2014 Small Business Financing Programs Guide Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre 4321 Queen Street Niagara Falls, ON L2E 2K9 smallbusinessoffice@niagarafalls.ca 905-356-7521 x 5005 0
Small Business Financing Starting or growing a small business is an exciting time. While sifting through all the information about licensing, regulations and taxation, many entrepreneurs also have questions about funding. Where will the money come from? It is a critical factor in the startup or expansion of a business. Daily operating expenses, equipment, and inventory all this requires appropriate financing to ensure the success of any business. Financing can be either in the form of equity or debt financing. Equity Financing Personal Investment This is money that you have saved yourself. Love Money This is money loaned to you by your family members. Grants / Subsidies While few and far between, this includes money usually given to a business for use under specific terms. Grants are not repayable. Angels Investors Generally these are wealthy individuals or investors that offer promising business startup capital in exchange for business equity. Debt Financing Business Term Loans Medium to long term loans to cover business expenses. Line of Credit Basically a bank account that can be tapped into and repaid as required. Credit Cards Various banking institutions have specific small business credit cards. 1
This guide contains information about the various financing programs available to small businesses in the Niagara Region. Please note that this guide is not inclusive. To access a full list of programs please visit Canada Business Ontario, a partner of the Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre. www.cbo-eco.ca Community Improvement Plans (CIP) 3. Downtown CIP 4. Historic Drummondville CIP 5. Brownfield CIP Youth and Young Entrepreneurs 6. Summer Company 7. Futurpreneur Canada Arts and Culture 8. Ontario Arts Council Programs Startup and Expansion 9. Canada Small Business Financing Program 10. Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) 11. Business Success & Loan Centre of Fort Erie (BSL) 12. South Niagara Community Futures Development Corporation 13. Venture Niagara Community Futures Development Corporation 14. Traditional Lenders (Commercial Banks) 15. Self Employment Benefit Program (SEB) Venture Capital 16. Niagara Venture Forum & Niagara Angel Network 2
DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR City of Niagara Falls, Planning & Development Dept. The Downtown CIP is made up of three programs: 1. Revitalization Grant 2. Residential Loan 3. Commercial Building & Façade Improvement Grant For more information about each program please visit the website below. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Owners of properties within the Downtown Community Improvement Project Area may apply. The City retains the right and absolute discretion to reject an application received from a person or corporation which, in the opinion of the City or its professional advisers, does not possess the experience, financial, technical, personnel or other resources that may be required to carry out the obligations that the applicant proposes to assume under the terms of its application and loan agreement. INFORMATION www.niagarafalls.ca/business/community_improvement_plans/downtown_cip.asp Manager of Community Improvement and Planning Projects (905) 356-7521 x 4298 City of Niagara Falls Planning & Development 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 3
HISTORIC DRUMMONDVILLE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR City of Niagara Falls, Planning & Development Dept. The Historic Drummondville CIP is made up of three programs: 1. Revitalization Grant 2. Residential Loan 3. Commercial Building & Façade Improvement Grant For more information about each program please visit the website below ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Owners of properties within the Historic Drummondville Community Improvement Project Area may apply. The City retains the right and absolute discretion to reject an application received from a person or corporation which, in the opinion of the City or its professional advisers, does not possess the experience, financial, technical, personnel or other resources that may be required to carry out the obligations that the applicant proposes to assume under the terms of its application and loan agreement. INFORMATION www.niagarafalls.ca/business/community_improvement_plans/main_ferry_cip.asp Manager of Community Improvement and Planning Projects (905) 356-7521 x 4298 City of Niagara Falls Planning & Development 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 4
BROWNFIELD COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR City of Niagara Falls, Planning & Development Dept. The Brownfield CIP is made up of two programs: 1. Brownfields Tax Assistance / Rehabilitation Grant 2. Environmental Study Grant For more information about each program please visit the website below ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Only owners of properties within the area designated as Urban Area in the City of Niagara Falls Official Plan may apply. For the Environmental Study Grant prospective purchasers of property and other non-owners may apply, but only with the written consent of the property owner. Applications will be accepted only for properties where there is the potential for remediation and rehabilitation/redevelopment. INFORMATION www.niagarafalls.ca/business/community_improvement_plans/brownfield_cip.asp Manager of Community Improvement and Planning Projects (905) 356-7521 x 4298 City of Niagara Falls Planning & Development 4310 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 5
SUMMER COMPANY LOCAL PROGRAM PROVIDER Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre Summer Company is a great opportunity for enterprising young people who want to start and run their own summer businesses. The program provides hands-on business coaching and mentoring from local community business leaders who will work with you to make your Summer Company a reality. Successful applicants will be eligible to receive and upfront award of up to $1,500 to put toward start-up costs and up to $1,500 upon successful completion of the program. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION Student 15 29 years of age (as of April 30, 2014) Proposing a new business Attending school and returning to school in the fall A resident of Ontario A Canadian Citizen or landed immigrant Not operating an existing or previously existing business or employed elsewhere (working more than 12 hours per week) during the term of the Summer Company program Prepared to commit an average of 35 hours per week for a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks if you are in high-school or 12 consecutive weeks if you are attending post-secondary school www.ontario.ca/summercompany Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre 4321 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 2K9 905-356-7521 x 5130 6
