We believe in Women Entrepreneurs

Offering flexible low-interest small business loans, ongoing support and advice for women entrepreneurs in rural Alberta.

Start or Grow Your Rural Small Business

Whether you're just starting out, or looking for support to take your business to the next level, there are many challenges along the way and sometimes it feels like you're on your own.

Flexible Small Business Loans for Women Entrepreneurs Starting at $10,000

Access low-interest loans designed specifically for women entrepreneurs, and offering flexible repayments options and forgivable loan portions if conditions are met.

Apply for personalized financing from $10,000 up to $75,000, giving you the freedom you need to reach your goals.

A Team of Experts By Your Side

Grow your skills as a small business owner and receive ongoing support from local business experts in your community.

Community Futures small business supports are tailored to fit your needs and schedule. Get access to trusted advisors that can help you gain the skills and training you need to start and grow your small business.

How we support you:

Connect with other local business owners and build your network.
Access and explore resources and meet with a Business Advisor you can trust to talk about your business goals.
Receive ongoing small business support and opportunities to develop your skills, manage your business and plan for the future.

We are the first stop for new entrepreneurs and existing small businesses in rural Alberta.

Alberta Women’s Economic Recovery – Capital Growth Initiative Loan

What Makes This Loan Unique?

Women entrepreneurs can apply for unsecured conditionally repayable loans ranging from 10,000 to $75,000.

General Details

Loans from $10,000 - $75,000;
Interest Rate of Prime + 2% for a 5-year term;
6 months interest-only payments at the start of loan;
Forgivable 25% portion of loan amount if 75% is repaid within the 5-year loan term;
Flexible opportunities to manage loan repayments;
No penalties for early repayment and/or lump-sum payments.

Eligible Uses of Funding

Eligibility of Applicants

Get Started Now

Our loan application process is broken down into 3 stages:

Step 1: Submit an Eligibility Assessment

Step 2: Complete the Loan Application*

Step 3: Loan Application Review*

Ready to start your eligibility assessment?

DOWNLOAD Eligibility Assessment

*Notice:

Loan applications are subject to an Application Fee of $200
Approved loans are subject to an Administration Fee of $500

There is no fee to submit an Eligibility Assessment.

Submit Eligibility Assessment

About Community Futures

Community Futures is a non-profit organization that’s dedicated to building an economically diverse future for rural communities in Alberta.

Staffed by seasoned business professionals, and guided by a volunteer Board of Directors, we’re more than just a business lender. With over 30 years of experience helping rural entrepreneurs grow and thrive as small business owners, we understand where you are now, and where you want to go in the future.

Our services for small businesses are designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow, expand, franchise, or sell their business.

With a number of specialized business training programs, regular business networking events, and flexible business loans on offer, we’re here to help you achieve your business goals.

If your business is located in the urban or metropolitan areas of Calgary, Edmonton, St. Albert or Fort Saskatchewan, please visit our partner organization:

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs - Capital Growth Initiative Loan

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Alberta Women’s Economic Recovery – Capital Growth Initiative

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We’re Here to Help!

At Community Futures Meridian, we understand rural start-up businesses like no other. We come from the same community you live in. We know what it’s like and we’re determined to make things work for you.

Book a Free Consult