Small and medium-sized businesses in Northumberland impacted by ongoing tariff and trade pressures can once again apply for financing through the CANtrade lending initiative.
Cobourg-based Nventure has relaunched the program alongside Trenval, Renfrew County CFDC, Community Futures Peterborough and North & Central Hastings & South Algonquin CFDC.
The initiative is aimed at helping rural businesses make strategic investments as they navigate changing cross-border trade conditions and broader economic uncertainty.
Qualifying businesses operating in Northumberland can access financing ranging from $5,000 to $150,000. Loans offer interest rates ranging from prime to prime plus two per cent, repayment terms of up to 60 months and interest-only payments for the first six months. There are also no pre-payment penalties.
According to Nventure CEO Wendy Curtis, CANtrade is intended to help businesses invest in productivity, competitiveness and long-term resilience.
Funding can support a range of priorities, including increasing production capacity, strengthening supply chains, improving operational efficiency and investing in technology and talent. Businesses can also use financing to expand into new Canadian or international markets and diversify revenue streams.
The CANtrade initiative is delivered through the federal Community Futures Program and supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Nventure says the program is intended for viable, established businesses that are ready to make strategic investments in their future.
Industrial, export-oriented and other tariff-impacted small and medium-sized businesses are encouraged to contact their local Community Futures Development Corporation for more information.
Applications for CANtrade financing are open until January 31, 2027. Northumberland businesses can apply through Nventure.
