client service delivery as well as community & business development techniques.
Community Economic
Development (CED).
Community Economic Development is the practice of identifying local issues, developing strategies and implementing local solutions to enhance community economic health and prosperity. CED extends beyond business financing and business counseling. It encompasses working with a broad spectrum of the community to identify barriers to development and develop strategies to take advantage of opportunities. It also requires that an action plan be implemented to move forward on priorities. This process of strategic planning is a first step in effective CED.
The Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation (Bruce CFDC) is actively involved with local interest groups responsible for making decisions about economic growth. We assist with:
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effective and regular communication between business, government and community groups
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effective and regular communication between business, government, and community groups
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properly maintained infrastructure
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access to training and development opportunities
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community enthusiasm and commitment
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How can Bruce CFDC CED help you?
The Bruce CFDC can assist with the following:
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Research project planning and research activities
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Strategic planning and visioning
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Facilitation (developing a vision, goals, objectives, and timelines)
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Research to secure funding and proposal writing
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Provide recommendations on CED opportunities
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Act as liaison between local organizations, business and representatives of government and industry
Business
Plans.
There are several business plan formats that can be used to explain your business idea & needs to potential lenders or investors. Most business plans tend to ask for the same kind of core information. Bruce CFDC will provide guidance for the preparation of a business plan that is tailored to your level of computer expertise. Please contact Barb Fisher at bfisher@bruce.on.ca and we will provide you with forms to suit your business needs.
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Bruce CFDC provides access to a business plan are available. These tools step you through the business planning process, enabling you to develop a plan to use when starting discussions with local banks, the local Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) or others.
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It is also noted that most of the major commercial banks & credit unions also provide on-line business planning tools. Visit their sites if interested in their products/services or business assistance tools. As well, many accounting offices can provide assistance and information related to business planning.
If considering making an approach to the Bruce CFDC for a small business loan, please contact us to discuss business plan information needs and other loan consideration factors.
Tools for
Business.
E-Business Toolkit
If you are a small or medium business owner, use these E-Business Resources to learn about e-business, assess whether it is right for your operation and get information on implementing an e-business solution. These publications have been developed by the E-Business Unit of the Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services. Files are in PDF format.​​​​​​​​​​​ (See buttons below)
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A Great Place To Start
The largest Canadian business site developed and maintained by Industry Canada. This site provides extensive information, tools and links to a wide range of business subjects including but not limited to starting a business, financing options, sector reports, export development, technology, research and development, tax considerations, e-business, franchising, government programs and services, competitive intelligence resources, patents/licensing, aboriginal business resources, management consulting links etc.
Searching Financing
As part of Industry Canada's "strategis" website, this component offers a user-friendly means of searching for a variety of financing options. Links to government and private sector financing agents include those involved with leasing, factoring, venture funds, investment dealers, export financing, Women & Rural Economic Development, Community Futures Development Corporations and others.
Benchmarking
This “Performance Plus” component of the Industry Canada website allows new and existing businesses to see how other business groupings within the province are performing in terms of cost of goods (% of sales), operating expenses/margins & net profit. “Performance Plus” business information includes those in the retail, wholesale, service & manufacturing sectors; by type of good or service (SIC codes). As an example of the types of businesses included please consider these very few: men's clothing vs. women's clothing, candy store retail, manufacturing of agricultural products, dry cleaning service, trucking, sport store etc. This information can help in identifying new business operating margins