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$9,200
awarded to market & develop a new product line for a commercial
smoker manufacturer in British Columbia!
When Wade Bradley's
father and uncle first launched their business 20 years ago,
they dreamed of bringing quality food smokers to the kitchens
of North America. The Bradley Smoker would revolutionize home
cooking; anyone who enjoyed barbecuing would find it easy
to make perfect smoked food.
But it cost a lot
to produce the precision instrument that would do the job
better than any conventional smoker. Few backyard barbecuers
would pay $2500 U.S. to make smoked salmon, no matter how
delicious it was. So Bradley Smokers turned to the restaurant
and hotel market, helping establishments enhance their menus
with smoked foods made fresh on the premises.
The family business
grew in this relatively small market, but the idea of creating
an economical, high quality smoker was never far from mind.
And as Wade got more involved in the business, he got ready
to take the plunge.
It wasn't easy.
Even if you're piloting a small, relatively agile business,
it can be tough to take those first steps to grow your business.
You need to continue to serve current customers, pay the bills,
and maintain the overhead, all while doing what amounts to
starting up a whole new business
But Wade was determined
to achieve the original dream of Bradley Smokers. And two
government grants helped him do it. Within a short time of
filling out the forms, he received a total of $9200 from the
Federal government. "The money allowed us to hire someone
to help us market the product," says Wade. "And
we expanded our production capabilities by automating part
of the manufacturing process."
With a wage subsidy
grant of $7161, Bradley hired a market researcher. She nailed
down where to find the customer base, explored how best to
reach them, and determined what marketing tactics would deliver
the best response.
Bradley also needed
to automate the manufacture of the Bradley Flavour Brisquettes,
the secret ingredient in Bradley Smokers. These tiny wooden
"hockey pucks" extinguish themselves once they've
given off all the "good smoke", before they can
pass on the resins, tars and gases you get from ordinary wood
chips.
While they catered
to the restaurant market, it was enough to have these made
by hand with a simple machine. But with a grant of $2039,
the company developed a machine that would speed up the process
to meet increased demand. Since they flipped the switch on
the first prototype, they've added ten more machines and increased
production by more than 1200%.
"It was time.
We would have gone ahead and done this anyway," says
Wade. "But getting $9200 in funding helped us move and
grow much more quickly than we could have otherwise."
Today, Bradley
is selling their high quality smokers to aficionados throughout
North America. And the dream that got Wade's father and uncle
started has finally come true.
Would you
like to receive money to market & develop a new product
line for your small business too? There's monies available
now for qualified existing & start-up small businesses.
Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or e-mail The Small Business Finance Centre.
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$63,525
to create a marketing department and the manufacture of products
for a lumber company in New Brunswick!
It's a long way
from a banker's desk and financial consulting to marketing
shingles and snow fencing, but Fern St. Amand is enjoying
every minute of it. "I'm not bored, I can tell you that,"
he says with a laugh. "It's very, very interesting work."
It's work he wouldn't
be doing without a kick-start from government funding. An
infusion of $63,525 helped launch a new marketing effort which
has dramatically increased sales for both St. Pierre Fence
and Kedgwick Lumber Company.
Since the first
loggers set saw to trunk in Kedgwick, New Brunswick, logging
and mills have formed the backbone of the area's economy.
The town is home to a forestry museum which recreates a 1930s
lumber village and offers tours of woodsmen's camps.
The St. Pierre
brothers are part of this lumbering and milling heritage.
Jean-Paul's company, Kedgwick Lumber, produces cedar shingles.
His brother Jacques makes wood lath and snow or sand fencing
at St. Pierre Fence. For years, they had marketed their products
independently of each other. Then, in an effort to reduce
costs and effort while increasing sales, they combined forces
to hire an outside marketing firm. The results were disappointing.
That was when they
decided to bring the marketing back in-house, but to continue
to market their products together. And that's when they approached
Fern St. Amand.
St. Amand, who
had a background in banking and financial consulting, came
on as Managing Director of the new division: Wood-ex. Immediately,
he set to work preparing a management plan and vision to make
Wood-ex an agile marketing arm that could quickly modify its
approach to adapt to market conditions.
This meant building
new connections with new markets in Canada and the U.S. Before,
both mills sold mostly locally and to the nearby New England
states. St. Amand reasoned that more diversified markets could
prove advantageous.
Naturally this
was going to take money. Early on in the process, St. Amand
and the St. Pierres recognized the new effort would take an
injection of capital for both the startup of the new company
and for the costs of marketing and building a new network
of customers. So they turned to a government program which
offered interest-free loans for projects which would stimulate
the economy.
Once he'd located
the program, St. Amand's first task was to establish a marketing
plan to ensure the agency and the company owners were on the
same wavelength. This process took four months, but after
that things rolled quickly. Wood-ex had approval within four
weeks of submitting the application.
"We were surprised
at how quickly we received the money," says St. Amand.
"But clearly, our preparation and the ongoing dialogue
we had with the agency helped our fast approval."
Wood-ex received
$37,500 toward startup, in effect covering St. Amand's salary
for the first 12 months of operation. Another $26,025 covered
the costs of promotional materials, travel costs, space at
trade shows in Canada and the U.S., and materials for the
tradeshow booths.
"The money
was crucial," says St. Amand. "The $26,025 launched
our new marketing effort, gave us the materials we needed,
and got us rolling. We wouldn't be where we are today without
that funding."
With the money
in hand, St. Amand prepared brochures and pamphlets, and launched
a direct marketing campaign using mail, the Internet, and
tradeshow appearances. Once a prospect showed interest, he
would make personal contact and meet the person.
Today, Wood-ex
has opened new markets for the mills in the midwest and western
U.S. and in western Canada.
"It started
a little slow, but business picked up awful fast after a couple
of months," says St. Amand. "We're doing more business
now than we were doing with the outside firm."
The new customers
are keeping St. Amand busy. He's on the road a lot, and keeps
a place in Kedgwick during the week, but also works from his
Bathurst home office, where he lives with his family.
It doesn't matter
where you are in Canada," says St. Amand. "If you
set your mind to succeed and put the heart and man-hours into
it, you'll make it. There's no doubt in my mind. And don't
pass up the opportunity to go after funding. The financial
backing helped clinch things for us
Would you
like to receive money to create a marketing department &
manufacture products for your small business too? There's
monies available now for qualified existing & start-up
small businesses. Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or e-mail
The Small Business Finance Centre.
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$21,600
awarded to create and market a website for a furniture designer
in British Columbia! (file 3638)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre about his experience
with the application process, his response was, "We had
to design our prototype. Once we got the project underway,
we were given requisition slips, and once we paid the money,
they were able to recover the money in a three-week period.
It wasn't a lump sum."
"There was
no difficulty in applying," he continued. "The program
officer was very helpful in completing the application form
and giving his assistance in how to fill it out and what were
the most important items to add. If you have a good solid
business plan and you have an idea and have a good idea about
marketing and where you'll take it, it's a great idea."
Would you
like to receive money to create and market a website for your
small business too? There's monies available now for qualified
existing & start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or e-mail The Small Business Finance Centre.
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$7,500
awarded for purchase of an existing carpeting business for
an entrepreneur in British Columbia! (file 4074)
"Sometimes
applying to more than one program can be a problem."
This business owner found the process of going to two particular
programs very slow. He says he ended up dealing with people
while they were on their holidays. As well, one program wanted
to know how much the other program was going to give and vice-versa.
The ongoing communication barriers between the two organizations
served to slow the process down a great deal. The result was
that it took 22 months to receive the loan. When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"We had to
do a business plan and show a three-year projection so that
they could see it was a viable business that would make money.
Allow yourself some time. It's not something that's going
to happen overnight. Once your business plan is together I
guess that's a big one to start with. It has to go to the
program office, they have to go through it all and it takes
time."
Would you
like to receive money to purchase your own business too? There's
monies available now for qualified existing & start-up
small businesses. Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or e-mail
The Small Business Finance Centre.
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$3,414
awarded to hire engineers for development of a new product
for a marine kitchen appliance manufacturing company in British
Columbia! (file 61)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"Over the
years, we've pretty much applied for everything that's available.
We knew the guy from this particular program so we phoned
him. He came over and we filled out the application and gave
him the necessary data. I've been involved with them before
so I was quite aware what was available."
"We were developing
a new innovative product. Being a small company, we couldn't
afford a long-term engineer to be permanently employed and
make it affordable for the project. It was an added incentive
to hire an additional person to help us meet our objectives
to bring our products up more quickly or forward. The whole
project was finished within three or four months. Whenever
we submitted an invoice, they subsidized us by 50 percent
and paid us fairly quickly."
