It’s More Than Just a Loan!
Starting or growing a business in rural Alberta takes passion, determination, and sometimes, financial support. At Community Futures Wild Rose, we’re here to help with all three. We offer flexible loan options up to $300,000, but more than that, we offer personalized guidance, coaching, and business support from people who understand rural business.
What Kind of Loans Do We Offer?
Whether you’re launching your first business or expanding an existing one, we’ve got you covered:
- Business start-up loans
- Expansion and renovation loans
- Buying an existing business
- Equipment or inventory purchases
- Technology investment
- Real estate purchases
- Additional working capital
And under special circumstances, we can even lend more than $300,000.
What Makes Our Loan Process Different?
We don’t just hand over a cheque, we work with you to ensure your business is set up for success. That means planning, budgeting, coaching, and follow-up support. When you work with us, you’re getting a team that’s invested in your success, not just your loan.
Here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Connect With Us
Reach out through our website to book an initial consultation with Lindsay, our Business Development Officer. You’ll start with a phone call to talk about your goals, your challenges, and learn more about how our loan process works.
We serve businesses located in the Wild Rose region. Not in our area? There are Community Futures offices across Alberta... and Canada.
Step 2: Meet With Us
Next, we’ll book an in-person meeting at our office. You’ll fill out an intake form and chat with Lindsay about your business idea, where you need support, and what kind of financing might work best for you.
Don’t worry if you’re not completely prepared, we’ll walk you through what you need!
Step 3: Build Your Business Plan
Your business plan is the foundation of your loan application. If you don’t already have one, we’ll coach you through the process and provide templates and resources, like:
- Business Plan Outline (in partnership with Business Link)
- Cashflow Templates
- Start-up Budget Tools
You’ll create the plan yourself, but we’re here to help you do it right.
Step 4: Create a Cashflow Projection & Marketing Plan
Once your business plan is complete, we’ll help you develop realistic cashflow projections and a solid marketing plan to support your success.
Depending on your business type, you may need to provide:
- Two years of personal financials
- Or two years of existing business financials (if applicable)
Step 5: Apply for a Loan
You’re now ready to apply! You can apply to a bank first. If the bank can’t help, come back to us and we’ll submit your loan application through our online loan portal.
When assessing applications, we consider:
- Viability of the business
- Personal investment in the venture
- Ability to repay the loan
- Job creation or maintenance
- Location within the Wild Rose region
- Available security for the loan
Application fees vary depending on the amount requested.
We’re character lenders, meaning we look beyond just credit scores. But we still consider the classic Five Cs of Credit to help us make informed lending decisions. Learn more about what makes an attractive borrower in our blog: The Five Cs of Credit: How to Be an Attractive Borrower.
Step 6: We Present Your Case
Your application goes to our Investment Review Committee (IRC), a group of local professionals, business owners, and community leaders who understand the realities of rural entrepreneurship.
Lindsay acts as your spokesperson, presenting your business plan and representing you at the meeting. Before this, she will get to know your experience, capacity, and the viability of your idea, so she can advocate on your behalf.
Step 7: Approval and Disbursement
If your loan is approved, we’ll prepare the paperwork:
- Loan documents and General Security Agreement
- Insurance requirements (we’ll need to be listed as a loss payee)
- Registration of loan security
- A one-time registration fee
Once everything is signed and submitted, your funds are released!
Step 8: Ongoing Coaching & Check-Ins
We don’t stop at the loan. We provide:
- Monthly coaching sessions (especially for start-ups)
- Access to free training workshops
- Annual loan reviews to discuss growth, budgeting, and future plans
- Site visits to check in on your progress and identify new areas of support
Our goal is not just to fund businesses, but to build strong communities. We believe in relationships, not red tape.
Ready to Start?
We’re more than lenders, we’re partners. From your first idea to your grand opening (and beyond), Community Futures Wild Rose is here to walk beside you.
Contact Us to book your initial consult and start the process today.
