Startup and Growth Loan
For new and growing businesses.
Borrow
Up to $75,000
Best part
Get funding based on your idea, not your credit history.
Why our startup loans stand out.
Inclusive approval
Qualify as a startup, pre-revenue, based on the strength of your experience and your idea, instead of only your credit score.
Advice and support
Get advice from our small business team and connect with third-party support that can help you plan your business.
Financial flexibility
Borrow funds as a term loan or line of credit — whatever is best for you.
Loan details.
| First-year businesses | Second and third-year businesses | |
|---|---|---|
| Loan size | Up to $50,000 | Up to $75,000 |
| Loan type | Term loan or combination of term loan and operating line of credit | Term loan or combination of term loan and operating line of credit |
| Repayment period | 5 years if selecting term loan | 5 years if selecting term loan |
A term loan is repaid over a specific period of time by making payments on both the principal and interest. A line of credit (also known as an operating loan) requires the loan-holder to repay only the interest on the outstanding loan balance each month. A line of credit is limited to a maximum of 25% of the total approved amount.
Get inspired.
How will you use your small business or startup loan? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Working capital
- New production and services
- Business expenses
- New tools or equipment
- Leased office space
- Research and development that leads to commercialization
- Pre-commercial and commercial product development
- Market development
Whatever your vision, we’re here to help you bring it to life.
How to apply for a startup loan.
We want your business to be successful and have a positive impact on our community. If this loan sounds right for you, we’ll work with you to understand your business potential and explore financial solutions to meet your needs.
Check your eligibility.
This loan is designed for small businesses in their start-up and growth stages. We prioritize those who aim to have a positive impact on the community.
Build a business plan.
In order to apply for funding, you need to have a business plan. Looking for guidance? Work with one of our community partners to develop a business plan and cashflow projections.
Meet with us.
Once you have your business plan ready and complete with cashflow projections. Meet with us to discuss financing options.
Eligibility.
- You plan to operate the business in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley Regional District, Greater Victoria, or the Sea-to-Sky Corridor.
- You or another individual agree to sign a personal guarantee. Your guarantor must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
- You meet one of the following criteria:
- At least one business owner is enrolled in or recently graduated from a self-employment or pre-entrepreneurial training program.
- Your business plan and projections have been reviewed by BDC, Futurpreneur or WeBC.
- Your business is not within the following categories:
- Tobacco, gambling, bars, pubs nightclubs, adult entertainment, marijuana, legions, bingo halls
- Pawn shops & short-term lenders
- Gas stations & convenience stores
- Fossil fuel, nuclear power, extractive industries
- Other categories may apply
- You must provide a written business plan with cashflow projections and financial statements (if applicable).
Before meeting with one of our account managers, review this checklist and gather all required documents to ensure your microloan application is complete and ready for submission.
Find a business account manager
Browse by location, language, and other details— and pick your preferred account manager.
Schedule a call
Let us do the introductions. Choose a time that works for you, and a team member will call you to answer your questions.
Prep your business plan with our partners.
Vancity is working with Futurpreneur, WeBC and BDC to empower entrepreneurs to bring their visions to life. Each group offers unique tools, resources, consultants, and expertise that small business owners can tap into. Most importantly, they can help you turn your idea into a robust business plan, including cashflow projections, to get you ready for funding applications.
For ages 18-39
Futurpreneur is the only national non-profit organization that provides young aspiring entrepreneurs across Canada with the loan financing, mentorship and resources they need to start or buy a business.
Contact Futurpreneur: 604-598-2923
For female entrepreneurs
WeBC is a not-for-profit supporting women entrepreneurs in BC for nearly three decades and has a unique understanding of the approaches to business and financing that work for women business owners.
Contact WeBC: hello@we-bc.ca
For small & mid sized
BDC focuses on small, medium sized, and startup businesses often underserved by traditional banks. BDC offers financing and consulting services.
Contact BDC: 1-877-232-2269
Tools to build your business.
† The annual percentage rate (APR) is compounded monthly, not in advance, APR assumes no fees or charges apply. If additional fees and/or charges apply, the total Cost of Credit and APR would increase. This product, its features and advertised interest rates may change at any time and may be withdrawn by Vancity at any time for any reason without prior notice to the member.
± The Vancity Prime rate represents a variable rate of interest announced by Vancity from time to time as its Prime Lending Rate. Rate subject to change without notice.