Futurpreneur Canada (formerly CYBF) PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR Futurpreneur A national non-profit organization dedicated to growing Canada s economy one young entrepreneur at a time. Futurpruneur looks at character, not collateral, when providing youth aged 18-39 with pre-launch coaching, business resources, start-up financing and mentoring to help them launch and sustain successful businesses. Established in 1996 as the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, Futurpreneur Canada has invested in more than 6,570 young and emerging entrepreneurs across Canada, whose businesses have created over 26,000 new jobs, $191 million in tax revenue and hundreds of millions of dollars in sales and export revenue. Futurpreneur Canada delivers its program coast-to-coast through a national network of 250 community partners and more than 2,800 volunteers including business mentors. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION - Between the ages of 18 39 - Viable Business Plan - New Business or under one year old - Business will be your full-time career - You must be eligible to work in Canada (work permit holders are not eligible) - You must agree to work with a mentor for a minimum of 2 years) *If business partner(s) are over the age of 34, then the qualifying CYBF applicant must own 51% of the voting shares of the business www.futurpreneur.ca Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre 4321 Queen Street P.O. Box 1023 Niagara Falls, ON L2E 2K9 905-356-7521 x 5130 7
ONTARIO ARTS COUNCIL PROGRAMS PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR Ontario Arts Council (OAC) The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is guided by the far-seeing mandate it was given in 1963 to foster the creation and production of art for the benefit of all Ontarians. OAC offers more than fifty funding programs for Ontario-based artists and arts organizations, with funds from the Ontario government. Grants provide assistance for a specific activity, support for a period of time, or for ongoing operations. OAC also offers awards, prizes and scholarships from private funds managed by the Ontario Arts Foundation. ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION (Granting Programs & Awards) - Aboriginal Arts - Arts Service Organizations - Community & Multidisciplinary Arts - Dance - Literature - Music - Organizational Development - Skills - Touring - Arts Education - Awards and Fellowships - Crafts - Franco-Ontarian Arts - Media Arts - Northern Arts - Residencies - Theatre - Visual Arts Please refer to the website below to see additional information and specific program requirements. www.arts.on.ca Ontario Arts Council 151 Bloor Street West, 5 th Floor Toronto, ON M5S 1T6 1-800-387-0058 8
CANADA SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING PROGRAM PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR Industry Canada The Canada Small Business Financing Program helps small and medium size businesses with financing needs by sharing the risk with lenders. Under the program, businesses can apply for a maximum loan of $500,000. A business must apply directly to a participating financial institution (i.e. commercial bank, credit union) and the institution is fully accountable for approval of the loan. FINANCING INFORMATION Loans can be used for financing up to 90% of the cost of purchasing or improving land, real property or immovables; purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property; and purchasing or improving new or used equipment. For example, you can use a loan to finance: buildings and land; commercial vehicles; hotel or restaurant equipment; computer or telecommunications equipment and software; and production equipment. Loans cannot be used to finance items such as goodwill; working capital; inventories; franchise fees; and research and development. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Must be a small business operating for profit in Canada with gross annual revenues of $5 million or less. www.ic.gc.ca/csbfp Small Business Financing Directorate 1-866-959-1699 CSBFP-PFPEC@ic.gc.ca 9
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BANK OF CANADA PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR BDC The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) provides highly tailored financing, venture capital and consulting services to entrepreneurs. The BDC is a financial institution owned by the Government of Canada and acts as a complementary lender, offering loans and investments that supplement services available from commercial banks. The focus of the BDC is on small and mid-sized businesses in the manufacturing, exporting, innovation and knowledge based industry sectors. Particular attention is paid to start-ups, innovators, fast-growth companies, manufacturers and exporters. FINANCING INFORMATION The BDC offers various financing options. Please refer to the website or contact the BDC to discuss your options. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Requirements vary, please refer to the website or contact the BDC. www.bdc.ca St. Catharines BDC 39 Queen Street, Suite 100 St Catharines, ON L2R 7A7 905 988-2874 1-877-BDC-BANX 10
BUSINESS SUCCESS & LOAN CENTRE FORT ERIE (BSL) PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR BSL BSL is a non-profit corporation established in 1985. Its mandate is to help promote small business, entrepreneurship, and economic development in the Greater Fort Erie and surrounding area, resulting in the creation and maintenance of employment. The Business Success & Loan Centre of Fort Erie (BSL) provides loans for start-up and existing businesses in the Niagara Region. Loans can be used to purchase fixed assets, leasehold improvements, inventory financing, expansion and working capital. FINANCING INFORMATION Interest rates are comparable to other commercial lenders. These rates are based on the applicant s circumstances (character, capacity, collateral, credit history). The interest rate is fixed for the term of the loan and all loans are open and repayable in full at any time without penalty. BSL loans are subject to an application fee and are renewable every 5 years. Loan approval is based on the strength of the business proposal and the ability to repay the loan. Adequate security, personal financial commitments, and employment creation are also considered when assessing loan applications. www.bslft.com BSL Fort Erie 45 Jarvis Street Fort Erie, ON L2A 2S3 905-871-7331 11