"Right now
we do a lot of things that aren't in Canada anymore. That
really doesn't allow us to apply for government grants, there's
a lot of red tape. The government tries to create opportunities
for people here in Canada.
When asked what
advice he had for future grant applicants, his response was,
"Get to know the program officer very well. The people
who administer the program are the key. If you don't get to
know them very well and you expect them to do what you want
them to do, it doesn't work out that well. We try to get to
know various representative and get them to know our business."
Would you
like to receive money hire professionals to develop new products
for your small business too? There's monies available now
for qualified existing & start-up small businesses. Phone
toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or e-mail
The Small Business Finance Centre.
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$15,000
& a further $9,600 for the purchase of a bakery-café &
then a year later to open a second store for an entrepreneur
in British Columbia! (file IC16505/ IC18500)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"Just follow through,"
she advised. "There is a certain amount of administrative
effort but it is for your own good in the long run to have
a solid business plan & to research thoroughly the project
that you're getting involved in. It takes a bit of time but
ultimately it is possible. We did it. It took some time to
do a cohesive business plan & research the industry &
the area we're doing it in, but by following through &
taking that on, here we are with a successful business &
we're planning to expand, & it's all because of these
grants."
"I don't think
I'll be applying again. I think I will be too old by the time
we finish this building... I know the lady from government
office is going to help me once we've got our business plan
complete, to find financing through other avenues, like a
loan from a Federal program, but you can only get so many
grants & we've pretty much exhausted that."
Would you
like to receive money to purchase your own business too? There's
monies available now for qualified existing & start-up
small businesses. Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$75,000 & a further
$3,375 develop a business plan & implement a log hauling
operation for a trucking company in Ontario! (file IC15687)
When asked by the
Small Business Finance Centre about what he thought got him
approved for this particular program, he said, "Business plan,
business plan, business plan! Just like the bank, no one wants
to invest in a loser, so do your research & do a business
plan. You've got to have a business plan. You've got to know
what you're doing before you expect someone to give you a
whole bunch of money to help you out."
"The business plan got me the grant from this particular program.
Just the detail & the completion of the plan. It showed
how much research was put into the project. Knowing that we
put that much effort into the business plan made the company
look like it was going to be profitable & a success story
for them, which is exactly what they were looking for."
"Every grant has conditions. I don't have to pay it back providing
I stay in business... I have to maintain equipment for three
years. That was the deal. It was designed so that I couldn't
buy everything & sell it a year later & basically
take the money that they gave me & keep it. It was designed
to help me maintain a business, not make money... I would
be responsible if the business failed."
Would you like to receive money to write & implement
a business plan for your small business too?
There's monies available now for qualified existing &
start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$18,300 to purchase vehicles
& equipment for a landscaping company in British Columbia!
(file IC13595)
This owner of a landscaping business found out about the program
through a Local Economic Development Corporation. When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"This particular program is really on the game right now &
they deal a lot with the government grants & loans-- there
are quite a few I guess, that they deal with to help your
average aboriginal who doesn't have to research all this already
to have that information & what it takes to obtain those
loans."
"When this particular program came into the picture, it was
nothing but a plus all the way. I've tried to get funding
from other places such as EI, Community Futures, & when
you get one of those packages in the mail, it's a package,
it's tons & tons of stuff. People around my age that are
wanting to get into business don't have all that time &
knowledge to be able to break things apart to come up with
something that looks good on paper, as well as in the field...
When you deal with this program, they take a lot of the headache
away..."
When asked how the funds helped his business he answered,
"The contribution dollars went a long way," he said. "It was
a big plus when you're getting into a business & you don't
have all the dollars you need, & then there's someone
who contributes according to what you're going to throw in.
As long as you know your project's going good, you're paying
off your loan, it's a plus."
Would you like to receive money to acquire vehicles
& equipment for your small business too?
There's monies available now for qualified existing &
start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$28,000 & a further
$10,200 to start up a new regional branch office for a retail
insurance broker in Alberta! (file 3652 / 3653)
This recipient was familiar with the program through Industry
Canada. She also heard of it while working with other organizations.
When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre about
the application process she replied, "I handed in a business
plan, shareholders' agreement, probably a list of clients
& everything else that would be involved in the business
plan," she said. "Financial statements are part of the business
plan. This particular program provided a percentage for marketing,
60% for which they paid for & we paid 40%. We paid a percentage
of the capital costs, but we call it a grant because as long
as we put in our share & completed the work & provided
the proper documentation that we did what we said, we didn't
have to repay anything to the government."
"Any business that qualifies should apply, & it's an excellent
source of funding. I mean, man, anytime you don't have to
repay funds to keep your business operating & expanding
& growing, that's a great opportunity."
When asked if she had any advice to future government applicants
her response was, "Make sure you have a good business plan.
Don't hesitate on marketing efforts, follow up, & follow
through with the program. They require reports & documentation.
If they're flowing funds to you, you have to be prepared to
follow the rules & regulations."
Would you like to receive money to open your regional
business branch too? There's monies available now for qualified
existing & start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The Small Business Finance Centre.
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$325,000 & a
further $83,000 in marketing funds for a trucking & foundation-block
manufacturing company in Ontario! (file 3532)
This recipient
applied in early 2000. After submitting a business plan, feasibility
and market studies, it took four to five months to receive
government funds of $83,000 and $325,000 from the two programs
he applied too.
When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre about
his experience with the application process for this particular
program he replied, "Everything is done in person," he said.
"You can't do any of the preliminary application process by
phone. In the final stages, yes, but the application process
takes place face to face."
When asked if he submitted a business plan, he said "yes"
with a slight laugh. "Business plan is the key, and a good
feasibility study. Get someone who's reputable to do it, it
won't guarantee success but it will help."
Would you like to receive money for a marketing campaign
of your small business too? There's monies available now for
qualified existing & start-up small businesses. Phone
toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$26,500 for start-up
costs for a tanning salon in Ontario! (file 3448)
When interviewed by the Small Business Finance
Centre, this grant recipient stated:
"I had knowledge from my family that there were grants available.
I did some research on the Internet about government grants
& stuff."
"The tanning salon was basically a new business. I did market
research in the area. There had been a tanning salon in the
area that had closed. After working with a business developer,
I believed it would be a go. I had never done a business plan
before. I did it all based on personal research in libraries
& on the Internet & stuff like that. I was up late
at night, trying to make it look feasible, so that it would
count. That was the biggest obstacle on top of my timing...
& the fact I didn't put the money out to get someone knowledgeable
to do it professionally. But to do it myself made me more
knowledgeable in the area."
"Anybody looking to open a business should apply for a government
grant, as long as they're 100 percent sure that this is what
they want to do, that they're going to make a go of it. Just
make sure it's what's you want. Work hard at it, & don't
back down if you get a first refusal. You may not get accepted
from one program, but you may get accepted for another grant
from the government. Don't stress about it because it does
take a long time."
Would you like to receive money to start your own small
business too? There's monies available now for qualified existing
& start-up small businesses. Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$53,600
to finance a pizzeria franchise for an entrepreneur in Alberta!
(file IC16653)
This entrepreneur
received a grant to open up a pizzeria that was part of a
larger franchise. After giving in his business plan, it took
six months to get the funding. When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient stated:
"They look at you
closely. It's a screening process, so as long as you meet
the criteria, you know that's the main thing in their books."
"You have to find
out what their program's all about, & actually go in &
get the information first-hand. It's a long process. You have
to write a business plan & that takes a while, & you
have to get an accountant to verify your business plan. You
know, it's not an easy thing. You don't just go in & get
the money, so all i's have to be dotted & the t's crossed.
It's very thorough."
Would you like to receive money to purchase your own
franchise too? There's monies available now for qualified
existing & start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$3,640 to acquire
computer equipment to improve inventory control for a bookstore
in Newfoundland! (file IC14211)
This business owner
got a grant to buy computer equipment for her bookstore. In
order to get the funds, she had to send in a business plan
with a three-year financial projection. Her testimony illustrates
the importance of looking for funds at the beginning of the
fiscal year. When interviewed by the Small Business Finance
Centre, this grant recipient stated:
"You had to prove
that your business was going to work & that it was viable,
& you had to put some of your own money in. You had to
show that you were willing to risk your own dollars as well
as theirs. I find retail is hard to get any funding for it
at all. Anything to do with a tourism, they seem to be generous
with that. I don't know why."
"Just make sure
you have a really good solid business plan, & make sure
that you know the business plan. Don't get someone to do it
for you & not know what's on page three. The guy I spoke
to -- he told me he was impressed with my business plan, &
that they get a lot of people applying without one & right
away they're not looked at seriously. I think they described
it as innovation, because I use the computer program for my
inventory control."
