These loans can be used for a variety of purposes. The review of the application determines interest rates and terms.
- Working Capital
- Leasehold + Building Improvements
- Equipment Purchases
- Training
- Innovation + Technology
Let’s get your dream business started.
At Valley Heartland, we put local entrepreneurs first. We understand the effort that goes into running your business. Behind all the numbers is a hard-working entrepreneur contributing to our community.
We offer local businesses flexible financing solutions. Valley Heartland loans are exclusively available to entrepreneurs in Lanark County + North Leeds and all funding decisions are made locally.
Valley Heartland will be closed for the holidays from Monday, December 23, 2024, to Friday, January 3, 2025. Applications submitted during the closure will not be reviewed or presented to our Board of Directors until January 29, 2025.
We appreciate your understanding and wish you a joyful holiday season! 🎄
Loan Programs + Process
Our staff reviews all loan applications; our Investment Committee additionally reviews requests over $15,000. We aim to provide an efficient review process and response time, but timelines can depend on various factors. We will communicate timelines with you throughout the entire application process.
Business Loans (Up to $300,000)
Express Loans (Up to $15,000)
Decisions are made within five business days.
These loans can be used for a variety of purposes. The review of the application determines interest rates and terms.
- Working Capital
- Leasehold + Building Improvements
- Equipment Purchases
- Training
- Innovation + Technology
Start-up Loans (Up to $60,000)
Designed to help new businesses launch and grow.
Start-up business financing is often the only cash when a business opens. These loans provide favourable conditions for working capital as your business builds sales and revenues. Start-up loans are structured for graduated repayment with six months of payment free followed by six months of interest-only payments.
Micro
- Eligibility: Start-up or in operation for 1-3 years
- Amount: $5,000 – $20,000
- Term: 1 year graduated + 3-year term = 48 months
Macro
- Eligibility: Start-up or in operation for 1-3 years
- Amount: $20,000 – $40,000
- Term: 1 year graduated + 4-year term = 60 months
Macro 2.0
- Eligibility: Start-up or in operation for 1-3 years
- Amount: $40,000 – $60,000
- Term: 1 year graduated + 5-year term = 72 months
Field to Fork Loans (Up to $60,000)
If you run a local food producer, farm gate, and food + beverage-related business, this business finance loan option helps connect you to your consumers.
Field to Fork business financing provides incremental growth assistance with seed funds, growth funds, and Harvest funds at reduced, fixed interest rates with flexible repayment terms to accommodate seasonal sales.
Seed Funds
- Eligibility: Start-up or in operation for 1-3 years
- Amount: $5,000 – $15,000
- Rate: Prime +2.5%
- Term: Fixed for 3 Years
Grow Funds
- Eligibility: Expanding, in operation for 3+ years
- Amount: $15,000 – $30,000
- Rate: Prime +3 %
- Term: Fixed for 4-5 years
Harvest Funds
- Eligibility: for farm or food processing equipment.
- Amount: $30,000 – $60,000
- Rate: Prime +3.5%
- Term: Fixed for 4-5 years
Going Green Loans (Up to $85,000)
Supports the adoption of technology, equipment and energy efficiency upgrades or renewable energy installations to facilities.
Get a loan that supports the adoption of technology, equipment and energy efficiency upgrades, or renewable energy installations to facilities that positively impact your cash flow.
- Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate the investment’s positive impact on energy consumption.
- Amount: $50,000 – $85,000
- Rate: Prime +2
- Term: Fixed up to 96 months
SOFII Rural (Up to $500,000)
Support and investment to innovative high-growth-scale up companies located in rural areas of Eastern Ontario.
SOFII Rural provides support and investment to innovative high-growth-scale up companies located in rural areas of Eastern Ontario for:
- Late-stage commercialization activities
- New product or service development
- New applications or markets or development
- Implementation of new processes or technologies
Community Futures Eastern Ontario (CFEO) delivers this program. 50% of the loan request to CFEO must be matched. The matching fund component can be secured through Valley Heartland CFDC for Lanark County + North Leeds businesses. Contact us to learn more about the program and eligibility criteria.
How do I get started?
1. Let's Talk
Schedule a phone call, video call or in-person meeting to explore your business needs and financing options.
2. Application
Complete our simple online application (linked below). We will review your submitted application and reach out if additional information is required.
3. The Review
Once we've received everything, we will do a final review and present your application to our Investment Committee for a decision. All your information is held in the strictest of confidentiality.
4. The Decision
All applicants will be notified whether their request to get a loan is approved, declined, or deferred for more information. If we cannot lend to your business, we will continue offering support services and help you explore other options. We will meet with you to review and sign your loan documentation if we approve your request.
5. Support
We are still here for you even once you’ve received funding. We know what goes into growing a successful business, and we're here to help you get there. Our business advisory support is always confidential, free, and can be ongoing.
Confidentiality
We value your business and recognize that confidentiality is essential to you. We exercise the highest degree of discretion and can enter a non-disclosure agreement with you if necessary. You can confidently discuss your investment plans with us, knowing that the details will remain confidential.