the criteria for loan qualification is less rigid/different than a traditional lending institution

offer ongoing support to clients, including business counselling

many offer complimentary training programs on financing and how to run your business

provide detailed information to you about your application

usually only offer demand loans

generally business plan-based so a detailed plan or proposal is required

the review process can take longer

PROGRAM EXAMPLES:

Women’s Enterprise Centre
www.womensenterprise.ca

Western Economic Diversification Canada:
          www.wd.gc.ca/finance/xnetwork_e.asp

Knowledge and Growth loan program

Agriculture Value-Added Processing

Growth Capital Program

Conservation Finance Program

VanCity Self-Reliance Loan Program

First Nations Bank Micro Loan Program

Rising Tide Micro Loan Program

Advice & Business Loans for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (ABLED)

Canada Foundation for Innovation Support Program

Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development:    
          www.equitycapital.gov.bc.ca

Community Futures Network:
          www.wd.gc.ca/pos/cfdc/xindex_e.asp

Small Business BC Financing Links: 
                www.smallbusinessbc.ca/financing

Business Development Bank of Canada: www.bdc.ca

Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities: www.hrsdc.gc.ca

Canada Small Business Financing: (CSBF)

http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/incsbfp-pfpec.nsf/en/Home

Aboriginal Business Canada   

strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inabc-eac.nsf/en/home (note: not www)

Canadian Youth and Business Foundation www.cybf.ca

HRDSC Self Employment Program

www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/epb/sid/cia/grants/self-emp/desc_self-emp.shtml

Strategis http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/insof-sdf.nsf/en/Home 
(note: no www)