"I wanted more
than I got from them, but I didn't get it, of course. They
had run out of money, & I really had to fight for what
I did receive. They were willing to pay for a lot more, but
then I would have had to wait until the following April to
apply when they had a new pot of money, & I didn't want
to wait. I wanted to go ahead with my plan because I had everything
else almost in place to go ahead any way. I just would have
had to borrow more from the bank. The funds did help. It was
money that I didn't have to pay back, which from the bank's
side looked good too."
"I was going to
open my bookstore regardless, & I think they got that
from me. I traveled to a local office to meet them, but I
did that on my own, so they knew I was determined."
Would you
like to receive money to purchase computer equipment to improve
your small business too? There's monies available now for
qualified existing & start-up small businesses. Phone
toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$203,783
for development of new software for a multimedia company in
Nova Scotia! (file 2988)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre about this particular
program, the recipient said, "The program is for regional
businesses. That's sort of the big thing." She said "You have
to have a strong connection to the area. They seem to like
any growth industry, like high tech. Anything that's going
to generate revenue or jobs in the region, they're very open
to look at & may even bend the rules if you can show it
will be of economic benefit to the area."
"A lot of people in the production business do not generate
revenue. So I think the biggest thing they were looking for
was a solid business plan, & a return to show that our
project was going to be a revenue generator," she answered
when asked what she thought got her approved.
When asked about the program restrictions, "The funding from
this program purely pays for development," She said. "We used
the money to create a specific software product, although
we used the product in our production process, we could see
it as a component-based piece of software that other companies
could use as a template. Even though the money was purely
for development. It helped to start up the company. "
When queried about the application process she replied, "It
wasn't like we thought, 'Let's go to the government &
get some money.' It was, what do they require, what's their
mandate, what kind of documentation did we have to submit?
So because we did our homework beforehand, there were really
no problems. They were straightforward, no hidden thing. We
really didn't have any difficulties."
"Do your homework," was her advice to future applicants. "Give
them what they want, same as any funding agency you're going
to for help. I mean, the proposal that we gave to this program
is not the same proposal we'd put together for another funding
agency because they all have slightly different requirements
& slightly different mandates, so we played up how many
people we were going employ, how much money we're going to
pump into the area, the spin-off products that could be used
to generate jobs in the area, & we did this because we
know that is their mandate, so we tailored our proposal focus
on that."
Would you like to receive product development money
for your small business too? There's monies available now
for qualified existing & start-up small businesses. Phone
toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$59,341 to
expand facilities for a warehouse in Prince Edward! (file
2284)
This owner of a
warehouse received an interest-free loan from the local government.
After sending in a business plan, the officer of this particular
program called to tell him they wanted financial projections.
He kept in contact with them throughout the applications process.
Six months later, he received $59,000. When interviewed by
the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient stated:
"There were funds available for building warehouses. My business
plan worked out & my credit history was excellent, so
there were funds there for new storage. I had to follow certain
guidelines, like I had to get a new computerized ventilating
system. They had certain guidelines for constructions, an
engineer to design it all. It went very smoothly."
"I haven't really thought about applying again. I'm not planning
on expanding in that sector anytime soon. I guess I'll have
to look at seeing what kind of funds are available. The funds
change from year to year. A person has to really look into
it as far as the local governments allotment for money."
"In this sector-- I'm into farming & real estate-- for
anyone who's fairly young like myself who has the resources,
you have to be able to supply a portion of it, & I think
it's a great help to anyone that can fall into that criteria.
Anytime you can get assistance like that, it's a big help,
if you're going to put up construction, you're going to need
a bit of money for a down-payment."
When we asked him what advice he would give to future funding
applicants he said, "I think anytime you're applying for a
grant or any assistance, you've got to make sure your business
plan is viable because even though you're getting assistance,
you're still going to have to have payments every year," was
his reply. "You're not actually getting free money, so I advise
don't jump at it because it's free... Be prepared. Know all
the consequences."
Would you like to receive money to expand your small
business facilities too? There's monies available
now for qualified existing & start-up small businesses.
Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The Small Business Finance Centre.
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$66,934 to expand the facilities
of a wholesale seafood company in Newfoundland! (file 1504)
This mussel farmer
received a $66,000 interest-free loan to help start up his
business. The experience, however, did not go smoothly. As
supportive as the local government has been to aquaculture,
he advises entrepreneurs to be cautious about this particular
program. When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre,
this grant recipient stated:
"The local government has been the only player that's been
consistent in providing the funding to get us to where we
are today. We couldn't go through the bank because we're new,
& because we're new, we're high-risk. Without a doubt,
the government has been an essential player to develop the
whole industry, not just my farm, but the entire industry."
"It took a long time to get this particular program funding
because the government money was contingent on other sponsors
putting in their share. I found that overall the length of
time it took (a year & a half) was detrimental to the
business. Like most government programs, they don't recognize
business cycles or farm cycles. If you don't have the funds
at the time you pick the seed, then you've missed the whole
year... This caused us to miss most of the first year's operation."
When asked what advice he would give to future applicants
to this particular program his response was, "Start applying
a year in advance because this particular program doesn't
work like banks with a three-week turnaround on a business
proposal," He said. "You need to make sure you're very clear
as to what the program will pay for so you don't get caught
by surprise after the fact. For this particular program you
need a source of financing that will finance the government's
portion to get reimbursed."
Would you like to receive money to expand the facilities
of your small business too? There's monies available
now for qualified existing & start-up small businesses.
Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The Small Business Finance Centre.
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$5,000 to expand, renovate
& purchase equipment for a retail health food bakery in
Nova Scotia! (file 1168)
A bakery & natural foods grocery owner got a low-interest
loan from a local government program to help start up his
business.
When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre about
the difficulty of convincing this particular program to accept
his proposal, his response was, "It was all new to this program
because they were used to working with regular bakeries. Natural
foods is a whole new ball game in this area of the woods so
I had to convince them that it was a good idea in the is area
to open up this kind of business. The person I was working
with was quite supportive, but it was iffy."
"Just be well-prepared, research the whole project, do your
homework & make sure the idea is a good one," was his
advice to future grant applicants. "Most businesses fail,
so do a lot of research & make sure there's a demand for
what you want."
Would you like to receive money to purchase equipment
& expand your small business facilities too?
There's monies available now for qualified existing
& start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$21,000
for the purchase of grading & handling equipment for a
wholesale potato company in Prince Edward Island! (file 477)
This potato farmer
received an interest-free loan for $20,000 to buy equipment
for his farm. "Their mandate is to try to get business to
expand," he said in an interview with the Small Business Finance
Centre. "On the other hand, they want to make sure you make
the right decision that it's not just to get some free money,
so how do we fit into that situation? Well, we wanted to expand
our operation into making things a little more capacity &
streamline the unloading line somewhat better. We bought an
electric forklift with it that would make the air quality
better on the building... so that was the criteria we had
to meet. I guess this particular program's idea of expanding
a business or improving on it was uphill with that plan."
"This particular program would look at our business plan
& it would either be approved or not be approved, &
if was approved, they would set conditions for it & they
would require you put some kind of presentation together of
how it would work & if it works."
"The program's funding was definitely helpful because you
could secure the rest from the bank & use the government
money for a down payment... It made it a lot easier to get
the financing in place.
"From the time we applied 'til the transaction & everything
was over, it went into quite a bit of overtime, because it
took a while to get the application right, & by the time
we got the application right, we had to look for the equipment.
We had some it lined up but not all of it, so when we got
the rest of the equipment, then it took a while for the paperwork
to come through & to get the cheques paid out, & we
had to bring the canceled cheques to get funding. It was probably
eight months from the time we applied until everything was
completed."
Would you like to receive money to purchase grading
& handling equipment for your small business too? There's
monies available now for qualified existing & start-up
small businesses. Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$10,422 undertake
a building expansion & installation of a lift system for
a retail stone craft store in Nova Scotia! (file 288)
A stonemason who has had a long history of getting grants
& loans from different government departments was reimbursed
for $10,000 worth of the expansion costs to her business.
When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre, this
grant recipient stated:
"I was looking for money in March, which is a really bad time
of year to look for money, so I called the local government
& told them what I needed, so within a week, I had the
money. I didn't do an application. I did it on sight. I had
been looking for a grant because you always try to look for
a grant first when you're doing something experimental.
When asked how the program benefited her business, she replied,
"I work 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. They were trying to
figure out a way that I didn't have to work as much. Basically,
this particular programs goal is to have you hire other people.
That's their mandate, to build business. That's what they
want me to do, so they're trying to find ways to help me.
