By Design Loan

Overview of the By Design Loan program:

All types of makers—designers, artists, artisans, and performers–are vital to the creation of a sustainable and healthy creative community. The By Design microloan helps to bring your creative enterprise to life by providing you up to $75,000 to buy materials, rent space, and showcase your portfolio. Unlike traditional small business loans that are based on business history and collateral, By Design microloans are based on the character of the owner, the vision for the future, and the strength of the business plan.

Benefits of the By Design Loan program:

• Qualify at start-up, pre-revenue, based on the strength of your character and idea
• Qualify for a loan even without a strong credit history
• Receive funds as a line of credit* and/or a term loan**your choice
• Pay no administrative fees***
• Gain access to Vancitys business expertise and financial literacy support
• Benefit from access to a co-operative network of members
• Use this microloan for:
• Working capital
• New production and services capacity
• Performance space or workshop space
• Financing between contracts
• Business purposes or business related expenses
• Purchasing tools or equipment
• Participation in trade and craft fairs (support is limited to entrance fees and development of tradeshow booths; personal travel is not supported)
• Leasing office space
• Research and development leading to commercialization
• Pre-commercial and commercial product development
• Market development

Eligibility criteria of the By Design Loan program:

• To be eligible to apply for a By Design microloan, you must:
• Be starting, expanding, or operating a creative or design-focused business.
• Operate the business in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley Regional District, Greater Victoria, or the Sea-to-Sky Corridor.
• Be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Have at least one business owner with training or experience in art or design.
• Have at least one business owner enrolled in or recently graduated from a self-employment or pre-entrepreneurial program, or an arts production and marketing program or...
• Have your business plan reviewed by a business advisor (such as Small Business BC).