Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation (RCCFDC) has relaunched CANtrade™, a loan fund with reduced lending rates built for businesses responding to changing market and trade conditions. The fund offers flexible financing to help local businesses strengthen competitiveness and position themselves for long-term growth.
A Response to Trade Uncertainty
CANtrade™ is a loan fund made available through the Community Futures Program. It was first launched in 2025 by NVenture in Northumberland County. RCCFDC joined several CFDC offices in offering CANtrade™ last year, helping four local businesses address challenges and pursue new opportunities amid ongoing trade uncertainty.
“Local businesses are navigating a rapidly changing economic environment, and access to affordable, flexible financing can make all the difference,” said Cyndy Phillips, Executive Director of Renfrew County Community Futures. “CANtrade™ is designed to help businesses respond to new challenges, pursue growth opportunities, and invest with confidence in their future.”
Loan Terms at a Glance
- Loans from $5,000 to $150,000
- Interest rates from prime to prime +2%
- Repayment terms up to 60 months
- Interest-only payments for the first 6 months
- No prepayment penalties
CANtrade™ Eligible Uses
CANtrade™ is built for businesses making moves in a shifting market. That includes:
- Diversifying supply chains
- Expanding into new markets
- Increasing inter-provincial sales
- Growing exports of locally made products
How CANtrade™ Fits the Broader Federal Response
The relaunch aligns with federal efforts to help Canadian businesses respond to changing trade conditions and economic uncertainty. Alongside initiatives such as the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), delivered by Canada’s Regional Development Agencies including FedDev Ontario, CANtrade™ gives local businesses access to complementary financing and support designed to strengthen competitiveness, encourage market diversification, and support long-term growth.
“Our local businesses are resourceful and resilient, and this fund provides another tool to help them adapt, grow, and succeed,” said Wendy Stone, Board Chair of Renfrew County Community Futures. “We’re pleased to bring CANtrade™ back to Renfrew County and continue supporting the entrepreneurs and businesses that drive our local economy.”
Get Started
If you’re planning your next move, we’re ready to support you. Start the conversation:
CANtrade™ is delivered through the national Community Futures Program, funded by the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario.
The CANtrade™ mark is used under license from Nventure.