Calabogie Rustic Farm | Calabogie, Ontario
Loans
The Fair Finance Fund is a non-profit social finance fund dedicated to providing loans and mentorship services to local food and farm enterprises that value strong local food systems, local economies, and a healthy planet. Since 2019, the Fund has disbursed over $4 million in loans across Ontario. We understand your business, goals, mission, and values and have a shared mission for you to succeed while making a meaningful difference.
What We Offer
What makes the Fair Finance Fund different from a traditional bank or lender? As a loan client:
You support Ontario's circular economy
You feed the success of your business and other local food and farm entrepreneurs
You support the economic growth of local agriculture, food processors and food businesses
You help secure a resilient food future for Ontario
Loan Terms
The Fair Finance Fund offers loans from $20,000 up to $200,000 for a 5-year term. Each client receives up to 10 hours of mentorship and business assistance to help navigate business challenges through the loan period from experts in food and farming.
No hidden fees
Optional three month grace period
Character-based lender
Fixed monthly principal and interest payments over the loan term
No collateral requirements up to $100,000
Early payment options available under certain conditions
Please note: If you’re looking for a loan that exceeds $200,000, contact us. We have co-financing options available on a case-by-case basis.
How to Apply
The Fund accepts applications through a Loan Cohort Model that allows applicants access the support they need during the application process. During the application process, you'll have the opportunity to receive one-on-one support from our team to ask questions, review documents and access key tools and resources. Small business and financial workshops are also available to applicants free of charge.
Review the Application Guide that provides a detailed overview of the application process.
Complete and submit the Preliminary Application (PDF) to loans@fairfinancefund.org or apply online to determine your eligibility to be approved for a Fair Finance Fund loan. You can also use the buttons below.
Submit the preliminary application during the designated Intake Period to loans@fairfinancefund.org.
Once your Preliminary Application is submitted, our team will contact you about the next steps.
Make an Appointment
Do you have questions before applying? Are you unsure if your business meets the loan criteria? Make an appointment with our team. We’re happy to provide more information, answer questions and provide assistance through the process.
Tools & Resources
-
Business & Financial Workshops
Join our small business workshops to encourage capacity building and knowledge sharing among clients, applicants and local food and farm social enterprises. Topics include business planning, financial planning, setting financial goals and budgeting, debt management, and other topics.
-
Mentorship & Business Assistance
The REAL Assist Mentorship Program offers reliable, expert business assistance to local food and farm social enterprises. The program provides you with the guidance and support you need to fulfill your business goals and social mission. Loan clients receive up to 10 hours of mentorship as part of the loan package.
-
Who We Fund
Loans are provided to social enterprises across the supply chain: farms, fisheries, markets, restaurants, bakeries, breweries, wineries, suppliers, distributors, and more. Whether you are looking to purchase new equipment, expand your operations, or improve efficiencies, the Fund has a loan for you.
-
Meet Other Loan Clients
Meet our loan clients, a group of agri-food and food businesses with a social purpose. Learn about who they are, their financial needs and the impact they’re creating because of their loan.
-
What is a Social Enterprise?
Are you a local food or farm business in Ontario but don’t classify yourself as a social enterprise? Download our social enterprise checklist to see if you’re a values-aligned business.
-
What are Impact Indicators?
As a loan client of the Fund, you track impact indicators to communicate and measure the economic, social and environmental benefits to investors as well help track the development and growth of your social enterprise.
Questions?
We would love to hear from you. Our team is here to provide more information about our loans, answer any questions you may have or provide assistance through the application process. Fill out the form, and we will be in contact with you in 2 - 3 business days.
1 (647) 812-1255