Small Growers Fund
Because we thrive on a viable, local food system
The Small Growers microloan is designed to help get small farm and food production businesses off the ground. If your business involves farming under 50 acres in a rural or urban setting, or producing food in other ways, like tending nurseries or producing value-added food, this microloan can help you afford the tools, equipment, land, or commercial space you need.
Unlike traditional small business loans that are based on business history and collateral, Small Growers microloans are based on the character of the owner and the strength of the business plan.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible to apply for a Small Growers microloan, you must:
- Be starting or expanding a farming operation or…
- Operating a business closely connected to farming and local food
- Operate the business in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley Regional District, Greater Victoria, or the Sea-to-Sky Corridor
- Have at least one business owner with farming experience or recognized agriculture/horticulture training
- Be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident
- Have at least one business owner enrolled in or graduated from a self-employment or pre-entrepreneurial program or…
- Have your business plan reviewed by a business advisor.
Key benefits
- Qualify for a loan even without a strong credit history
- Receive funds as a line of credit* and/or a term loan**—your choice
- Pay no administrative fees***
- Gain access to Vancity’s business expertise and financial-literacy support
Vancity no longers offer the ABLED/ACED program in conjunction with Western Economic Diversification Canada as the program was discontinued on as of March 31, 2018.
The program is now with Community Futures of BC therefore if you are still interested in the ABLE/ACED program, please refer to the following link: https://www.communityfutures.ca/edp
Loan details
- Loan size: Apply for up to $75,000
- Loan type: Choose a term loan or line of credit (maximum 25% of total request)
- Interest charged: Pay prime plus 3%
- Repayment period: Repay the loan within 7 years
Use this microloan for:
- Working capital
- New production and services capacity
- Seeds, fertilizers, fencing and other farm inputs
- Land leases or leasing kitchen or production facilities
- Business purposes or business related expenses
- Specialized farming tools or equipment, including transport equipment or food trucks
- Research and development leading to commercialization
- Pre-commercial and commercial product development
- Market development.
Apply now
We encourage eligible growers to apply for a Small Growers microloan.
To start the process:
- Download and complete the Microloan application
- Download and complete the Owner and Shareholder details for each owner or shareholder with 25% or more shares in the business.
- Download and review the Microloan Checklist for a list of the documentation you’ll need to submit.
If you have questions about the Small Growers microloan, please email microfinance@vancity.com.
*A term loan is repaid over a specific period of time by making payments on both the principal and interest.
**A line of credit (also known as an operating loan) requires the loan-holder to repay only the interest on the outstanding loan balance each month.
***Administrative fees are waived under the microloan program for all term loans and for the first five years on your line of credit.