When queried about advice that she would give to future government
grant applicants, she said, "I know my business... I don't
go out & say, 'Who's got grants? Well, if I did that &
this, I could get that grant.' It's like I have an idea, something
I want to do. Then I say, 'Who's going to help me?' I just
find that if you try to manipulate your business to fit the
program, you end up doing stuff you don't want to do anyway,
& normally, you have to put in your own money."
"When you get involved with this particular program, you get
your person from the program & they know the ropes &
the stuff, so if you're honest & right out there with
what you want to do, they know that, 'Okay, you're going to
have to get a consultant so that we can give you this money.
There's not as much paperwork-- once you get involved, there's
very little paperwork."
Would you like to receive money to expand facilities
or upgrade & install equipment for your small business
too? There's monies available now for qualified
existing & start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$7,500 / $59,857 / $150,000
/ $63,525 for various activities such as: marketing, strategic
planning, & equipment purchase for an electronic components
company in New Brunswick! (file 231, 1580, 2783, & 2708)
The General Manager
on behalf of an Electric Components manufacturing company
has received several interest-free loans from a local government
program, ranging from $7,500 to $150,000 for marketing &
product development. When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient stated:
"Our economy in
Atlantic Canada is less than what it is in Central Canada.
We don't have the government representation. We don't have
the population, we don't have the economic spin, we don't
have the central government on our doorstep. We're farther
away. We're a tentacle of the country, you see, & we're
economically deprived because of it. We don't have the centre
of government here so we don't collect the taxes."
"All the money
is gravitating towards all the head offices of organizations,
& there aren't many head offices here, compared to central
Canada so we become economically deprived, just like a lot
of businesses in Canada. They're national business. They only
have regional offices here. They don't have big budgets for
regional offices. Their major budgets are spent in central
Canada, just like all the big pension funds & all the
big pension funds & venture capital funds. They spend
the majority of the money in Central Canada, not in regional
areas, & it creates economic disparity which is counteracted
by things like this government funding program, which is kind
of like a regional development organization that's set up
to develop & promote & encourage, & they'll step
in between banks & investors. They would rather have the
bank handle it. They would rather you get the money from the
investor, but where there's a gap between the two, they fit
in between."
"Each project stands
on it's own. A lot of them are bringing in new technology
to the region or they're creating new initiatives of some
sort or perhaps they're getting ISO standards at the factory,
or they're studying a new market, which is promoting exports.
We studied Mexico because we had a customer in Mexico. We're
exporting large volumes to them & I want to see what's
there. We could tap into some of that too. So we got a loan
from them to do research."
When questioned
about the experience of applying for tax credits, his response
was, "Let's say we apply. We might have got a contract within,
say, three weeks, & then I started claiming after a month
& a half or something like that, & then it might take
six months to claim it all. You have to spend the money before
you claim it. You can't spend the money prior to the contract
date, otherwise you get disqualified because you've in effect
made a contact with the vendor prior to the contract with
the agency. Let's say I have a contract February 28th... if
you have a receipt that says January 21st, it's disqualified
because it's prior to the contract date because that was made
before the contract was signed so it's invalid. The claims
have to be inside the contract date... the invoices have to
be dated inside the contract, otherwise they're disqualified."
"After you apply,
maybe there's very little contact or quarterly or once a year--
It's kind of like a strategic partnership, so you have a contact...
you talk to them a lot," was his advice to future government
funding applicants. "If you have a problem, you call them.
Say, 'Hi, John, how are ya doing'? Okay, why don't you come
over to the plant because we've got to talk about things.'
Or, 'I've got this coming up. What do you think?' You become
partners. We become strategic alliance partners. That's how
we deal with it. It's like a banker except you don't have
to pay any interest... If you have a requirement to call them
directly, then you do. As an example, if it's to discuss the
repayment schedule, or if it's talking about the next project,
then perhaps there's a requirement for the review of financial
statements as to, then you're going to talk to them, same
as your bank or any kind of lender."
"We've been featured
in some of this particular programs literature on occasion
because we're quote-unquote a success story. We've created
jobs, we've created business, which employs a lot of people
& pays a lot of taxes, pays a lot of payroll, provides
services & uses services. We have what they call 'economic
spin-off'. In other words, we created something, which uses
the business community as a tool, so we need electricians,
we need ventilation specialists, we need consultants, we need
accountants, we need lawyers, we need all kinds of services
that are required to fulfill our businesses, so its economic
spin-off, & we do that & that's what they want. They
want that as well as employment. We employ a lot of people,
so that's what they're measuring. They're measuring employment
& spin-off. We're not really looking to this particular
program anymore. You can over-tap your funding sources. You
can't go to the well every month. You can't look for a new
bucket of water from the same well every month because they're
not your sole source of funding. You have other places too
like Angel financiers, or people who want to buy preferred
shares, venture capitalists or other lenders."
"They're going
to coach you, they're going to help you as consultants to
apply the right way so that you have a better chance of being
successful in winning your application because you don't want
to just apply. That's just stupid. That's like going to the
bank & saying, 'Give me the forms for a loan', & then
just throwing it at them. You're not going to get a loan,
especially a large one. You have to build up a rapport. Like
if you're interviewing a new bank, you have to show them your
factory. You have to spend time with them, you have to let
time take place, like six months. They have to visit you three
times, you have to go visit them twice, & then they know
what bank you're with & why you want to change. Then they're
interested or they're not interested, then a deal is struck...
& you do need a business plan or a marketing plan or both,
& this program's staff will help you finance writing one
up, hiring a consultant, writing a business plan."
When asked what
advice he has for grant recipients, his reply was, "Everybody's
into co-finance now. Nobody's in finance. Everybody's into
co-finance, co-financing meaning they're a part of a package,
not a whole. No one is interested in that. Everybody wants
to be part of your package, spread the risk. It's partly equity,
partly other loans from conventional lenders, government-sponsored
lenders, which is no-interest loans. You see, part of the
problem is the people have this misconception that it's easy
or that it's automatic or that you just apply & you get
it. You know, that's bullshit. Nobody gives you money just
because you apply... you have to do the work before you apply
to find out how you fit & whether it fits, otherwise you're
wasting your time. You're not going anywhere. If you're prime
standard-A roast beef, it's easier to get your application
through because you're prime grade-a roast beef instead of
hamburger, or electronics manufacturing. We're creating secondary
manufacturing, not primary resource-related manufacturing,
right, & we're hiring people form traditional industries
such as fish processing, & training them in electronic
assemblies."
He continues, "I
talk to them first. Then I apply & get it. Guaranteed.
Because I know what I'm going for, I apply for exactly what
I know I can get, & then I get it. I never get refused,
ever. I haven't been refused for anything yet. That's why
you talk to them first. You find out how you fit & then
you find out what you can get, & how it works, & how
you apply, & what's the process & what you need to
apply & whether you can get it or not, or whether you
can apply, & the people-- they tell you. The people who
work the accounts tell you. They know the ins & outs of
it, & they can tell you, & that's how it works. It's
not a guessing game or Russian Roulette. It's not like going
to the casino. It's guaranteed. You can go, know what you're
applying for & get it, just like that."
Would you
like to receive money for marketing, strategic planning, &
equipment purchase for your small business too? There's
monies available now for qualified existing & start-up
small businesses.
Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$20,544 in wage subsidies
for a communication company in Whitehorse! (File 20)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"The government subsidized the wages of a person we hired
to market a technology we had developed. It took about six
weeks from the time we applied to get approved. Both times
we established guidelines specifically outlining what the
funds were going to be used for & what the expected results
were. We kept the government informed of the progress of the
project. When it finished we wrote a report providing costing
information relative to the budget we had established."
"This government program was designed to allow us to do things
we wouldn't otherwise do, whether it's because a risk is involved
or because the project is experimental. It was designed to
let us do projects that we wouldn't normally undertake. It
did achieve it's objective. We did go out & do this. We
didn't get rich, but hey, there's always tomorrow."
Would you
like to receive wage subsidies to hire employees for your
small business too? There's monies available now for qualified
existing & start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$53,545 to hire intellectual
talent to help develop new technology for a forestry company
in British Columbia! (file 26)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"Without this programs financial support we would have had
to rethink our strategy & if you have to rethink strategy
a lot of times creativity is lost, & next thing you know
you're inventing a can opener."
"The nice thing about this program is if you can get yourself
a very good representative you do not have to chew through
the overwhelming bureaucracy."
When asked what advice he would give to future program applicants,
he responded, "The advice would be make sure you have a solid
business plan because you'll never get past first base until
you know exactly where you are going. A lot of the guys, &
me being an inventor is guilty at this at times, you get off
into dreamland & dream about all the great things you're
going to do but when you sit down & you start putting
down all the real hard-core reality of the project & its
feasibility your dreams get dashed against the rocks of reality
pretty quickly. Don't fall in love with your project before
you fall in love with your business plan."
