Canadian Government Grants & Loans - Funding Program Types

$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.

Back to Top $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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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.

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$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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