CFDCs Re-Open CANtrade™ Financing Solution for Tariff-Impacted Businesses
Nventure, Trenval, Renfrew County CFDC, Community Futures Peterborough and North & Central Hastings & South Algonquin CFDC are relaunching their popular CANtrade™ lending initiative to support rural SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) impacted by the ongoing bilateral trade conflict.
“CANtrade™ is a tool in the Community Futures toolkit which we developed to assist businesses in navigating extraordinary challenges as they invest and re-invest in productivity, competitiveness and growth,” said Wendy Curtis, CEO of Nventure. “Whether that is local, regional, or global in outlook, CANtrade™ is designed to support rural companies that are thinking strategically and planning for long-term resilience.”
Through CANtrade™, qualifying businesses located and operating in Northumberland (and through fellow CFDCs, in their respective rural catchments) can access financing from $5,000 to $150,000, with rates ranging from prime to prime +2%, repayment terms of up to 60 months, and interest-only payments for the first six months. There are no pre-payment penalties for CANtrade™ loans.
CANtrade™ financing can support a range of business priorities. These include increasing production capacity, strengthening supply chains and improving operational efficiencies. Financing can also support investments in technology and talent, expansion into new Canadian or international markets and diversification of revenue streams.
The CANtrade™ initiative is delivered through the Community Futures Program, supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). It is intended for viable, established businesses ready to make strategic investments in their future.
Since its original launch, fellow eastern Ontario CFDCs have worked with Nventure to bring CANtrade™ to their communities through a collaborative regional approach. The initiative will continue to evolve in response to changing cross-border trade and global economic conditions.
Industrial, export-oriented and other tariff-impacted SMEs are encouraged to contact their local CFDC to learn more and apply for CANtrade™ financing through the Government of Canada’s Community Futures Program. Applications are now open until January 31, 2027.
Quick Links
Learn more and apply today through participating CFDCs:
Additional terms and conditions apply, see websites for details.
Quotes
“When cross-border trade shifts by the day, finding a path forward can be challenging. CANtrade™ can help businesses in our communities find the support they need to navigate this new reality.”
Mary Lynn Rutledge, Executive Director - Community Futures Development Corporation of North & Central Hastings & South Algonquin
“Local businesses have shown incredible resilience in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty, but resilience alone should not be the expectation. Businesses also need access to the tools and capital that allow them to adapt, invest and seize new opportunities. CANtrade™ is designed to help businesses strengthen their operations, respond to changing supply chains and trade conditions, and position themselves for long-term growth. We’re proud to join our colleagues at Nventure and across eastern Ontario to ensure that local businesses have access to practical support that helps them move forward with confidence.”
Devon Girard, Executive Director - Community Futures Peterborough
“U.S. tariffs are creating new pressures for businesses here at home, and responding to those challenges requires action. We’re happy to relaunch CANtrade™ to give Bay of Quinte businesses greater flexibility to adapt, invest and pursue new opportunities. Supporting their resilience today helps protect the long-term economic strength of our region.”
Graham Copestake, Executive Director - Trenval Community Futures
“In a period of ongoing trade uncertainty, businesses need access to flexible financing that supports adaptation, growth, and long-term competitiveness. CANtrade™ gives Renfrew County businesses the opportunity to invest in productivity, strengthen operations, explore new markets, and build resilience for the future. We’re proud to partner with fellow CFDCs to deliver a solution that helps rural businesses respond proactively to changing economic conditions.”
Cyndy Phillips, Executive Director - Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation
