Small Growers Fund

Overview of the Small Growers Fund program:

The Small Growers microloan is designed to help get small farm and food production businesses off the ground. If your business involves farming under 50 acres in a rural or urban setting, or producing food in other ways, like tending nurseries or producing value-added food, this microloan can help you afford the tools, equipment, land, or commercial space you need. Unlike traditional small business loans that are based on business history and collateral, Small Growers microloans are based on the character of the owner and the strength of the business plan.

Benefits of the Small Growers Fund program:

• Working capital
• New production and services capacity
• Seeds, fertilizers, fencing and other farm inputs
• Land leases or leasing kitchen or production facilities
• Business purposes or business related expenses
• Specialized farming tools or equipment, including transport equipment or food trucks
• Research and development leading to commercialization
• Pre-commercial and commercial product development
• Market development.

Eligibility criteria of the Small Growers Fund program:

• To be eligible to apply for a Small Growers microloan, you must:
• Be starting or expanding a farming operation or...
• Operating a business closely connected to farming and local food
• Operate the business in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley Regional District, Greater Victoria, or the Sea-to-Sky Corridor
• Have at least one business owner with farming experience or recognized agriculture/horticulture training
• Be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident
• Have at least one business owner enrolled in or graduated from a self-employment or pre-entrepreneurial program
• Have your business plan reviewed by a business advisor.