"It's free money.
If your costs are a hundred thousand all of sudden they're
fifty. That's a nice chunk of cash."
Would
you like to receive money to hire intellectual talent to develop
new technology for your small business too? There's
monies available now for qualified existing & start-up
small businesses.
Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$1,594 for research, development
& marketing of a new product for a manufacturer in British
Columbia! (file 38)
In an interview
with the Small Business Finance Centre, this business owner
stated, "I would say that my advice would be to make sure
that you've done enough work & research on the project
in the first place to make sure it's going to be successful
before you even apply for the funds," he said. "If the likelihood
is it's going to be a successful project then certainly apply
for the funds, because all you're really doing is taking out
a loan. You'll be repaying their money at the same time you're
repaying your loan money for the money you've invested yourself."
When asked what pitfall a grant applicant can expect, his
response was, "Do the research first. Don't just do the project
because you get money from the government. If the likelihood
is it's not going to be successful, you're going to spend
money of your own, & you're not going to be repaying the
government. Think of it in terms of a loan, not a grant. This
would have been a grant if we hadn't been successful because
we didn't have to repay it. I think that the method of repaying
out of your success is an excellent way of being able to give
funds, help companies, but hopefully get some money back.
It helps companies in Canada spend the time & effort &
energy to develop new technology but at least have some participation
of the risk coming form the government. I haven't minded paying
them back at all, because as long we're paying them back,
we're obviously paying ourselves back."
Would you
like to receive money to research, develop & market a
new product for your small business too? There's
monies available now for qualified existing & start-up
small businesses. Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$33,041 to develop & manufacture
a new product for a manufacturing company in British Columbia!
(file 53)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"We received a $33,000 grant from the government that we used
for the engineering of a new technology."
"Our contact with this particular program was done through
correspondence. We filled out application forms, but also
provided some extra descriptions of the technology we wanted
to develop. This particular program did not require a business
plan, because the funding was for 'proof of concept.' This
is when you think you know how to do something that is quite
innovative, & you basically have to prove that it can
actually work; you have to prove the concept. It was six months
after we applied that we received our first funds. We received
our grant money over a two-year period. During that time,
we submitted quarterly reports."
"It was crucial to get the support that we did at that particular
time, there's no doubt about it. If we hadn't received that
support we wouldn't have been able to carry on with the technology
we were developing & see the project through to the end.
I think it is crucial that the government provides such monetary
support because without it you would probably have fewer technological
developments in Canada."
Would you
like to receive money to develop & manufacture a new product
for your small business too? There's monies
available now for qualified existing & start-up small
businesses. Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$19,745 to hire university
students for a systems company in British Columbia! (file
54)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"It was crucial for us that we received this funding. It was
important to us because our competitors get huge amounts of
money. In order to compete with them we need a little bit
too."
"The grant we received was used to hire university students
to work on the project. We had to submit a business plan about
the project we wanted assistance with. We also had to do some
additional research about its marketing potential."
"We've applied for assistance many other times & have
never had difficulties with the application process."
When asked about his opinion on government grants, his response
was, "It's definitely worth doing if you think you can get
it. It is worth going for. Even the process of having to develop
a business plan is beneficial. It gives you a little advanced
planning on what it is you're actually doing."
Would
you like to receive money to hire students for your small
business too? There's monies available now for
qualified existing & start-up small businesses. Phone
toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$3,750 for research &
testing of a new product for a manufacturing company in British
Columbia! (file 55)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"It's free money. Plus, it helps you learn proper documentation
for your company & how to deal with the government"
Would you
like to receive money to research & test a new product
for your small business too?
There's monies available now for qualified existing
& start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$12,800 to field-test a new
product for a chemical products company in British Columbia!
(file 70)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"We had no problems during our application process. You're
either in compliance with what the program is laid out to
do or you're not. If you are, then fill out the form &
do what you have to do. If you're not in compliance, then
don't bother doing it. Once you understand what the program
is there for, it's quite easy to assess whether it is going
to help you. If it is, you'll likely get your grant if you
go through the hoops. My advice is simply to make sure that
you understand exactly what the assistance program has been
set up to accomplish & be sure that you're in compliance.
There is definitely good value in this program for our company
at times."
When asked about the experience he had with this program,
he replied, "I remember our contact person was extremely helpful
& very supportive. Everything he said he was going to
do he did, which was very nice. As long as we complied with
everything we said we were going to, everything rocked &
rolled!"
Would
you like to receive money to field-test new products for your
small business too? There's monies available now for qualified
existing & start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.>
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$4,375 to design, develop
& produce a new product for an equipment supplier in British
Columbia! (file 71)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"My advice for companies would be to do their homework FIRST.
Be practical in your expectation of success &/or failure
& include this in your synopsis. Document EVERYTHING.
Any small business with well researched market opportunities
should apply."
Would you
like to receive money to design, develop & produce a new
product for your small business too? There's
monies available now for qualified existing & start-up
small businesses. Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$81,741 & a further $28,057
for product research & development for a software development
company in British Columbia! (file 103/137)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"We are a software development company with 20 employees.
We've applied to many different government funding programs
in the last few years & received varying amounts of grants."
"We received a grant of over $80,000, & a year later we
received another for almost $30,000. The money was used to
support research & product development. We were able to
increase our staff by paying existing employees & hiring
new people. It was crucial to us that we received these grants
so that we were able to do this."
"The applications for these larger amounts were done mainly
in person, with a lot of contact with the program officers
throughout the application process. It took two to three months
to get approval. We had to submit a ten page written proposal
that outlined what we were going to do, & when & how
we were going to do it. For applications for smaller grant
amounts, we simply filled out application forms."
"I only encountered standard difficulties in the application
process. The program representatives ask very specific questions.
We had one application that was not approved & I think
it was because it wasn't specific enough. How easy the process
goes depends on whom you work with, but basically we've had
only good experiences. For another application we needed to
clarify some things, but we worked together with our program
representative & he helped us through it. We've also had
to sit with various committees & undergo reviews, but
it was a constructive process."
When asked for his opinion on government funding, his response
was, "Going through the process is absolutely worth it. I
think this particular program is really good. It's better
than other government programs because the representatives
provide some help with the application process so that you're
not completely on your own. My advice is to be well prepared.
Talk & work with your advisor very closely because that
really helps."
Would
you like to receive money to research & develop a new
product for your small business too?
There's monies available now for qualified existing
& start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$87,250 to finance the purchase
of a barn, new equipment & to install a ventilation system
to help bring a newly purchased agricultural business up to
operating capacity in New Brunswick! (file 145)
When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre, this
grant recipient stated:
"I applied to this particular program to help me rebuild the
business & get it up & going again."
"I called the program office & asked them a few questions,
& then asked them to send an application form. Afterwards
I went to the program's office to submit my application."
"I used the loan to reconstruct a potato barn, install a ventilation
system & to buy new machine equipment. I applied a second
time to the program because we had not finished our ventilation
system & needed more time & money. I received an $87,250
interest free loan that I used to finish the ventilation system."
"I believe that any agricultural business should apply for
government funding because in order to stay in agriculture
you need to invest a lot of money in your business, which
is investing in the future of the provincial & national
economy. The banks are afraid of the agricultural industry
because it is a seasonal industry, where there is often little
money."
When asked what advice he would give to government fund applicant,
he answered, "I would advise people to submit their application
on time, know what you can & cannot get, & look for
other sources of government & private financial assistance
other than this particular program, just to be on the safe
side."
Would you
like to receive money to purchase new buildings or acquire
& install new equipment for your small business too? There's
monies available now for qualified existing & start-up
small businesses. Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$457,000 to purchase new
equipment for a textile manufacturer in New Brunswick! (file
146)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"This was not the first time our company had turned to this
particular program to help us out. We usually have meetings
with the program officer prior to submitting our application
form, just to give them a heads-up on the project. Afterwards,
we submitted our application in person since the program office
is located in the same town as us."
"It usually takes about three to four weeks to sufficiently
review our application, so I called them after three or four
weeks to get an update on the status of the application form."
"It was important that we received the $457,000 interest-free
loan; otherwise we would not have been able to purchase the
equipment we needed to help our company grow & move forward."
"We have never encountered a difficulty with this particular
program. This time, the application process moved a bit slower
than we would have liked, but the program had personnel to
take care of that."
"We apply over & over again to this particular program
because the personnel are great to deal with, they are accessible
since their head office is in the town as us & they have
done more than enough to help us develop & grow as a manufacturing
business. I think this particular program is a great resource
for my region."
"I think that manufacturing businesses should apply for government
funding, because the interest-free loans are available for
financing & equipment acquisitions."