VENTURE NIAGARA COMMUNITY FUTURES DEVELOPMENT CORP. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR Venture Niagara Established as a not for profit corporation in 1985, Venture Niagara is one of 61 Community Futures Development Corporations in Ontario. Venture Niagara invests in small and medium size businesses and carries out community development projects across rural Niagara. The corporation provides financing to small businesses and is active in economic development projects to support and strengthen communities. Venture Niagara s financing conditions often require an in-depth review of the business and the development of a plan to address any shortcomings prior to receiving financing. FINANCING INFORMATION Financing is accessed by the submission of a Loan Application, satisfactory to due diligence by Venture Niagara staff and approval by the corporation s Business Development Committee. Like any application for a business loan, a certain amount of detail will be necessary both on the application and through supporting documents. Venture Niagara services Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Pelham, Thorold and Welland. www.ventureniagara.com Venture Niagara Community Futures Development Corporation 20 Pine Street North Thorold, ON L2V 0A1 905-680-8085 12
SOUTH NIAGARA COMMUNITY FUTURES DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR South Niagara CFDC) The South Niagara CFDC (SNCFDC) is a non-profit corporation aimed at encouraging local entrepreneurship and economic development using a grassroots approach. Along with grants and loans, SNCFDC also provides advice, and business planning assistance. SNCFDC services the municipalities of Port Colborne, Wainfleet, Fort Erie and Niagara Falls. Since 1986, the SNCFDC has assisted over 200 local businesses. We administer a loan portfolio to aide new or existing small businesses with start-up, expansion and stabilization plans. Repayable, flexible financing of up to $150,000 is available. FINANCING INFORMATION The SNCFDC mandate is to provide assistance to business where traditional banking relationships are not available. The corporation can provide loans up to $150,000. South Niagara CFDC services Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Wainfleet and Niagara Falls www.southniagara.com South Niagara Community Futures Development Corporation 198 Welland Street, 2 nd Floor Port Colborne, ON L3K 5X7 905-834-2173 13
TRADITIONAL LENDERS PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR Banks & Credit Unions Traditional lenders include commercial banks and credit unions. Each financial institution will have varying products including term loans, lines of credit, and business credit cards. Speak to the small business advisor at your bank or credit union to find out what options are available to fund your small business. FINANCING INFORMATION As with most financial institutions, most lending programs will require that you have some personal investment into the business. Many will require that you have up to 35% of what you are asking for to invest, and all will require a business plan that describes the viability of your business and includes financial statements (projections). Commercial lenders are also responsible for approving loans under the Canada Small Business Financing Program (Refer to Page 9). Administrator BMO Bank of Montreal Cataract Savings & Credit Union CIBC Meridian Credit Union Penfinancial Credit Union RBC Royal Bank Scotiabank TD Canada Trust Website www.bmo.com www.cataractsavings.ca www.cibc.com www.meridiancu.ca www.penfinancial.com www.rbcroyalbank.com www.scotiabank.com www.tdcanadatrust.com 14
ONTARIO SELF-EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT (OSEB) PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR Employment Ontario & Local Program Providers The Ontario Self-Employment Benefit program is a tool to help individuals create jobs for themselves through self-employment, by providing various types of support and mentoring. This program allows successful applicants to start their own business while receiving insurance benefits or financial support for up to 52 weeks. Niagara College delivers the OSEB program for Beamsville, Grimsby, Jordan, Niagaraon-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, St Ann s, St. Catharines, Thorold and Vineland. The Business Success & Loan Centre of Fort Erie delivers the OSEB program for Niagara Falls (South & Chippawa) and Greater Fort Erie. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS Be eligible for, or in receipt of, employment insurance benefits, or Have received employment insurance benefits within the last 36 months, or Have received maternity or parental benefits within the last 60 months You are not eligible if: You are currently working You have already started your business You have a professional designation Niagara College Business Development Centre Glendale Campus 135 Taylor Road Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 905-641-2253 x 4456 BSL Fort Erie 45 Jarvis Road Fort Erie, ON L2A 2S3 905-871-7331 15
NIAGARA VENTURE FORUM PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR Niagara Venture Forum The Niagara Venture Forum links accredited investors to qualified entrepreneurs who own successful small to medium-size enterprises that are prime for growth. By hosting breakfast forums throughout the Niagara Region at least once per quarter, quality investment opportunities are brought to the forefront and presented to an audience who can assist in the growth and development of an enterprise that is investment ready. The Niagara Angel Network is a privately driven initiative that brings together individual investors across the Niagara Region. Members of the Niagara Angel Network or Angel Investors, combine their wealth of knowledge and experience to collaborate and invest in early stage growth companies. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS If your business is investment ready and you would like to present at an upcoming Niagara Venture Forum breakfast, visit the website below and fill out an online application. www.niagaraventureforum.com Niagara Venture Forum 198 Welland Street PO Box 519 Port Colborne, ON L3K 5X7 905-834-2173 16