Business Services

The processing time for business loan applications can vary, but we strive to provide a quick and efficient process. It generally depends on the complexity of the loan and the completeness of the application.

Firstly, we will want to hear all about your business idea. Then, we’ll ask who else you’ve spoken to about the idea, and what their feedback was. We’ll ask you about any ideas you have to test out the business proposition. For example, could you try selling your product on the local marketplace to see if it’s popular before launching? Finally, we’ll talk about the first steps you would take if you were to launch your business. That would likely include creating a business plan, registering the business, organizing your financing, putting together a marketing plan, building your brand, networking, and more. If you don’t already have these ideas and plans, we suggest you take some time to put it all on paper, so we have something tangible to discuss in our initial meeting. If you don’t have all the answers just yet or can’t figure out a specific problem, that’s ok too!

If you already have a business, you can come to us with a specific problem, or with multiple problems, and we’ll work as a sounding board to help you hash it out. We’ll want to know what you’ve already considered doing or tried, and we’ll work with you to find solutions. Importantly, we’d love to know what we can do to help with your challenges. Whether that’s connecting you with the right resources, offering a business sounding board, helping you work through a budget, or something else, the best way for us to help is to know how we can help.

Yes. Even a simple business plan will help to clarify your goals and give you a set direction. You will use it to lay out your ultimate goals, medium-term tactics for meeting those goals, and daily tasks that will help to drive you forward. For more information, read our blog here.(https://www.cfhowesound.com/post/4-of-the-most-common-questions-we-hear-in-our-meetings)

Community Futures Howe Sound offers most business coaching services. We can talk you through HR tips, review your business plan with you, talk about ways to improve your business finances, explore marketing tips together, and more. Our local experts all have experience in running and growing businesses in the Sea to Sky, so consider them like a free sounding board for any business advice topic. If our own team is unable to help, we have consultants on call for specific subject areas.

The terms and interest rates for our business loans can vary based on the loan program and your business's financial requirements. We offer competitive rates and flexible repayment terms to ensure affordability.

To begin, we recommend some basic market research. Importantly, don’t just ask friends and family, who may be more receptive to the idea than the general public as they want to support you. Spend time thinking about who your target customers would be, and look around to see if there are already products or services in the market. For more information, view our blog on this topic here.(https://www.cfhowesound.com/post/4-of-the-most-common-questions-we-hear-in-our-meetings)

We provide resources such as business planning templates, startup guides, access to industry research, and one-on-one consultations to help entrepreneurs get their business ideas off the ground.

We aim to keep the application process as cost-effective as possible. We charge an admin fee of 2% loan value, and work to minimize upfront costs for our clients.

If you are unhappy with the loan approval process, please contact info@cfhowesound.com with details of your experience.

Absolutely, our expertise extends to rural business development. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities rural businesses face and provide tailored business guidance and support to ensure their success.

Yes, we offer valuable business mentorship programs that connect aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners with experienced mentors. We have an extensive network of mentors across the Sea to Sky Corridor, covering all types of businesses. Our experienced mentors provide guidance, share insights, and offer support to foster your success.

Certainly. We provide expert guidance on business succession planning, enabling business owners to smoothly transition their businesses to new owners or family members while preserving their legacy.

If you're buying a small business in Squamish, Whistler, or Pemberton, you can come to us at Community Futures Howe Sound for free, no-strings-attached advice. Community Futures also runs a social enterprise called Venture Connect, which is an organization dedicated to helping people buy and sell businesses in remote and rural areas. So while we can talk you through the basics, the team at Venture Connect can take over once you're ready and help with the specifics.

There are several places you can get small business loans in BC, including your bank and other lenders. However, if you are turned down for a traditional loan elsewhere, Community Futures Howe Sound offers another chance for those looking for a business loan in Whistler, Squamish, and Pemberton. Our character-based loans will consider your passion for the work and business plans, and may be able to say yes to a loan when other lenders have said no.

Yes, Community Futures Howe Sound can help you start a business in Pemberton, Squamish, or Whistler. We are a non-profit that offers free, no-strings-attached business advice for entrepreneurs and small business owners, so you can use us as a sounding board and ask us for feedback as you're getting off the ground. We also offer small business loans to help businesses buy or grow a company if you need financial support.

Traditional bank loans look at metrics such as your credit score and savings when determining whether to approve a business loan. This can mean that those with brilliant business ideas, smart business plans, and clear goals are turned down for lending. A character-based loan looks at more than just black and white numbers when considering loan approval. At Community Futures Howe Sound, our character-based small business loans take your plans and goals into account as well to make the decision, which means that we can sometimes say 'yes' even when other lenders have said 'no'.

To apply for a small business loan with Community Futures Howe Sound, we'll first spend time talking to your about your business plans. As a character-based lender, we take the time to get to know you and your ideas before starting the application process. Then, we'll invite you to make a loan application. We will then either approve the loan or come back to you if we need further details.