When asked what advice he had for future grant applicants,
he said, "I would advise people to submit their application
with complete information, otherwise the government won't
be able to make a decision until they have all the necessary
information. Follow their requests. Do your homework before
you submit your application form because the program officer
needs to base their evaluation on good information because
it is tax payer's money that needs to be put to good use."
Would you
like to receive money to purchase new equipment for your small
business too? There's monies available now for
qualified existing & start-up small businesses. Phone
toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$23,000 for renovation
& improvement of a wax museum for a golf club & resort
in Prince Edward Island! (File 149)
When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre about
his opinion of the program, his response was, "I find that
these are good people to deal with. For the past six years,
I have dealt with one, woman supervisor, who is really good
& I haven't had one problem yet. She lays out all the
cards on the table, making sure I know what I can & cannot
do. I believe the easy application process has partly to do
with the fact that I applied in person at the program office
so I was able to ask the questions I needed & get the
answers upfront."
"I applied to this program in October & was quickly approved
by the end of November for an interest free loan of $23,000.
The agreement was 60/40, meaning that I cover 60% of the project
costs & the program covers 40% of it."
"Since I have dealt with this program in the past six years,
I didn't need to submit anything since they have my business
plan from the first year. The only thing I submitted was a
description of my project, which was to make renovations to
my wax museum."
"It was VERY important that I received the funds when I did,
because without it I would not have been able to start my
project."
"I think any small business should apply to help his or her
business grow further because everyone needs help now &
then."
"Specifically, any business in the tourism industry should
apply to this particular program, because the banks won't
help them out. Any seasonal business in any industry, whether
it is fisheries or tourism should apply, because the banks
just won't look at them, so they need help from the federal
government."
"For those applying
to this particular program for the first time, I would strongly
advise people to go to the program office & talk to their
personnel to get all the cards laid out on the table, as to
what they can or cannot do. When you find this information
out, it makes life a lot easier. I generally find it's a lot
easier to call the program office to set up an appointment
with a counselor a day or two in advance."
Would you
like to receive money to renovate & improve the facilities
of your small business too?
There's monies available now for qualified existing &
start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$58,000 to expand the existing
premises for a hotel in Newfoundland! (File 152)
When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre, this
grant recipient stated:
"I sent my first application form to this particular program
by mail. After that, I sent out another four application forms
over the next two & a half years to receive funding from
this program. But I never gave up! Every few weeks, I would
call the program office & check up on the status of my
application form."
"It was very crucial that I received the $58,000 loan from
this particular program. With this, I expanded my hotel &
helped my business to grow & flourish."
Would you like to receive money to expand the existing
premises of your small business too? There's monies available
now for qualified existing & start-up small businesses.
Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$112,150 to expand the facilities
for a resort in New Brunswick! (File 157)
This resort owner received an $112,150 interest-free loan
from a local government program for the expansions & upgrades
necessary to make her a year-round resort & activity centre.
When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre, this
grant recipient stated:
"I found the program personnel were great people to work with.
At the local level, the program personnel were very open to
ideas, tremendously helpful & gave us their advice."
"Without this particular programs help, the project would
have fell through. For this project we had to go to a number
of other financial resources, some which were contingent on
whether or not this particular program agreed to give us a
loan. We had about a two-month period where we had to quickly
put together a good business plan; otherwise we would have
lost the project."
"With this particular program's $112,150 interest-free loan,
we plan to make resort & an all year round activity centre.
The money is being used to build activity resources, such
as bike rentals & tube slides for the summer. Our whole
focus is to change the resort so that it runs activities in
the winter & summer; preferably have the resort open ten
months out of the year. With this program's interest-free
loan our vision for the resort will become a reality."
When asked what
advice she has for future government grant applicants, her
response was, "As a first time user, I found that this particular
program required a number of documentations, which involved
an amount of paperwork involved," she said. "For other first
time users, I would suggest that they find a good accountant
who has the time to put together a good business plan with
a good background. For those applying, make sure to have your
i's dotted & t's crossed!"
Would you like to receive money to expand the facilities
of your small business too? There's monies available
now for qualified existing & start-up small businesses.
Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$500,000 to purchase a new
building for a manufacturing & distribution company in
Prince Edward Island! (file 158)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"Working with this government program is not like working
with a bank. At the bank they kick you out the front door
& you come back in through the back door & you keep
going. I didn't have to do that with this program."
"I know the people who work in the program office & they
are real easy people to work with. Since our company is near
the program office, we completed the application form &
walked on over to their office to deliver it to them. We applied
to the program in the spring & were approved quickly,
only a few months later."
"This particular program required the usual things to accompany
the application form, which included business plans, financial
statements, history of the company and all those good things.
I am a chartered accountant myself, and have spent a lot of
time in public practice and I had to do these things for my
clients all my life. For me, to a prepare business plan, projections,
and forecast of where this business is going and what this
project is going to do for the company, it's not a big deal
for me. But if you don't have the people in the house to help
you prepare the application form properly, hire professionals
from outside to help you do it."
"We never have had trouble dealing with this program. We previously
applied a few years ago for the purchase of some heavy equipment
& now we have two interest-free loans with the same program."
"Our current project is the purchase of a new distribution
building. With this new building we are able to move our distribution
line out of the manufacturing building which enables us to
expand our manufacturing line. Without the government's funding,
the expansion would never have taken place."
"I think any businesses involved in manufacturing, hi-tech
or tourism should apply for government funding because these
are the industries where there is high job creation and high
economic activity."
When asked what advice he would give to government grant applicants,
his response was, "For those people applying for any types
of government loans or grants, remember that you have to know
what you're doing, & present a business plan in order
to show people what you're all about."
Would you
like to receive money to purchase new facilities for your
small business too? There's monies available
now for qualified existing & start-up small businesses.
Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$13,500 for market research
for a manufacturing company in Nova Scotia! (file 161)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"Like any business, this programs funding was quite important
to our company. Their $13,500 interest-free loan helped us
to plan & carry out a marketing study. This marketing
study included the potential for developing a product, hiring
for trade shows & marketing material."
"When we initially applied, we sent in a number of documents
with the application form. These included business plans,
proposals, marketing studies, financial statements & whatever
else this particular program required."
"The only trouble we had with this particular program was
due to the fact that the program office was going through
a restructuring process. We willingly provided the information
that this program required to make their decision. In return,
they were quick to approve us & send us the first payment,
which took about a month. We had regularly scheduled meetings
with the program personnel, which I believe helped speed up
the approval process."
"I believe companies who invent new technologies &/or
want to bring a new technology into the Maritimes, should
apply for government funds."
"For someone who is applying to this program or thinking about
it, I would advise them to talk to someone who is familiar
with the program & they must keep in mind that patience
is key! Also, do your number crunching & your homework
before applying."
Would you
like to receive money for market research for your small business
too? There's monies available now for qualified
existing & start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$21,237 to expand the facilities
for a winery in Newfoundland! (file 164)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"This particular government funding program is well known
throughout our region. I found out more about the program,
when one of their personnel came out to visit my winery. I
also found out more information when I called their offices
to see what funding options were available to me."
"After the program officers visit, I submitted an application
form by mail to the government. With the application form
I included permits from the town, blueprints of the building,
support from corporations, other sources of funding, a business
plan, marketing plan, projected costs, letters of reference
& support, & any other necessary documentations that
were required."
"I got my $21,237 interest-free loan, by calling them every
few weeks; four or five months later I was approved for my
loan."
"The money I received from this program was very important
to the winery. Without it, I would not have been able to build
an expansion for my winery."
"I would suggest that any manufacturing business should apply
for government funding, but take into account the market &
competition for that particular business."
"I would advise people applying for government funding to
have a good business plan, do the necessary research (market,
potential for your product) & a feasibility study before
approaching the this particular program."
Would
you like to receive money to expand the facilities of your
small business too? There's monies available
now for qualified existing & start-up small businesses.
Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$84,797 to purchase new equipment
& market research for a wholesale business in Nova Scotia!
(file 183)
"There really is
no need to follow up with this particular program," replied
this business owner, when asked about the application process
during an interview with the Small Business Finance Centre.
"The government sends out a letter acknowledging that they
have received your application. Usually within a couple weeks
they get back to you with some questions, if they have any."
"We normally have not experienced any difficulties with this
program. If you change your project midway through, you got
to jump through a few more hoops. It's not really a problem,
you just got to keep the program officer informed & updated
on your project."
When questioned what advice he had for business owners considering
government funding, he said, "From a business standpoint,
I think everyone who qualifies for government funding program
should apply for it, just because the government is there
to help you out."
Would
you like to receive money to purchase new equipment &
do market research for your small business too? There's
monies available now for qualified existing & start-up
small businesses.
Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$4,100 for the purchase of
new equipment for an agricultural business in New Brunswick!
(file 185)
"I have applied
to this particular program twice to help boost my agricultural
business," said this grant recipient in an interview with
the Small Business Finance Centre. "I went back to this program
the second time because they offered an interest-free loan
& the department staff were very fast & efficient."
"If you can get half your funding from the government, the
banks don't seem to mind lending you money," he commented.
"With all the necessary paperwork I submitted to this program,
I believe it took about two to three months for approval &
for me to receive the first payment of funds."
"Both times I dealt with the government, I did not encounter
any difficulties with the staff or the application process.
In fact, I found the program staff to be more than helpful
all the way through the approval process."
"When I called to tell them I would have to stop payment because
our business ran into some problems, they carried it out effectively
& weren't nasty about anything. The program office just
put me through to the right person, where we explained the
situation to him."
"Our problems occurred around Christmas time, when our business
ran into a bit of trouble. I contacted the government towards
the end of the project, which was around Christmas time. I
called to let them know I was thinking of declaring bankruptcy
on behalf of the business. The program office put me through
to their collections guy, who was more than helpful, in the
sense that he was courteous. He knew that I was thinking about
declaring bankruptcy & left me alone until after Christmas,
because I had a lot on my mind. I really appreciated that.
The collections guy was not overbearing or 'holier-than-thou",
he was very nice."
"Now that I'm out of business, I can see where the banks are
coming from. The government lends you the money to purchase
equipment, but they do not own it or have any legal ramification
to it. So if anything happens to your business, the bank gets
the money for the equipment & the government is out of
luck!"
Would
you like to receive money to purchase new equipment for your
small business too? There's monies available now for qualified
existing & start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$15,600 to build new assembly
line equipment for a manufacturing company in Nova Scotia!
(file 195)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"After I applied I phoned, faxed, e-mailed & visited the
program office on a weekly basis to check up on the status
of my application. About a month later I was approved for
funding & received my first payment of my $15,600 interest-free
loan."
"We originally requested funds for a design of a manufacturing
assembly line, but in order to pass the parameters of the
program we adjusted our request & actually used the funds
for building the machine."
"The only difficulties we encountered were the management
of the abundant paperwork. Otherwise this particular program
staff responded quickly to our request."
When asked who should apply for government funding, he answered,
"I think all small businesses with a good idea, a good business
plan & restricted funding should apply for government
assistance."
When queried for advice to future government grant applicants,
he responded, "I would advise people to have a good clear
business plan & know what your goal is, it also helps
if you can talk to someone who's familiar with the particular
programs application process."
Would you like to receive money to purchase new assembly
line equipment for your small business too? There's
monies available now for qualified existing & start-up
small businesses. Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$80,000 for the expansion
& building of new facilities for a resort in New Brunswick!
(File 206)
This resort owner received an $80,000 eight-year interest
free loan from a local government program for expansion of
his resort. When interviewed by the Small Business Finance
Centre, this grant recipient stated:
"I have dealt with this certain program in the past on numerous
occasion. For this particular project, I applied to a provincial
government run program. This particular program was kind enough
to join the project & give me an $80,000 interest-free
loan so that I could upgrade my existing cottages & also
build new cottages."
"With the interest-free loan that I received from this particular
program, the pay back period was eight years. Technically
it should be called a seven-year pay back period because I
did not have to repay the program back in the first year.
When asked what advice he would give to future applicants
for this program, he states, "For people applying to this
particular program I would advise them to have all their homework
done. You should be able to back up the information you have,
that you've researched your project thoroughly & have
your numbers put together!"
Would you like to receive money to renovate & build
new facilities for your small business too?
There's monies available now for qualified existing
& start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$7,200 to improve
cottage facilities for resort in Prince Edward Island! (File
211)
When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre, this
grant recipient stated:
"My wife & I moved to Prince Edward Island two years ago,
from Mississauga, Ontario. With our own money we decided to
buy some cottages. The previous owners of these cottages did
not take really good care of them, so there was a lot of upgrading
& fixing up to do."
When asked what he though got him approved for the loan, he
replied, "In the application package I included my resume
along with my wife's, financial statements for profit &
loss, accounting paperwork concerning the cottage's business
in the past year," he said.
"I think our resumes gave this particular program the opportunity
& ability to judge whether or not we were capable of running
a business, what kinds of money these cottages could generate,
if we had the ability & skills to run a business like
this & how financially stable & reliable me &
my wife are."
"This particular program granted me a $7,200 interest-free
loan, which I was able to use to upgrade the cottages from
a one & half star to a two star rating. The criteria this
particular program stated in order to get a new loan, was
that I had to upgrade the cottages by a half star rating.
I bought new furniture, barbecues, bedding, automatic coffee
makers, & the little things for the cottages."
"I also did a lot of the fixing up of the cottages myself.
Fortunately for me, I am a real handy man & have a good
shop. There were rotting windowsills, four cottages I had
to jack off the ground because they were too low into the
ground & wasn't getting enough air circulation & would
have rotted. I also did the woodwork around the cottages,
built the kitchens & counters, rewired the lighting &
generally fixed up odds & ends. I think these were skills
this program was looking for in a cottage owner."
When questioned about any advice that he may give to future
program applicants, he answered, "As a first time user of
this particular program, I would advise people applying to
have all their homework done," he said, "be extremely prepared,
have a good business plan ready, make sure your numbers are
realistic & doable. It also helps to have a good team
of people to help you out like lawyers, accountants, banks,
etc."
Would you
like to receive money to renovate your small business facilities
too? There's monies available now for qualified existing &
start-up small businesses. Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$88,000 for improvement
of facilities for a cottage resort in Prince Edward Island!
(File 215)
This owner of this cottage resort made his first application
for government funding in 1996. When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient stated:
"I used the interest
free loan from this particular program to build two new cottages.
The government funded 50% of the project & the other 50%
came from my back pocket."
"The interest-free loan that this particular program granted
me both times has been very helpful for me."
When asked what advice he would give to future government
funding applicant, his words were, "For people applying to
this particular program, I recommend that you have your finances
in order & to make sure you have your share of the money
in place."
Would you like to receive money to expand & renovate
your small business facilities too? There's monies available
now for qualified existing & start-up small businesses.
Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$93,500 for purchase of new
equipment for a greenhouse in Nova Scotia! (file 218)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"This was our first time using this particular program, but
it was not the first time we had heard about it. This program
is very popular throughout our region. We were able to establish
a fairly good relationship with the program loans officer.
"At first, we presented a written submission & then went
in for several meetings. We worked with this program for two
years, but mainly it was our chartered accountants that kept
in constant contact with them."
"This particular program helped us to install in an internal
transportation & harvesting system in our greenhouse by
giving us a $93,500 interest free loan."
When asked what advice he has for future applicants, his response
was, "I think everyone has the right to apply for government
funding, but if you want to succeed you must have thick skin
& you cannot take no for an answer."
"If you really believe in what you're doing & that it's
a good thing, you should stay with it. It's your job to see
it through!"
Would you
like to receive money to purchase new equipment for your small
business too? There's monies available now for
qualified existing & start-up small businesses. Phone
toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$19,904 for preparation of
land & construction of a new building for a manufacturing
company in New Brunswick! (file 220)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"I found out about this program through a local Development
Corporation. With this information I gave the program office
a call. After talking to them in person, I mailed the application
& the necessary documents off for approval.
"A few months later, the government program granted us our
$19,904 interest-free loan, so that we could begin to construct
a new building for manufacturing purposes. The new building
we constructed with these funds was vital for our company."
"I would say that this particular program's personnel are
good people to deal with. Essentially we had no difficulties
dealing with them. Like most government departments, the paper
work got very frustrating & at times I just wanted to
call them up & tell them to send me some money."
"I think any business that could create jobs, should apply
for this particular program, since the program leans towards
job creation for the economy."
When asked what advice he would give to other small business
owners who might apply, his answer was, "I would advise people
to have a good package ready when you meet with this particular
programs personnel. Know what you want to do, how many jobs
you're creating, how much money you need & what you're
building."
Would you
like to receive money for preparation of land or construction
of a new building for your small business too? There's
monies available now for qualified existing & start-up
small businesses.
Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$74,500 for the development
of their on-line products for a computer software company
in New Brunswick! (file 222)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"This program's money has helped our company out greatly.
Most times, our situation is if we don't receive the funding,
we cannot go ahead with a project or the company must shut
down."
When asked what negative experiences they had with this program,
he answered, "We don't like competing with other companies.
This particular program operates on a first come first serve
basis. And sometimes we're not first & we'd like to be.
We would like to see the approval process quicken up."
