Community Futures Lethbridge to administer small-business loans

By Jensen, Randy on June 1, 2020.

LETHBRIDGE HERALD

Small businesses in the Lethbridge region impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can now access additional financial relief and recovery support.

Community Futures Lethbridge will begin offering tailored small-business loans as part of the Government of Canada’s Regional Relief and Recovery Fund. These partially forgivable loans ensure that rural businesses that do not qualify for other federal business support programs receive help and support as a result of this crisis.

“As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to mount, more and more local businesses are falling through the cracks,” said Darlene Sinclair, executive director of Community Futures Lethbridge, in a news release. “These urgent calls for support have reached across the province and our western network, and we are pleased that the voices of local businesses have been heard.”

The funding is part of an announced $95.7 million for the Community Futures Pan West Network, for rural and remote businesses in Western Canada that do not qualify for other federal business support programs such as the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) or Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP). Small- and medium-sized businesses can apply for loans of up to $40,000 with terms that include:

– No interest accrual or principal payments through Dec. 31, 2022;

– If 75 per cent of the loan is repaid by Dec. 31, 2022, the remainder of the loan is forgiven;

– Blended principal and interest payments beginning Jan. 1, 2023 and loans must be repaid by Dec. 31, 2025; and

– No prepayment penalties.

For more information visit: http://lethbridgeregion.albertacf.com/rrrf-lethbridge-region.

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