"Advice I would offer applicants is to be diligent & for
a relationship with the program's claims officer."
Would you
like to receive money for on-line product development for
your small business too? There's monies available
now for qualified existing & start-up small businesses.
Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$98,500 in start-up
capital to realize dream of owning their own business for
an individual in Prince Edward Island! (File 261)
When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre, this
grant recipient stated:
"Without this particular program I would not have been able
to go ahead with the project I had in mind."
"I received a $98,500 interest free loan, which enabled me
to start up a rubber business & also to build a stainless
steel shop."
Would you like to receive money to start-up your own
small business too? There's monies available now for qualified
existing & start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$150,000 for purchase of
new equipment for a chemical products business in Nova Scotia!
(file 262)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"The program officer told me that the processing time, would
take about six to eight weeks & I was prepared to wait.
I didn't call them. Around the seventh week, program personnel
came down to the company & told me that we had been approved
for a loan."
"I think any business that is stable, & has been around
for a bit (more than a year) & has a good idea that would
make their business more stable, should apply for government
funding."
"For those applying
to this particular program for the first time, I would advise
people to do a lots & lots of preparation work. Do your
homework extremely well because you're not doing it for program
application, you're doing it for yourself!"
"Don't write your business plan to make it sound good. Write
it so you can review it, look at it, & make sure you're
on target & that you're following it & you're achieving
what you want to. Because when is all said & done &
you're not at your goal, there's a very good chance you'll
never be there."
Would you like to receive money to purchase new equipment
for your small business too? There's monies available
now for qualified existing & start-up small businesses.
Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$75,600 for expansion of
a building & the purchase of new equipment for a retail
printing business in New Brunswick! (File 270)
When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre, this
grant recipient stated:
"Our application was sent to this particular program on Dec.
1, 2000 & was quickly approved by Dec. 23, 2000."
"We received the much needed $75,600 interest-free loan, so
that we could expand our building & purchase equipment."
When asked for his opinions about the process of approval,
his comments were, "The key to a speedy approval for government
grants is to be prepared," he said. "I know there are horror
stories out there about how long things take. Have your i's
dotted & your t's crossed. Read the instructions &
follow the rules."
"That is exactly what our company did. We had NO problems
dealing with them. The program's personnel kept in touch with
us through scheduled meetings, so there was no need to call
or follow up with them."
"I think any business that fits within this particular program's
rules should apply for funding." He said, when asked what
advice he would give to other business owner planning on applying
for government funding. "I would also advise people to have
all your documents ready, read the instructions & follow
the rules. And you'll have no problem at all."
Would you like to receive money to expand & purchase
new equipment for your small business too?
There's monies available now for qualified existing &
start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$70,000 for the construction
of new cottage facilities for a tourism business in Prince
Edward Island! (File 274)
This tourist resort owner heard about government loans in
a television advertisement. After submitting his application
to a local program his small business received an interest
free loan of $70,000 to expand his resort.
When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre about
the benefits of this particular program, he replied, "For
our business to raise the money through a local bank would
have been really expensive," he said. "It was great help because
the loan from this particular program was interest-free."
"I used the government loan to build new cottages. They were
very strict on documenting everything. Everything I purchased
had to be documented, in black & white. Before they issued
me a cheque I had to show them what I had bought with the
money."
When asked what advice he would give to future applicant to
this program, his response was, "For those businesses that
wish to apply for this particular program I would tell them
to get their paperwork ready & in order."
Would you like to receive money to construct new facilities
for your small business too? There's monies available now
for qualified existing & start-up small businesses. Phone
toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$380,000 to implement
a marketing campaign for an educational materials company
in Newfoundland! (File 299)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"Before I submitted my application, I submitted a proposal
to my assigned program officer. Normally, you work along with
a case officer & you let them know the proposal is coming.
These things just don't come out of the blue. You discuss
program details & qualifications with your case officer
before you submit your proposal."
"The average time frame is two months for approval. Six to
ten weeks depending on the complexity of the application.
It really varies. For example, did you apply in the summer,
when people are on holidays? Was it during Christmas? These
kinds of variables affect the time period. Six weeks is fast
& ten weeks means someone was on holidays for two weeks."
"I'm used to the time frames that are involved in submitting
an application to any government department, so I did not
call the program office at any time to find out the status
of my application form."
"I think any business that is oriented towards growth should
apply for funding from this particular program. Businesses
in the manufacturing, information technology, natural resources
& tourism industries should apply. I believe that this
program likes to funds the businesses that create long-term
jobs."
"I would advise people applying to get to know your program
officer & talk to them. The program officer will have
to justify to their superiors the expenditures. Find out what
it is they need to justify the loan or grant. Call up &
make an appointment with a program officer & find out
what they need from you. After that, you are well down the
road."
Would you
like to receive money to implement a marketing campaign for
your small business too?
There's monies available now for qualified existing &
start-up small businesses. Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
Back to Top
$98,100 for the purchase
of a printing press for a retail screen-printing business
in Newfoundland! (File 326)
When interviewed by the Small Business Finance Centre, this
grant recipient stated:
"We have been in business for 40 years & have dealt with
the government in the past. This particular program has not
given us any trouble in the past or on this project. We submitted
our application form by mail & were called in for a few
meetings regarding the piece of equipment we wanted to buy."
When questioned about the importance of the loan to her small
business, she said, "It was very important that our company
received a $98,100 interest-free loan so that we could purchase
the screen printing press, & in turn expand our business."
When asked about the difficulties she encountered, her response
was, "The only difficulty we encountered was putting together
the financial projections," she said "Other than that, the
processing of our application & this particular program's
speedy approval response were very satisfactory."
When queried about the advice she would give to other small
business owners, she said, "I do not see why people should
not apply because it is an interest free loan. I would be
crazy not to apply again, if funds are needed."
Would you like to receive money to purchase new equipment
(like a printing press) for you small business too? There's
monies available now for qualified existing & start-up
small businesses.
Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$22,050 to hire graduate
students for a manufacturing company in Newfoundland! (file
422)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"The first time that I applied to this program I submitted
a full business plan. For the Internship program I didn't
have to submit any documentation because the program office
had all my business documentation on file. I believe that
is why my Internship application process took less than a
month. On a regular basis, our business provides the program
personal with financial statements."
"I believe that if an established company has a new idea to
develop accompanied by a solid business plan, & then they
should apply for government funding. I know that this particular
program has funded companies in the information technology,
marine & manufacturing industries."
"To make your first application to this particular program
go smoothly, I suggest you do the following:
1. Every account
manager is different, so understand want they want & what
you need, before exerting time &
energy into the application process.
2. Have a solid business plan.
3. Communicate on a regular basis.
4. Know exactly what you want.
5. Hire the right experts to do things right for you."
Would you
like to receive money to hire graduate students for your small
business too? There's monies available now for
qualified existing & start-up small businesses. Phone
toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$237,300 to hire computer
programmers as well as purchase furniture, equipment &
computers for a new office for a software development firm
in Newfoundland! (file 431)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"With this $237,300 interest free loan we were able to purchase
furniture, equipment & computers to furnish our new office,
as well as hire programmers."
"We found that this particular program was cooperative &
fairly speedy in their responses. We applied in the fall &
were approved by January."
"Their staff was very knowledgeable & at times would do
more than was required of them. We called the program office
bi-weekly to update them on the project & also to check
up on the status of our application."
"I believe that if you have a business plan that forecasts
a successful operation, the sky is the limit!"
Would you
like to receive money to hire staff & buy office furniture
& equipment for your small business' expansion too? There's
monies available now for qualified existing & start-up
small businesses. Phone toll free: 1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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$6,660 for partial expenses
involved in a business partnership overseas for an electronics
manufacturer in Newfoundland! (file 456)
When interviewed
by the Small Business Finance Centre, this grant recipient
stated:
"The project was time sensitive & it was important that
we got a quick answer. We were quickly approved for it in
about two to three weeks. And after our approval, we received
the payment of funds between two months to two & a half
months afterwards."
"We received $6,660 grant-partial for expenses, which means
that after you've incurred the expenses, you go back to the
government & make a claim in accordance with the project
& the program will reimburse you."
"The project was a joint venture between a British company
(Marine related) & companies in St. John's, which we were
one of."
"I think anyone involved in international business development
should apply for this particular program because it is easy
to demonstrate the benefits your company can bring into Canada.
Bringing money into Canada from outside of Canada is better
than bringing money in from a local province. I think it's
wide open in the international marketing area."
"The only advice I have is 'Follow the Guidelines'."
Would
you like to receive money to finance overseas partnerships
of your small business too? There's monies available
now for qualified existing & start-up small businesses.
Phone toll free:
1-800-658-9792 or
e-mail The
Small Business Finance Centre.
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